New boat in for service, how long is a reasonable wait?

[Tomp]

I also posted under general so sorry for beating to death.

My 2014 Z3 has an issue with the motor stalling and idleing badly, it has 20 hours on it and 2 months old.

Is it expected that a new boat with issues would take a priority to the regular service jobs, told the back log is two weeks and they will try to fit me in.

Who would be going crazy to not have thier new boat for the holiday weekend?

Summer finally started here in Michignan and it will be gone in no time.

it has the indmar 350

[Ewok]

That is one of the toughest questions to answer. Does a brand new boat owner get priority over a 5 year old boat? A 10 year old boat? So, theoretically, someone who bought their boat brand new, 10 years ago, is a loyal customer, and had it serviced regularly from the same dealer is going to be bumped for the new guy? Is the new boat owner a loyal customer who just upgraded? Is there a fair way to assign priority based on the years of loyalty of the customer or the model year of the boat? Probably not, which is why most boat dealers have a first come, first served policy, but each one is different. Everyone wants their baby on the water for the holiday weekends but in IMO, it seems the first come, first served policy is the most fair. I'm sure all dealers will be swamped before the weekend but if there is another Indmar dealer nearby that can trouble shoot that O2 sensor that seems to get pinched by the engine latch cover they may get you in and out quickly. Or you might try to get a new sensor from the dealers parts department and try to swap it out yourself. Loosing time on the water sucks but sometimes it is what it is.

[WakerideN]

That is one of the toughest questions to answer. Does a brand new boat owner get priority over a 5 year old boat? A 10 year old boat? So, theoretically, someone who bought their boat brand new, 10 years ago, is a loyal customer, and had it serviced regularly from the same dealer is going to be bumped for the new guy? Is the new boat owner a loyal customer who just upgraded? Is there a fair way to assign priority based on the years of loyalty of the customer or the model year of the boat? Probably not, which is why most boat dealers have a first come, first served policy, but each one is different. Everyone wants their baby on the water for the holiday weekends but in IMO, it seems the first come, first served policy is the most fair. I'm sure all dealers will be swamped before the weekend but if there is another Indmar dealer nearby that can trouble shoot that O2 sensor that seems to get pinched by the engine latch cover they may get you in and out quickly. Or you might try to get a new sensor from the dealers parts department and try to swap it out yourself. Loosing time on the water sucks but sometimes it is what it is.

I think the issue is not about just bumping or time. Its frustration with this. You buy a brand new boat for a reason. so you dont have this going on.
I mean u buy a used boat and that is a roll of the dice in my mind. but when you Buy a brand new boat and your in this pickle. Your pissed off. So yeah maybe it does take priority if you ask me. just my worth!

[JohnZ3]

2 weeks is Bull S**t for service IMO. I wish we could take our warranty work anywhere we choose if the dealer cannot perform the service in 5 days or less.

[whiteflash watersports]

I would be going crazy. If it was in for regular service then get in line and two weeks still seems like forever. I must be lucky and have dealer that turns these things around quick. Fro a new boat and it is issues they should jumpr right on that's just my opinion.

[IDBoating]

My first reaction, without a lot of thought:

There's no way to sort out the "who is the more important customer" question, so First Come, First Served is the only workable solution for shop scheduling.

BUT, I would make provision for "accelerated service" as follows: If a tech is willing to work overtime on the project, the customer can be offered the option of paying an increased hourly amount to cover the tech's overtime rate. In this way we have a willing seller (the tech selling his time) and a willing buyer (the customer willing to spend more for faster service). If time is more important, spend the money. If money is more important, wait longer. No one is forced to do anything, but the options are there.

Then, for new boats and warranty work, the dealer could cover the overtime fee, possibly charging it back to the boat manufacturer depending on their relationship. In other words, new/warranty gets acceleration for free.

Not a perfect solution, but at least it gives people easily understood options and leaves the choice in their hands.

[trent]

Something that worked for me when I had issues with my transmission was calling PCM directly via their concierge number. I don't know if Indmar has the same service, but I would give them a call.

[bnixon]

I feel your frustration with spending this much for a boat and having problems so quickly.

Warning stepping up onto soap box for a minute

I am also continually amazed at how we think about "new". Be it homes, cars or boats. It is not logical to for us to think that any brand new item...especially custom built items will be without issues. Most of the issues will actually happen in the first year. This is simply because these items have never been used before and are built, at least in most, by humans. I have also found that a slightly used item will have most of the initial issues resolved.

I think as a society we should do a better job of setting our expectations on "new".

Ok stepping off soap box now

All the dealers in my area have a 2 week line right now also. It really sucks when it is an unplanned issue that shuts you down rather than just maintenance or upgrades. Sorry to hear about the problems and hope they get resolved quickly.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Z3CO23]

I think the issue is not about just bumping or time. Its frustration with this. You buy a brand new boat for a reason. so you dont have this going on.
I mean u buy a used boat and that is a roll of the dice in my mind. but when you Buy a brand new boat and your in this pickle. Your pissed off. So yeah maybe it does take priority if you ask me. just my worth!

Absolutely agree. Brand new boat.... engine issues 20 hours in! That boat gets priority! If it was something like a vinyl issue or something minor that wont hurt to wait until the service department slows then by all means the wait time is understandable.

[Timmy!]

Something that worked for me when I had issues with my transmission was calling PCM directly via their concierge number. I don't know if Indmar has the same service, but I would give them a call.

Something that has worked with me in other industries is...BEER! You'd be amazed at what dropping off a cold case of beer at 530pm will get you!

[Timmy!]

In all seriousness, what kind of status updates have they given you on the boat? Have they identified an issue, are they working on a resolution or is it truly on the backburner for the moment?

[IDBoating]

Something that has worked with me in other industries is...BEER! You'd be amazed at what dropping off a cold case of beer at 530pm will get you!

Agreed! We did the same thing when our house was being built. Every day at lunch I dropped by with pizza, sandwiches, soft drinks (didn't really want them working on my house drunk), cookies, muffins, etc. After a while one sub's employee told me that every morning the guys would argue over who got assigned to our house that day. Might have spent a few hundred dollars on food and drink but it was the best investment ever. Change orders and revisions were NEVER a problem, guys did anything we asked with a smile. They were happy and so were we!

EDIT: Worked on inspectors, too. I made sure there were always some goodies around when an inspection was scheduled.

[Tomp]

Dropped it off Friday and have not been called back.
I have left messages.

It was scheduled to be brought this Thursday for the 20 hour maintenance, I will become persistent tomorrow.

A loaner would be nice, even a poontoon

[Av8tor]

Hopefully they'll take care of it during the 20 hour service and have it back to you Thurs night or Friday. Just in time for the weekend.

[boardman74]

A week to 2 weeks in pretty common now that we are in prime boating season. Going to be that way just about anywhere you go. this time of year.