Cracked Gel Coat

[1492]

I bought my Ribeye 2.90 Tender in June last year and used it for about 6 Months.

I noticed cracks in the gel coat around the area where the strengthening rib meets the side of the deck.

I contacted the dealer and they informed the supplier who came and inspected the damage. The suppliers told me it was nothing serious and would be repaired by them in 2 weeks under warranty!

My questions are:

1. Should I take their advice and have the cracks repaired or demand to have the boat replaced under warranty?

2. If I had it repaired would the damage return because of further stress in the hull, which would mean I would never be able to sell the boat if I wanted a larger one?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated ASAP!!!!!

[DJL]

I had a similar dilemma with my Tornado a few months ago, although my boat was nearer 12months old. The manufacturer said that it wasn’t serious and would repair under warranty, I let them repair it and so far everything has been fine. They even brought it to the Southampton boat show so I wouldn’t have to drive to Barnet to pick it up.

I would give them the chance to make good the cracks, they should know their boats and if they say its not serious then I would trust them. However, I would insist on them extending the warranty, at least for the repairs, this will give you a backup if the problem returns in the future.

It would be extremely difficult to demand a new boat after 6 months use.

Good luck.

[1492]

Thanks for the advice DJL!

I spoke to the dealer today and he said "trying to get the guy who deals with warranty work is a bit of a nightmare as he is mainly based in South Africa".

He said he would chase it up next week.

I agree that trying to get a new boat is a bit optimistic, but I just do not want to be without my trusty rib when the weather gets warm etc.

Anyway I will keep you updated on how it all pans out mate!

Garry Green

[Pete7]

warranty work is a bit of a nightmare as he is mainly based in South Africa".

What a load of old tosh asuming you bought it new in the UK quote the sale of goods act at him "goods must be suitable......"

and if that doesn't work then the small claims court for an outlay of £30, loads of site on the internet to tell you how to start it off and frighten them.

Pete

[1492]

Thanks Pete

I guess some of us are drivers and others passengers.

DJL was just giving his advice and I did not post this message to start a war, just to get my rib sorted!

I know what you are saying is dead right and I am really not interested in having it repaired at all!

I will give the dealer a few days then I had better start seeing some action or there will be trouble ahead.

The internet is a powerful tool when it comes to informing prospective buyers of anything about the problems with certain manfacturers etc,

Thanks for the advice mate!!

Regards

Garry

[paul tilley]

if the dealer is messing you about speak to the boss man Charles Chivers 01803 832060 is their office number , i think he is away at the moment for a few days , kids half term .Charles is quite a straight guy

[Manos]

Originally posted by Pete7
What a load of old tosh asuming you bought it new in the UK quote the sale of goods act at him "goods must be suitable......"

AGREE with Pete.

Yep they should do what the warranty says. You bought the boat from them in the UK, they have to repair it or do whatever is necessary as per warranty(if it says so), (also look @ Sales of Goods Act as per Pete). What their arrangement is with SAfrica or Namimbia or Zimbabue is their problem not yours

[chrisallse]

The Law is very clear...The buck stops with the retailer, it is the retailer that has sold you the boatand the retailer is Responsible in ensuring that it is 'Fit for purpose'

Should a boat have structural cracking after six months? obviously not. Is it reasonable to accept repair of your boat? That must depend on the extent, severity etc and it may be worth getting or asking for an independent opinion.
should the work be completed within a reasonable period? of course and if its not demand a replacement anyway the law provides for that.
it should be noted that if you agree for them to repair it you may lose some ability to later demand a replacement.

All in MHO...good luck

[DJL]

Don't burn your bridges to early! Don't get me wrong I’m not saying let them walk all over you. You need to be firm but don't start throwing legal threats at them yet, at least until you know they are really trying to screw you or you will make the situation much more uncomfortable for yourself.

I took legal advice when I discovered the problem with my boat just so I knew where I stood. Have a look at your insurance there maybe a legal advice line.

You need to give them the chance to make good the problem and yes it has to be done within a reasonable time period, but something like a month isn't going to be demeaned unreasonable. You just need to push for the 2 weeks repair time they initially promised.

Info on the Sale of Goods act can be found here

[Rogue Wave]

I don't know how many Ribeye dealers are around here but did you buy this from Ocean Quay Ribs by any chance!

[1492]

Message for DJL

Yes i know what you are saying and I am not going in with all guns blazing just yet!

Got a response from Ribeye today and they are contacting me monday.

Thanks for your help.

Regards

Garry

[1492]

Message for Rogue Wave.....


No

[1492]

I did not buy it from Ocean Quay.

Kevin Mole Outboards, Cowes, Isle of Wight.

Thanks to all for the advice - Ribeye are going to contact me on Monday!

(Thought)

"I think my Ribeye is a fantastic craft, just wish the dealers, manufacturers would get their act together in time for the coming season"!!!!

Regards

Garry