So the JVX20 saga continues...>>>

[1967JRD]

I made my first post regarding issues on my BRAND NEW CAROLINA SKIFF JVX20 on December 28, 2007.
Here we are on January 16, 2008 and my BRAND NEW BOAT is still in the SHOP!!!! 3.5 weeks of shop time, 5 days fishing!

I was told early today that my boat was ready. I headed down to pick it up. I made a friendly call to Mister Service Manager to let him know I was on my way. He said, and I quote "that's really unfortunate" is a condescending tone. I said "excuse me". He went on to say that my boat wasn't fixed, in fact yesterday the motor stalled again! They have burned hundreds of dollars in fuel and put countless hours on my boat and it's still a hunk of $hit. Then he proceeded to tell, as though I am a 3 year old, about all the things that could, yes I said COULD be wrong...

Well gentlemen, I am here to tell you that I raced to that service department and told that snotty SOB that A) I would never again hook that boat to my truck, B) I will never make a friggin payment on it and C) if he EVER spoke to me again like that, I'd commit a felony on his a$$ in 3 seconds... All the while, he had this half smirk on face. Real friggin tough guy this a$$clown is. Somewhere between my mind flashing images of his face with my hands crushing his windpipe and me dragging him behind a boat at 55mph for a tankful, he uttered the following statement. "I have tried to talk with you sir on a mechanical level", to which I responded "You cannot communicate with me on a mechanical level, you are no mechanic and proof isd that my boat is still a pile of $hit with the same problems...." Real jerk this guy, real jerk.

Anyway, I also met with the owner. He is a reasonable man. He asked what he could do to make me happy. Would another JVX20 make me happy? Maybe a different boat like a 198 DLV? A different engine on my current JVX20?

So I ask you all, should I go with a 198 or 218 DLV, just say screw it all and get out of this deal altogether, get a new engine on my current JVX20, a NEW JVX20? What should I do? I am sure he will not substitute a 258 for my 20JVX, but I am sure I can get into a 198 or 218 DLV, outfitted exactly as my JVX was (Electronics, RT55, etc) for NO CHARGE.

Let me hear it guys, you have all been great helping me with advice to this point. I am leaning towards a 198 or 218 DLV. Should I be?

[Fillet1]

Yep. ;D I'd stay away from another 20 JVX and your motor. The hull capacity is not right for you and how you want to fish. The 218dlv rides better than the 198.

I have the 198 with a single axel trailer and love the whole deal. I drag it 125 miles round trip when I fish without an issue. I have had 8 people (adults and kids) in it crabbing and it gets on plane with no hesitation with a 90 zuki. It sips fuel and drafts 7 ish inches of water with the motor up. The only reason I didnt get a 218 is because I felt it needed a dual axle trailer under it, and I didnt want to pay the $$ for it. Probably not my greatest decision but I'm happy with my skiff as it is.

[Fayetteguy]

I like the thought of the 198 or 218. i would choose 218 just bc bigger is better
-matt

[bobreeves]

If I went through what you just did, I would get a J16, take the change and purchase however much Southern Comfort that would buy, and take a real long fishing trip. But I don't drink anymore... 001

[tommybuoy]

Based on the fact that the service guy's a jerk and you're not exactly on the best of terms by now, I'd get ALL my $$ back, walk (OK, run) and start over with another dealer. Otherwise aim HIGH and try to get the 218 DLV. Realistically though that one , or any other one for that matter, is bound to have an issue...and a need to return for service. You know how that will go.... The $$$'s looking like a better choice to me if you can get it ALL back and then some.... Good luck!!

[Randell]

I suggest you go for the DLV, I don't think you will be sorry ;D
The 90hp on the 198 is pleanty but I don't think you'll be thrilled
with it on the 218.
Good luck
~Randell

[redneckredfishr]

I would do one of two things...

1) Get the 218, xl slick console, 27 gal tank, and a minimum of a 140hp 4-stroke, or
2) Get my money back... then pay a visit to the service manager ;)

***I would not keep the lemon they sold you!***

Will

[Slot-Machine]

Look here man
this is what you need to do 1) drink lots of beer 2) get your money back 3) get you a 218 DLV as stated above and 4) top it all off w/ some more beer or maybe everclear.

or better yet take service manager on a test ride without the plug and only 1 gal of gas

Wes

[redneckredfishr]

Look here man
this is what you need to do 1) drink lots of beer 2) get your money back 3) get you a 218 DLV as stated above and 4) top it all off w/ some more beer or maybe everclear.

or better yet take service manager on a test ride without the plug and only 1 gal of gas

Wes


Slot-Machine,

How do you expect 1967JRD to get back to land? - Oh, and aren't skiffs unsinkable?

Have you been drinking everclear? ;D

Redneckredfishr

[Slot-Machine]

yeah your right and i did have a few w/ dinner he could swim back but i dont have any ideas on the unsinkable part.
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[FLboy3]

Take the biggest boat they will give you. I think the 90 on the 218 dlv might me a little small. If you have to stay with the 90 and want the bigger boat then you might want to concider the 218 dlx. The dlx will plane with smaller motor because of the flat bottom and lighter weight. If you want to go with the dlv then go with the 198 then you can add t-top and such later and not be overloaded. Good luck

[Dave]

1967JRD, you do have a problem and I’m afraid your mind is fogged up right now with the thought of getting “a deal you can’t refuse”. First off, let me commend you for your eloquent and explicit commendation – I’ve been there and felt similarly (if not more lethal thoughts) on more than one occasion! I’m not in your situation at the moment and so (from the outside looking in) I’ll try to give you my levelheaded best advice.

Now, the owner seems like a good businessman, (in his own right) but the situation has gotten to far out of hand at this point (IMO). There’s been too much conflict between you and a key player (Service Manager) of this business for you to think a new (bigger, better) boat will solve your problems. Don’t misread this but I’d bet the service manager feels like you’re the “jerk” in this matter…may not be right or fair but he just might be the kind of guy that’ll “show you” if he ever gets the chance.

If the owner hasn’t fired the service manager by the time you returned home (after talking with him), then he’s probably a relative, good friend, or the owner doesn’t think he can run his business without him – sad but small business owners sometimes keep help they know they should get rid of but are afraid they can’t find a replacement, so they keep ‘em, out of desperation, cross their fingers and hope for the best. If that’s the case here, you are going to have a problem at some time in the future and then the resolution may not come as quick or be as satisfying to your cause. Bottom line is, I’d explain the situation to the owner expressing my appreciation for his demonstrated concern, ask for a full refund and thank him for his understanding. At that point, I wouldn’t make a big deal of the past issues but I’d take my business out of town, and not return to that dealership for service or warranty work.

Regards,
Dave

[samurai361]

I've had my boat 3 years, and haven't once been back to the dealer, so I wouldn't worry about service. The motor can be serviced by anybody who sells or does warranty work on the motor, and the worst you'd be looking at is waiting in line. With your history with this service manager, do you think he'd do a rush job on your boat? Doubtful. It's more likely that they haven't worked the kinks out of the JVX series yet, and I remember many complaints about the DLVs when they first came out. I'd say get a 21 DLV and call it a day, unless that boat just doesn't suit what you want to do with it. I plan to get one just as soon as finances (meaning the admiral approves the purchase) permit.

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

What i would do is try to get as much as possible from the owner, meaning as bigger boat as i could, with no extra money, tell him thank you very much sir and sorry for all this, and then run as far as you can from this guy.This way, you came out as the winner,bigger boat, newer boat,happier camper and he gets you know what.He's never gonna do warranty work for you,that means he's loosing more money,he's never gonna do any service to your boat or motor EVER,this way he's loosing more money.So who you think is the winner on this? Good luck.

[al_e._gator]

I'd take the DLV and find another dealer for service. I don't think a 90 is enough motor on a 218 though. If you keep the motor you should go for the 198DLV or get the DLX like FLboy3 said. If you fish alot of skinny water the DLX has the shallowist draft and is probably the boat for you.

[1967JRD]

I'd take the DLV and find another dealer for service. I don't think a 90 is enough motor on a 218 though. If you keep the motor you should go for the 198DLV or get the DLX like FLboy3 said. If you fish alot of skinny water the DLX has the shallowist draft and is probably the boat for you.


There is NO WAY I am keeping the motor I currently have, that's 90% of the problem I am having. New boat, new motor, new deal.

I am going to call him today and tell him I will accept a 218 DLV, with everything I originally ordered (Garmin 440, Lowrance VHF, Shakespear antenna, Sony explode AM/FM/CD sound system, Minn Kota RT55, Black & Gray tweed bimini, Etc) or else I want out of the deal completely.

Now the question remains... Do I go with another Suzuki outboard or try another option?

[lakebiker]

I'd take the DLV and find another dealer for service. I don't think a 90 is enough motor on a 218 though. If you keep the motor you should go for the 198DLV or get the DLX like FLboy3 said. If you fish alot of skinny water the DLX has the shallowist draft and is probably the boat for you.


There is NO WAY I am keeping the motor I currently have, that's 90% of the problem I am having. New boat, new motor, new deal.

I am going to call him today and tell him I will accept a 218 DLV, with everything I originally ordered (Garmin 440, Lowrance VHF, Shakespear antenna, Sony explode AM/FM/CD sound system, Minn Kota RT55, Black & Gray tweed bimini, Etc) or else I want out of the deal completely.

Now the question remains... Do I go with another Suzuki outboard or try another option?


No way a 90hp on a 218 DLV as that boat is rated for 150hp, you would be sick the first time you had a load in her. I'd go with a mim 140F not only for your satisfaction but also for resale later. NOBODY is going to want that boat with a 90hp on it. Might also want to bump up your choice in a trolling motor as well. The 55 is not a lot of motor for that boat. If he's got a 218/Yama 140/150 package, don't be scared of that one either. If you can work out a deal with the owner, go for it. Don't worry so much about your service cause you're more than likely not going to need any after your first break in service. Good luck.
012

[al_e._gator]

There is NO WAY I am keeping the motor I currently have, that's 90% of the problem I am having. New boat, new motor, new deal.



Don't be afraid of another Suzuki. Alot of people here have them and are quite pleased. Either you got a lemon or the dealer has rigging problems. If it's the rigging you'll most likely have issues with another boat from them no matter what's on the back of it.