23LSV Soo frustrated
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This is my first post on here, hate to come on here and complain, but looking for ideas on what to do.
So I've got a 2013 wakesetter LSV that was bought brand new. This thing has been nothing but a headache over the last three years. It's been down for at least a month and a half every year. Being from WI, I only get about 4 months of riding a year. So here is what has been wrong with it. The first year we had it, I guess the wrong software was put in it. Boat wouldn't even run. Next the wedge rams both went bad, just said wedge fault all the time and couldn't adjust the wedge. After that the starter went out on it in the middle of the lake and had to paddle back to shore about 3/4 of a mile. The second year, there was something that went wrong with the wiring and once again the boat was dead in the water. Wedge fault code was still there. Couldn't use the wedge. Now this year, wedge still isn't working. Boat started idling really rough and couldn't go over 4 mph. Took it to a new dealer (dealer we bought it from has done nothing but f**k me around. The ECM was fried, all O2 sensors were bad, NOx sensors were bad, all spark plugs were bad. Cracked manifold and the catalytic converter was shot. So the boat has been at the dealer for the past three weeks, waiting on parts. Got a call today that Malibu sent the wrong part. Now have to wait until late next week for the new part, and then they will install everything and hope that in two weeks I'll be back on the water. :banghead: So disappointed with Malibu's customer service! Called them directly a couple times because dealers wouldn't do anything for me, and they didn't do anything for me either. No apology or anything. You'd think if you spend 130k on a boat that they would at least make you feel like your worth a damn. Sorry for the lengthy post. Just need to get this off my chest. When the boat does actually work correctly we have a blast with it. But unfortunately it's been down and not running more than it has been running correctly. Sucks to have one of the nicest boats on the water and have it breaking down all the time. And here is the thing that's giving me so many headaches Attachment 39640 |
That sucks.... mostly all of it.
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....side note, where in Wisconsin are you from? I live in a little town called Rome; just South of Wisconsin Rapids |
I love this boat, but hate it lol
I'm from Plainfield, only like 15 miles from you lol bought the boat from Badger Marine in Nekoosa. Don't buy from there. I usually go out to Camelot, but been going to Long Lake in Saxeville |
Sorry to hear about your experience. Terrible that Malibu hasn't stepped up.
Sidenote - We hit up Long Lake in Saxeville quite a bit. Unfortunately, it sounds like you don't get out much with all the issues the LSV is giving you. Hopefully we see you out there soon. |
What do you have for a boat? I'll keep an eye out for you . Nobody likes us out on Long Lake (hope you're not one of them) We've had the cops called on us 6 times out there so far. Mostly for having music too loud (on Saturday afternoon) and going to fast with too big of a wake while wakeboarding
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That's funny! I don't recall seeing you out there. I had a Chaparral earlier this season, but picked up a black/blue Moomba Craz about a month ago. We usually go out on Sundays since it's less busy. Almost impossible to wakeboard out there with all the tubes on Saturdays (we've found). I don't recall seeing you out there.
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Good deal. Usually go out Friday nights and both days on weekends (when I have a boat lol) people are starting to lie to the cops now to try and get us kicked off the lake lol makes me wanna go out there more
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Why is this not under warranty? I've not purchased a new boat since 2009 but I can't believe a 2 year old boat with motor problems is not under warranty. I thought Malibu had a 3 year warranty and I believe Malibu uses Indmar motors which have either a 3 or 5 year warranty. This means you should be covered. I can't understand why a failed power wedge is also not covered under warranty. If it is GM based motor, it has a 3 year warranty. If it is a Ford raptor motor, it has a 5 year warranty: http://www.indmar.com/mobile/service/warranty.aspx
Maybe I read it wrong but when you say Malibu and the dealer will not do anything for you, I assume you would like Malibu to cover the repair. Again, it appears all of this should be covered under warranty. |
Most of it has been under warranty. Just found this out. The dealer that was doing the work, wasn't replacing anything but just trying to cover up all the problems pretty much, all the while billing us. He was always saying that all the problems weren't defective parts. That's another reason I'm not happy, but the biggest issue I have is all the downtime. Bought a $130k boat to ride, not to have sit in a shop all the damn time
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The downtime has got to be frustrating. It sounds to me like you have a dealer problem. They should not be billing you for warranty problems - especially since it appears they are not fixing them. I'm betting you would have a lot less downtime if you had a better dealer. When I hear stories like this, I'm certain you are not the only one having issues with this dealer. Is the new dealer better? If not, I'd call Malibu again and ask them for a reliable dealer. Just across the border in Volo is Munson Marine. I have no idea if they are any good but they have been a Malibu dealer forever.
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You spent 130k on a 2013 LSV?? In my exp malibu steps up huge on these issues. I had a 2014 LSV that had tons of issues all summer long then the engine blew in lake powell. Malibu stepped up huge and helped us set things right. This summer has been great
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It's at a new dealer now and will be going to them from here on out. Sucks they are 2 hours from me rather than 15min. Munson is about 3 hours from me.
And ya 130k was the total with all the options we added along with trailer and all that good stuff. Malibu has done pretty much nothing for me, but tell me go find another dealer. Next go round, sad to say, but I think I'm going to have to migrate to a new brand. There is a Supra dealer about 35min from me and has been asking for my business for a couple years now. |
Did Texas auto move up to Wisconsin or is it possible that every brand has some shady dealers?
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Sorry to hear about your problems. Our summer is to short to have the boat down for even a week.
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I have a house on Lake Sherwood....so thats the only lake I'm ever on. If you're ever over that way let me know! |
I don't see how you could possibly spend 130k on a 2013 without getting the LSA which you obviously don't have if you have cats. At least tell us you have the LS3?
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Ya we have the LS3 motor, just to be clear we didn't buy it used. We special ordered it in the fall of 2012. Boat prices are kind of ridiculous around me, from what I can tell at least
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I hate hearing these type of horror stories for people who buy brand new boats. Sounds exactly like my story many years ago when i purchased a brand new boat with an Indmar. Until I got a lawyer involved & a local news station, did I get things resolved. Because of that, I will never own that boat brand & engine brand ever again.
Good luck to you & keep us posted on your resolution. |
The fact that your dealer doesn't want to help you and the fact that everyone that sees you on the lake also just wants you to go away makes me wonder if there is another side to the story.
That doesn't mean you haven't had some bad luck with your boat, but if so many people I run across didn't like me, at some point I would have to wonder if it was me. I am sure you are mad as a hornet, and you deserve to be, but I suspect that there is a reason your conversations have not gotten you the help you should be getting. |
That's a bad ass looking boat man!! Sorry to hear of your troubles tho!
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sorry to hear of your troubles. Your story makes me appreciate our local dealer. They win service awards every year. bring it down to Texas and get it done right
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I had an issue with my '15 23LSV (it came slightly different to what I ordered) and both Malibu and my dealer couldn't have been more helpful.
I even had the head of Malibu's customer services call me to check all was fixed, My experience is pretty good I'd say (and after 50 hours, nothing has gone wrong since). |
Get you a Supra.
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Maybe the other lake you run on is more accommodating to wake boarders and surfers. Maybe just tone down your act on the lake that hates you. |
Terrible situation, not something you should have to go through buying a new boat. Yes there are always issues with new boats, but this sounds like more than usual. This is also why when people ask what brand to buy, my first response is you should factor local dealers into that decision.
I find it a bit humorous no one has called out Malibu. Epic didn't want to help a customer asap, and they got destroyed in a thread. Malibu is zero help for a customer that had a dealership hose them, and not a word. Very interesting... |
Don't tone down your act. Miserable people find reasons to stay miserable. Have fun, blast your music. If they want peace and quiet they should stay home and read a book. Sorry about the boat.
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Thanks for all the support guys. Hoping these issues will be all I have for the rest of the year and I can get back to riding. I'm the only person with a boat so this is all I have to ride.
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I just want to know how you can afford 130k boat at 24 years old. I'm 28 and an accountant and cant even fathom that.
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Wouldn't be able to on my salary but my grandfather left me a good chunk when he passed away
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Tried calling Malibu and talked with several people. Nothing was done.
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Is Malibu looking the other way with a bad dealer because they are pushing such a huge profit margin in this part of Wisconsin? Greed will kill your brand.
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wow that sucks, fyi the wedge is a defect in the ram and will never work. they also freeze in the winter and blow out the electric internals. i had a motor failure on my brand new bu in 05 and they replaced the entire motor in 2 weeks no questions asked. i had great customer service from them. i don't have BU's anymore but deal with the same dealer and know that my neighbors rams have gone out 2 times this year and called my guys from back home and they agree that its a major problem,. hope you get a resolution
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Ouch ouch ouch! Wow sorry to hear your having such a headache with the new boat! For as much money as those
clowns made off u I would think they would be coming to your house to fix that darn thing! Seriously they hosed you on the price. This is exactly why there shouldn't be dealer protected areas. This guy paid a freaking premium for this boat and this dealer isn't doing squat! And to those spouting off about epic, this isn't exactly the case. This boat did run when delivered. This dealer did appear to try and fix but is apparently incompetent. And I tell u what if someone suddenly leaves me a large chunk of money I'm still haggling like a mad man over a new G! Haha |
I called Malibu with an issue I had on my 2014 LSV. Malibu customer service was very helpful. Sorry to hear about your bad experience. Might want to try the old saying "you catch more flies with sugar than vinegar". I don't know how your conversation started with Malibu or the dealer but you may want to consider trying to call back and be polite.
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23LSV Soo frustrated
Sorry to hear about your troubles, hope the boat is back on the water soon. Our products are sold in many Malibu dealerships so I interact with store owners and their staff regularly. I've heard very good things regarding Malibu warranty policies vs other brands. In fact during the recession many dealers went so far as to seek out warranty work when business was slow since Malibu pays out claims so quickly. I would try to get in touch with the area rep and get them involved.
Zack@boatbling.net |
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23LSV Soo frustrated
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Perhaps I should have clarified. "Seek out warranty work" as proactive inspection of boats in for service to ensure customer satisfaction during and beyond the warranty period. This benefits the customer and helps maintain brand loyalty. zack@boatbling.net |
[QUOTE=Nordicron;1919972 And to those spouting off about epic, this isn't exactly the case. This boat did run when delivered. This dealer did appear to try and fix but is apparently incompetent.[/QUOTE]
Well, in the original post, it does say: Quote:
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They sound just as bad as TAL and they're right down the block from him.
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A buddy of mine had multiple problems with a Centurion a few years ago (I know, not same brand) but he had to threaten them with legal action (the dealer) and hire a attorney. Once they found out he was taking this route, the dealer took back his boat and gave him a brand new year and model of the same type. maybe you need to pursue that road. That is way too much stuff going wrong with that boat. I personally would not want it anymore......
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I've thought about going a different route with getting a new boat, but this one has some sentimental value to me, as it was purchased with money my grandfather left. Kind of a remembrance of him. I will have to say the new dealer seems to be taking care of me now. Despite the fact of waiting on parts and getting the wrong parts, but that's not their fault.
Hearing the stories about the first dealer that we bought the boat from makes me regret ever buying the thing from him. Oh well, live and learn I guess. Hoping to be back on the water next weekend! |
Definitely sounds like a really bad dealer.
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Alright we had a call this morning from Ron from Malibu boats. He was very helpful with everything and is going to get all the issues resolved. Says I will be back on the water next weekend. It was actually my dad that took the call, but they talked about everything that happened with the boat and all the other circumstances that have occurred. The dealer that we bought the boat from will be contacted and set straight. Sounds like everything is being taken care of now and hopefully problem free moving forward
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He didn't defend the dealer and say he had been trying to reach you?
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makes you wonder if Malibu reps are cruising the forums and contacting people doesn't it with this all powerful world wide web its too easy to get too much negative press and ifjust one person heard this story and bought something else then its a big loss these boats are stupid expensive .. Glad to hear your issues are getting resolved
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23LSV Soo frustrated
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They are certainly stupid expensive when u buy from the dealer the OP did!!!! But yeah I'm sure Bu guys cruse these forums. They prob have Tapatalk and can't get on themalibucrew anymore! Haha! posts like this aren't good for anyone including Mr overpriced(Badger Marine) under deliver dealer. Hope Badger Marine loses some future sales too! It is nice to hear BU is stepping up right from the factory. I know there are several guys on these forums that have left Bu due to what they perceived as poor manufacture support with prior boats. |
Wow I'm test driving a 23 Lsv tomorrow. After reading this I'm probably not buying it.
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Unless it's from the same dealer as OP I wouldn't sweat it. Rare occurrence |
Stuff happens...sometimes all at once like this..
I have a New MC X30...but I know Malibu to be a reliable Brand, Good dealer network is Key, and they have that. The company is also big enough to handle your Problems without skipping a beat. Hopefully you'll be back out on the Water Soon as promise.... I don't think you will have an EPIC Nightmare.. |
Things seem to be going good so far with the boat. We're back on track with parts. Should be here tomorrow. The way it was sounding is that the dealer I bought it from is going to have a heart to heart with Malibu to see if they still want to sell their boats. It's been stupid cold here the last few days so I might be breaking out the wet suit to get to riding again lol Only 60 degrees right now and windy.
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Seriously, wtf is going on!!!! The lake temp's dropped like 12* over last week, probably another 5*+ because of this week. This state is the worst. |
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Not to mention it's been windy as all get out!!!! Sucks! |
Ya it's going to be real nice. Get the boat back and have to put it away for winter lol
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Cool water is the best. Lake opens back up. Late July and August are the worst, to much traffic.
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^that is true, but the lakes I go to are mainly old people that just ride around on pontoons
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So, what I'm reading is that you have a crappy dealer that isn't helping you
Bad dealers happen with all brands. Don't blame the manufacturer...unless you have contacted them directly and they said go pound sand. |
That's it. After reading your post, I'm not considering BU anymore. I'm on the market for my first Wakesurf boat and was considering MC, SAN or BU. Now, I switch BU for Supra... Thanks for sharing and I hope you will have a resolution of all your problems and bad service with a toy that should inspire joyful moments not nightmares :rolleyes:
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you would be crazy not to buy a BU if you liked the boats. they make great boats, have great service and back there product. just like cars in this price range, or any other product, things happen, but they stand behind it. the dealer has a lot to do with it. you could by a supra or mc or another boat and have similar issues.
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read about 10 to 15 posts up. Tomio said Ron from Malibu called and will have everything sorted out and get Tomio and his family back on the water in a week. Sounds like they are also going to discipline the bad dealer too. I'd say they took care of things. BTW, on another note, I had an issue with my Supra (which I wont go into detail about) but Supra stepped up in a big way and took care of it so I would not hesitate to recommend Supra. Sounds like BU is stepping up and taking care of things here too.
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Buy an MB. They are the best boat in the world. Malibu offers terrible service... MB ALL THE WAY!
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Got a call from Shipyard yesterday and all parts were arrived yesterday and should have the boat running by today. Then off to the water to get a diagnoses of any other problems that need to be addressed |
Well got a call this morning and we have another cracked manifold. So I'll be waiting for another part to come in. Might just have to put the thing away for the winter. I'll be out of town for a week in September and after that it's probably going to be pretty cold out :(
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that sucks man.
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I give up on this damn thing lol so pissed
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I would look into what the Lemon Law is in your state and if possible get an attorney...
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How did you end up with multiple cracked manifolds? Who winterized this thing?
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Yeah, this is crazy. The motor problems would be attributable to the engine manufacturer though, and not to Malibu, soooo.....
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Ya were dealing with Indmar now, separate from Malibu. The dealer mentioned in earlier posts is the one who winterized the boat. So it probably didn't get done correctly.
Lemon law is only within the first 12 months of ownership in Wisconsin, I believe. Considering trading it in now, missing out on half my summer each year is getting old. |
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Wow! If u trade your gonna get hosed super bad!!!! Dealer will likely offer u $60s on trade! They should be able to get u a new manifold in early next week. It's not that hard a job to swap out. |
Why are you having to deal with Indmar separately. Malibu should be dealing with them, not you.
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Shipyard marine is dealing directly with Indmar because they have nothing to do with Malibu. I'm just wondering what caused both of them to go bad?! |
Well got more bad news today. It's still going to be 1-2 weeks before they even make the new manifold. Then it has to be shipped after that. This f***ing sucks. Been down for over a month and looks to be another 3 weeks probably without a boat. Pretty much this year is over for me. Hopefully next year is going to be better. :(
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