Need Dealer (buying) info, good,bad, & ugly ....

[Harry]

As some of you may know I have my 198 DLV up for sale. I got a deposit last night and hopefully will complete the transaction this Saturday.

Loved the boat for the short time I had it, but I am thinking bigger 238 DLV ??

Not to turn this into a dealer bashing thread (PLEASE) , but I need to know who you all purchased from, satisfaction with transaction, and overall experience.

Service to me is really not important, as I bought my 2007 198 DLV 400 miles away at Ed's and had the service work done locally.
I would return to Ed's in a heartbeat as I did a LOT of looking before I bought the 198.
H is price was hard to beat, & the transaction went smooth.
However it seems now, that more and more dealers are offering upgrades at no additional cost (or slightly higher than Ed's bare bones boat).
Example, One had the the 238 DLV w/same motor 27 gal tank vs the 18. Swim platform, Dual axle aluminum trailer w/surge brakes, and I think XL console, for $2000 more than the bare bones dealer.
To me that's a no brainer, as these are things I would like to have.
I heard that Ed's will not barter on there pre-rig, as far as making changes, if they do it will cost you a steep nut.

I guess It wouldn't hurt to contact them directly which I will be doing. After all I am (potentailly a repeat customer)

Just wanted to hear about your all's experience's, with your purchase. Not a bashing session. 008

Of course I am located in NJ and do have a limit on how far I could travel, So Texas is off the list.... ;D

I would say about NC/SC would be the farthest I could go.

Thanks

[Randell]

Harry I purchased from Stroud and Son In Edenton N.C. These guys give you
the one on one kind of service that is lacking at some of the other dealers.
Their price was fair and I was looking at the service aspect also. They are only
50 miles away. If I was shopping for price only I think Chatlees would be my choice.
I have read lots of good comments on their sales and service on other forums.

Just my 2/100
~Randell
Oh Yea, if the new owner of your boat needs a bimini top I still have one available ;D

[Harry]

Thanks for your input. I will be sending out price and package info requests to all the big players who might be interested in my business.

And not to stray off topic,
the guy did ask me if I had a bimini for the boat.
I plan on telling him about the site and will mention you have one for sale. He is from PA, but said he's keeping and using the boat in OC Maryland.

[o2bfishn]

Harry,


I got my 238DLV at Sam's Boat, great dealer but you have heard me talk about this before. Give him a call.


About the boat, 238DLV- My thoughs;

1. 27 gal. tank is all you'll need. Bob and I put over 14hrs. on the skiff at MHC 2 weeks ago and burned less than 13gals. Larger tanks = longer bettween fill ups = older fuel. Unless you need the fuel (?), stay with the standard 27gal. tank. Save the $ to spend elsewhere.

2. 140 ponys pushes me out at 38-42 mph (gps) thats more than all of us fisherman need, if you want speed don't get a skiff. (I got the Suzuki DF-140 best 4s out there, (but this will start a war of words with other brand owners).

3. Get hyd. steering. I didn't and I'm sorry (will up grade next summer).

4. Yes to the swim platform, its the only way to get back in the boat.

5. XL console the way to go. Lots of room for goodies on the dash and the seating in front of the console seats two. You can mount rod holders on the sides and still have plenty of room to walk around. Also the 27gal. tank can be turned sideways and put up under the front seat, leaving all kinds of room under the console for storage. I had mine console mounted 10" forward from where the factory nominally mounts it. Gives you all kinds of room in the rear and still plenty up front. (CS may mount their consoles more forward now than they did a year ago).

6. Get a after market leaning post if your going to get one, CS is to low.

7. Dual axle Alum. trailer with surge brakes, you need to be able to stop and a tandum axles pull easyer.

8. Get after market side rails if you are going to get them. A 23' boat needs bigger rails than the 1" ones that CS uses.



This is just my .02 cents, but I spent a long time thinking about how to rig my first real boat (years). The only thing I missed was the hyd. steering (bad advice). I can take some pics. of the cc if you want to see it in detail.

Did I mention to call Sam's Boats, small dealer, very personal service, knows how to setup a skiff right and good prices (among to best out there). He (yes Sam, I did said small) will order your boat and set it up any way you want and help when your not sure how to. He doesn't push you to buy, lets the skiffs sell themselves. Great salesman in my mind.


o2bfishn

[Harry]

Thanks,

1) your right 27 gal is all I will need and always filling the 18 gal tank was a PITA.

2) I loved the 90 Suzuki I have and only hope they come back with the 6 year warranty again. I think Yamaha offers a 6 year now, maybe they take turns? A 140 Hp would fit the bill nicely on the 238 IMO.

3) My buddy has this on his 218 DLV. Wonder how much extra that is. What's the issue's with the cable steering?

4) I think it is included in Sam's price.

5) I think the XL console also is included in Sam's price. Plus I definitly need/want more room between the cooler seat and the rear deck, WAY to tight on my 198.

6) Don't want that.

7) Included with Sam's rig, Plus it seems like it's a steal on the total package price tag. I won't be trailering hardly at all however.

8 ) Jury's still out and not on my wish list........ yet.

9) Would like to have a Bimini top .....

Thanks again

[Fillet1]

Harry,

IMO that swim platform is a line snagger (especially b/c the lines on the skiff go out the rear on the drift and at anchor) and if you keep the boat in the slip it will grow all kinds of crap all over it. If your kids are going to ski/tube etc then I guess its ok.


T-top instead of bimini? ($$$ be damned!! ;D) (I dont think you can run much with the bimini up?) Then you get spreader lights, rocket launcher, electronics box and a place for antennas to mount.. Unless you are sneaking under some skinny bridges...

[Shakespeare]

(1) Chatlees sticks a 42 gallon tank in the 218DLV pre-rigged. I can't help but think they do that on the 238. Going offshore frequently It's probably a "must have" else it's overkill IMO.

(2) I wouldn't blink an eye and would put a 140 on there in a heartbeat.

(3) The DF 90/115/140 are essentially the same motor frame and all weigh the same (+/- a couple of lbs). I have cable steering on the DF115 just like your buddy... I steer it and it goes in the direction I point it. Not ever having hydraulic steering I'm not sure what I'm missing. When you get as old as o2b, you'll need hydraulic 005 (sorry pal... I had to get that in there LOL)

All the rest is just personal preference IMO. Decisions - decisions.

[Loki]

I got mine at Sam's and was very happy with the experience. But you know all this!

[o2bfishn]

Shakespeare,

I have started to get use to it now but it still hurts when Bob Jr. wants the old man to come along just becuse "we" can get his AARP discount. 004 I think that comes from his mother side. 001 Damn kid, if he wasn't so big I would kick him in the you know were. :) :D ;D ;D


Harry,


Cable steering with 140 ponys is HARD under acceleration in tight turns. Its not to bad at all on plane. 150 hp. motors come standard with hyd. steer. I think it will run you some were around $800-1000 factory installed.


Fillet1,


If you are ever alone and go over the side most all of us (especially us OLD guys) can not get back in the boat, sides are to high to climb over. You will need that swim platform. I have never had a line snag on the platform. 006


o2bfishn

[Harry]

Stroud & Son e-mailed me back the other day, but I still have some un-answered questions. Awaiting his reply.
Quimby's also e-mailed me today.

Chatlee's called me on the phone today, spoke with a real nice fella named "Nat", he said "like Nat King Cole" Which got a chuckle out of me.. ;D

He was very friendly and sounds like he really wants to do business.
He also told me that Suzuki came back out today with there 6 year warranty plan !!!! 010

Nat,
If you see this, Thanks Again for the call ( I told him about our site )

Still waiting for others to get back to me on pricing,,,etc

[FLboy3]

Harry, I was just on the suzuki website and the extended warranty is for 2.5 to 25 hp and 200 and 300 hp. If you found out something different let us know.

[Harry]

Was told by all the dealers I contacted that they got bulletins from Suzuki and they are starting there 6 year plan on Monday The 10th until the middle of March ;D

I assume on the 140's as this is what I was asking about.

[FLboy3]

Monday the 10th, maybe thats why its not showing on their website now. Will probably show after the 10th. Good luck on your purchase and upgrade. I love my 2480 because of all the room it has and it rides a lot smother than my brothers 1980. The extra length and weight makes a difference. The ex-large console is a good upgrade from the large. I went with the bigger console after seeing my brothers large console. I learned a lot by him buying his boat first. Lots more space for everything. And the hydraulic steering is a nice upgrade also for the bigger boat and motor. Its probably a good time of year to be buying now also. Hope you get a great deal.

Darell

[Harry]

Monday the 10th, maybe thats why its not showing on their website now. Will probably show after the 10th. Good luck on your purchase and upgrade. I love my 2480 because of all the room it has and it rides a lot smother than my brothers 1980. The extra length and weight makes a difference. The ex-large console is a good upgrade from the large. I went with the bigger console after seeing my brothers large console. I learned a lot by him buying his boat first. Lots more space for everything. And the hydraulic steering is a nice upgrade also for the bigger boat and motor. Its probably a good time of year to be buying now also. Hope you get a great deal.

Darell


Thanks,
And does that XL console eat up that much deck space vs the large one? One of the boats I'm looking at has the Deluxe console w/molded in rod holders & is about 6" narrower than the XL, Plus they say it has a storage bin under the front seat cushion.

[Randell]

Harry I have the delux console. If you think you ever might want a T-top installed do not go with this console. The rod holders become useless unless you use 6'6" rods or shorder.
I can only use 4 of the 6 holders now. It is kind of tricky getting them in and out also.
If I were to do it again I would go with the XL console, it has alot more area to mount electronics and accessories.
I can snap some pics of my console if ya want to see what I am
refering to.
~ Randell

[Harry]

That would be great. The more info and photo's I get before I commit, The better.

Doubt I will be putting a T-top on cause there are some low bridges I slip under to save me 40 minutes of running around the long way when I fish to the north.

I like the fact there's storage under the Deluxe seat but I guess you could cut a storage bin in the XL one.

Also don't want to eat up extra floor space, If I can fit my electronics on the smaller Deluxe console. I fit everything I needed on the Large console in the 198.

[lakebiker]

Harry, I got my 198 DLX at Smith Mountain, link below. Very happy with price and service. I've got to mention, I tried all the dealers mentioned above except Q'bys and Smith Mtn. gave me more for less money than all the above mentioned dealers.
Swim platform?? Folding ladder YES.
One very important piece of info., let who ever you're talking too know you ARE talking to other dealers. Seems these guys hate each other and will do anything to get your business away from another dealer.
Good luck in your search.

http://www.smboatandtackle.com/index.html

012

[Harry]

Thanks Randell,
I like the looks of the deluxe console. I don't like the fact that under the seat is just an opening and no bin. ???
Did you put the cup holders in the top of the console or were they there? I can see your gas tank under the seat, is it a 42 or 27?

Also I wonder what the grab rail looks like around the windshield, since you have the T-top I assume you don't get a grab rail?
The grab rail and winshield impaired my vision while seated and running the 198 with large console. It seemed I had to look above the windshield and below the grab rail. I'm 6' and it seemed the windshield needed to be 4" higher and it would have been even with the rail.

Lakebiker,
Thanks for the link. I'll be sure to add them to my shopping list.
I did see there site before on my search, but they didn't list the DLV ??

[Randell]

I have the 27 gal tank. The space in front of the tank is minimal. I thought about moving the tank fwd and
having the filler in the front. After much thought I did not want the extra holes left when I moved the tray
and the pick up for the tank would always be on the up side with the fuel tending to stay in the rear of the tank. This would only be a problem when trying to get home on fumes. I have never run that low on fuel
for that to be a problem.
Hand rail, same here. I always had problems seeing over it.
I put the cup holdere in myself, $1.99 ea at boaters world.
Thats the most functional $4.00 I have ever spent.

[Harry]

Are you saying you had a grab rail and removed it? I don't see it in the photo's

[Familymanof5]

If you can buy an 07 leftover that is by far the cheapest thing you can do. My dads friend recently purchased a new 24' contneder with twin 150 fs yamahas on it with T-top. He paid 87k for it. Yet they had a left over with a single 300 yamaha on it for 56k. Seems like they are really trying to push the left overs right now.

GL

TOM

[Redfish]

OK, I've not laid out the money yet, but I have talked to almost every dealer in the SE and have quotes from quite a few. I will be buying a DLX 2180 within the next month with a 115. I have found out one thing: there is great variation in price on the same boat and same setup, so a man would not do wrong by shopping around. I have purposely kept my options the same so I could compare apples to apples.

Most dealers are offering best prices on a four-stroke Suzuki or Mercury Optimax. Best price so far is Dusky Marine in Dania (near Miami) Fla. I've not heard any feedback on this dealership, but they have been willing to talk to me several times and seem approachable. Only drawback was they had to order the boat with a month wait.

Next best was Chatlee's, also very friendly and was willing to "make it worth my drive" if I wanted to do some final negotiations. Sportcenter in GA was close as was Sam's in Franklenville, NC.

Bottom line is I am willing to drive to save the money. I live in North Fla, and dealers in this area (there are three within 100 miles of me) are $2,500 to $3,000 higher than was quoted at the above-mentioned establishments. Gas is not cheep, but you can buy a lot of it for a grand (or two). I'm within a six to eight hour drive to any of these dealerships, and service is not an issue as I have plenty of "authorized dealerships" in the area. All of the prices I was quoted were for 08 boats and motors.

[o2bfishn]

Redfish,


Sounds like you have done your homework on the boat, but don't forget the trailer. 001 Make, model, Single or tandum, brakes?, alum. or galv., weight rating. 006 Make sure the prices or for the same rigged trailer too. Remenber apples to apples. ;D

o2bfishn 012

[Redfish]

Good suggestion, and yes I have thought about the trailer. All the priced boats are with the "standard galvanized trailer." I asked what the upgrade was to aluminum and tandems. Most were about the same on this, so it's pretty much a wash when you consider the trailer. I will likely upgrade to the aluminum tandem as I trailer my boat everywhere I fish.

[lakebiker]

Harry, I just talked to Scott, the owner of Smith Mtn. They do have DLV's, one in stock now, 08 238 DLV w/150 Honda, 27 Gal, Alum Wesco Tan Trailer, Delux console, rails, hyd steer, bimi and some other upgrade stuff. $26,600. Don't know if that's good or not as I've not priced any others.
012

[Harry]

Harry, I just talked to Scott, the owner of Smith Mtn. They do have DLV's, one in stock now, 08 238 DLV w/150 Honda, 27 Gal, Alum Wesco Tan Trailer, Delux console, rails, hyd steer, bimi and some other upgrade stuff. $26,600. Don't know if that's good or not as I've not priced any others.
012


Yes they sent me a quote after I e-mailed him my wants and needs. He was pretty high compared to two other guys, I'm eyeing.

Thanks

[lakebiker]

Ooops, sorry bout that. They beat the pants off the other "local" NC places when I bought my DLX.
If he's closer to you, let him know what you've already got in quotes and I'd about bet, he'll match or beat it.
Good luck.
012

[coltelijah]

Hate to say this, but I bought my boat, 198 dlx from Chatlee's. Good price but poor rigging job in my opionion. That's just my 2 cents worth.

[koolj]

Just courious - what was the problem with the rigging at Chatlee's - I bought my boat there in 2003 and had a good experience and the rigging was great - I know there are changes as time goes by staff changes and alot of time work loads increase

[Shakespeare]

I'd like to hear about this "poor rigging" also. I picked up my ride early October this year and felt like Chatlees did a top notch job. The exception is the wiring harness which IMO was a bit below average workmanship. But that's probably just me... having been in the electrical controls business, my standards are higher than most. Other than that, I was pleased with everything on the boat.

Mike C.

[Harry]

I'm buying and they're on my list, I want to hear about it too, ASAP ...... 008 ;D

[FLboy3]

Shakespeare I to bought my boat from chatlees. Everythings great but when I got under the console to hook up my VHF, Holy crap, what a mess. Could have been better.

[Harry]

I thought the boat gets wired at the factory (CS) ? Are you guys talking about dealer installed add on's such as FF, radio's and stuff, or basic console tach, fuel gauge, tilt/trim ignition wiring,,etc?
I thought CS did that 006

[Shakespeare]

The dealer mounts the motor, pulls the control cabling and associated wiring and I assume wires the tach and other motor related instrumentation. CS wires the standard switches and controls on the console face. It's a marriage of both the two. I got them (Chatlees) to install the t-top so that was additional wiring that had to be dealer installed.

[sportskiff]

OK Harry,
Lets talk gauge packs, mph-trash it, got gps. fuel gauge- trash it, got eyes. I found out ALL the gauges in my dash can be replaced and put in a 4"x4" area of the dash, using existing plugs off my motor to same make gauges (yammy) is going to leave room to indash the vhf, am/fm tuner w/mp3 jack, and clear the top of the dash 'cept for the ff/gps (LIKE THE SWIVIL BASE!!!!!!!!!) . See if the motor you want has the gauges, heck, I didn't even have a heat warning ANYTHING gauge from the dealer.
ps, Harry, ya sell that chevelle for a boat?????? Jus wonderin........... Reggie

[sportskiff]

And Harry, order the thing without the hardware, remember the rust issue????? cure it once and for all.
Reggie

[Harry]

Still have the Chevelle ........ ;D

Will push it in the spring ..

[samurai361]

I bought my CS from Norfolk Marine. They gave me a pretty good price, and were fair to deal with, but once they had the check, I felt like they rushed me out the door. They did a rush job setting up the trailer, and I had to go back to ask for the scupper plugs and a tie down strap to tow it home. I'd give them a chance on another boat, but I'd pay more attention to the setup, and would ask more questions before they got a check, and I would do it AFTER getting quotes from other dealers. Quimby, Chatlee, Stroud and Son, and Sam's are close enough by. I've never had any service work that needed done, and just about everybody will work on the Yamaha. I'm interested in the bottom line, and the setup.

[yellowdog]

Bought my 238DLV last January from Chatlee. They were easy to deal with and the price was very good. Had a couple of problems and they fixed them. I'd definately use them again.

[shaggy3131]

The so-called pre-rigs come to the dealer with all guages, electronics, steering, controls, wiring, etc. installed in the console and run back to the stern. On the DLV's the aerator pump and the bilge pump are factory installed and wired and plumbed. The "pre-rig" is engine specific so guages and controls match which engine you choose. The dealer installs the engine (in the factory drilled holes) and the battery and other accessories you choose that are not factory installed. Lastly, the dealer connects all the wiring to the battery and motor and connects the steering and motor controls. There are of course some factory options you can select like consoles, hydraulic steering, T-top, etc. that come factory installed to the dealer. The dealer decides the trailer but I'm not sure if the DLV's are shipped on the specified trailer or if the dealer sets up the trailer and loads the boat on it. I've seen pre-rig boats arrive on trailers to the dealer. So unless you order extra electronics, all the dealer does is connect everything to the motor and the battery.

[bigfish3]

Folks, This is a very interesting thread!

I am currently doing the investigation and research for a new CS. I have been e-mailing and calling dealers within a 12 hour drive from home.


The folks at chatlees called me back today, but I missed the call. I read with great interest that they have a test lake on their propery! I have discovered that my lcoal dealer is 3-3.5k higher than any of the folks south of me. I am in connecticut, we have one dealer only and he is prced like he knows it!

I am hopeful that I can pull the trigger on this thing before March. I would like to get in on the Early Tautog bite...

[Shakespeare]

The folks at chatlees called me back today, but I missed the call. I read with great interest that they have a test lake on their propery!



More like a test pond. You can go in circles but ya' can't let 'er rip. I've heard that they will be expanding it in the future.

Mike C.

[Harry]

They called me today too. Said the boat was in and getting rigged up.... 010 010



Should be able to pick it up this weekend, But I can't be there that soon .....

[bigfish3]

Harry, thanks for the earlier tip about Chatlees. I did get a really good quote from Ed's as well.

Cheers,
Butch

[Loki]

Hey Harry, I can pick it up and test it for you here in FL. The weather has been nice and warm, the ocean flat as a swimming pool on a windless night! ;D

[1967JRD]

May I suggest staying FAR away from the dealer I purchased from??? LOL!

[Fillet1]

;D ;D ;D ;D

[Slot-Machine]

Harry look into this place i thank you might be happy.

www.bayracermarine.com

Call John at Bayracer in Havelock NC he did me and redneckredfisher the best deal we could find on 218 DLV.

Wes

[Harry]

Harry look into this place i thank you might be happy.

www.bayracermarine.com

Call John at Bayracer in Havelock NC he did me and redneckredfisher the best deal we could find on 218 DLV.

Wes


Thanks but I already put a deposit down on one. In fact they called yesterday and said the boats in and getting prepped and can be picked up this weekend. I won't be able to get it until the end of the month at the earliest.


Since I found a boat maybe it's time to lock this thread down ? What do you guys think Lock down, let'er run ? 006

[Randell]

This tread may save someone some time doing homework.
Alot of info in one tread for someone looking to buy.

let her run ;D

[redneckredfishr]

Randell,

I was thinking the same thing. However, locking the thread would be okay if we could continue to view it for reference - Just my thoughts.

Will

[Randell]

Guys are buying boats and having experiences daily ...
Don't ya want to keep the info fresh?
Good or bad, this could save someone lots of $$$$$'s

I wish these rescources were available back in 06 when I was shopping.
I would own a a 238DLV ! :o
Oh well she's mine and she's paid for.

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

I think you should let it run.I got pleeeeeeenty info from this tread. 013 010 cheers 012

[redneckredfishr]

Yeah, Why Not? 006

Let's keep her rolling! You know the old saying -When in Rome, do what the Romans do! ;D

Will

[Harry]

OK,
And BTW, After locking a thread you can still read it.

[shaggy3131]

Harry,

You wouldn't want to kill the longest running purchase/product thread, would you? Only the introductions thread has more posts, I think.

Kill it when you get your boat.

Aubrey

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

Noooooooooooooooooo , don't kill it. 001 001

[Harry]

Calling Chatlee's today to let them know I'll be down in NC to pick up the boat next Monday the 28th .... 011

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

010 010 010 012 012 012 013 013 013
Did not order mine yet 004 004 004 004 004

[Willie]

Harry, couldn't wait any longer??? Good luck with it, oh am heading down tomorrow. Staying up in Brig. at the big Hotel on the beach...Will

[Harry]

Harry, couldn't wait any longer??? Good luck with it, oh am heading down tomorrow. Staying up in Brig. at the big Hotel on the beach...Will


Nope couldn't wait. Besides I have a 4 day weekend next week, so I won't have to burn any days off to go get her. I can save them for fishin....


Have fun in Brig, Supposed to blow and get real cold ....... Brrrrrrrr

[tpurvis]

I bought a 19 DLV last April. searched for 4 weeks with about every dealer from Va. to Ga. I live at Carolina Beach NC. Ed's gave me agood price, But with up grades, s/s prop- 27 gal tank- s/s rails and alumin trail. I ended up buying from Chatlee. Ed's would not match him---bare bones go Ed's--want up grades try Chatlee, but they have gone up about 700.00 dollars from last year. I love mine, I had it 12 miles off shore, king fishing, but best is a mile or 2 off some rocks or a reef and catch some big flounder or troll for spanish. Then just relax with the family and pull a tube or ski the Cape Fear river. Good luck

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

tpurvis, congrats on your boat , and welcome to the site. 010

[bigfish3]

I just recieved an e-mail from Quimby's. Same boat that I have been getting quotes on from multiple dealers.

They included an Fuel/Water seperator and are still below the rest, Including Ed's.

The big bonus for me is that they are less than an hour from OCMD. This will save be about a 3 hour drive on top of all of it. 5 hours versus 8 hours and several hundred below the best quote so far.

Due to traveling for business, I have not pulled the trigger yet. I am glad this worked out the way it did!

I was all set to go and stay with some relatives in Richmond while I did business wiht Ed's. I did speak to a very nice woman on the phone from there, and she could not have been more pleasant or helpful!

If it doesnt work out with Quimby's, I will be going to Ed's.

Cheers,
Butch