[hemi2nv]

I bought a new SX18 today and when I left the dealer and hit the lake the boat rode terrible. I have been riding with my brother in his Cobalt 262 and I think I had expectations that an 18" boat just can not meet. I did not get to test ride the boat before buying so I did not know what to expect. The lake was mildly choppy but not white capping or anything. I don't know what to do, I called the dealer as soon as we left the lake and told him I was not happy after owning the boat for 4 hours. I told him I wanted to return the boat and would even pay a "restocking" fee but he said he would have to get back to me. What sould I do or what can I do? Any sugestions would be great. Thanks!

[bdbyrnes]

Originally Posted by hemi2nv

I bought a new SX18 today and when I left the dealer and hit the lake the boat rode terrible. I have been riding with my brother in his Cobalt 262 and I think I had expectations that an 18" boat just can not meet. I did not get to test ride the boat before buying so I did not know what to expect. The lake was mildly choppy but not white capping or anything. I don't know what to do, I called the dealer as soon as we left the lake and told him I was not happy after owning the boat for 4 hours. I told him I wanted to return the boat and would even pay a "restocking" fee but he said he would have to get back to me. What sould I do or what can I do? Any sugestions would be great. Thanks!

Why would you buy a boat without driving it?

Doesn't sound very smart.... Good luck 'restocking' it.

[SEMIJim]

Originally Posted by hemi2nv

I bought a new SX18 today and when I left the dealer and hit the lake the boat rode terrible. I have been riding with my brother in his Cobalt 262 and I think I had expectations that an 18" boat just can not meet.

Yeah, an 18' boat is not going to ride the same as a 26' boat. Sorry, but whatever in the world made you think it would?

Originally Posted by hemi2nv

I did not get to test ride the boat before buying so I did not know what to expect.

I absolutely am at a loss for words.

Originally Posted by hemi2nv

The lake was mildly choppy but not white capping or anything.

I was just out on a very big lake, today. Waves were 1-2', more from other power-boat wake. Cruising along at 3000 RPM, trimmed all the way down, the ride was not bad, even with spray occasionally flying over the bow and getting my face wet. (I'm tall. I generally look over the windshield.) Ours is a '94 182 Barchetta, which is also an 18' boat.

I'm very pleased with the way our 18' Mariah rides and handles in chop and small waves. But, then again: I didn't expect her to handle like a 26' boat, either.

Originally Posted by hemi2nv

I don't know what to do, I called the dealer as soon as we left the lake and told him I was not happy after owning the boat for 4 hours. I told him I wanted to return the boat and would even pay a "restocking" fee ...

You realize she's now a used boat, right? They could no longer sell that boat as a new boat once the paperwork was done, you accepted delivery, and took her off the lot. I am not a boat dealer, but I would guess that, in order for the dealer not to take a bath on taking your boat back, they're going to want to pay you less than they could sell her for as a used boat.

This is not a TV, stereo, power-tool, what-have-you from a big box, mass merchandizing store we're talking about, here. This is more akin to buying a new car from a dealership or a house from a builder. You can't just say "I'm unhappy, I'd like to return this for a refund."

Originally Posted by hemi2nv

What sould I do or what can I do?

Either learn to love her as she is or be prepared to take a substantial loss for your precipitous behaviour, I would think.

Jim

[buddyboy]

What exactly is the problem with the ride.
I have had fletcher and bayliner boats previously but the SX18 smacks the arse off either of these 2. I find with the SX18 it rides much better over white tips as long as your giving it plenty throttle.

[SEMIJim]

Originally Posted by buddyboy

I find with the SX18 it rides much better over white tips as long as your giving it plenty throttle.

That's the thing I'm finding out. Because we're still breaking-in a re-built engine, I try to make an effort to vary the speed. So during the trip I described above, from about 3000 RPM I ran her up to 3300. I expected the ride to get more rough. Imagine my surprise when it smoothed-out!

Jim

[midwest mariah]

I was a little worried at first, but my worries went away after a few minutes of running. It is a little rougher than I remember with my 24' maxum, but it handles much better, quicker and she looks good doing it give it some time and you will love it

[22empire]

I am right there with the rest of you.. I took the boat out for the first time. It literally pounded the crap out of us.. I thought I had made a big mistake too. I was use to an 18' Deep V boat. I found I had to bring the speed up a bit and trim it out a bit off bottom. As the drive was causing some of the pounding by forcing the hull to break the waves in an unnatural spot.. Now I love the boat, I got use to it and I feel secure with the way it rides. But just so I can say so.. It sure doesn't ride like a 26' or drink fuel like one...

I would give it a go and adjust the trim a little bit. Or go out with the salesmen so he can teach you to drive it. It took me a good 45 minutes to figure it out and I have been boating all my life..