Final New Boat Update**** [Archive]

View Full Version : Final New Boat Update****

BoatFloating

10-05-2004, 11:19 AM

As many of my Cats and Tunnels brothers and D Row family know I took delivery on my 4th Carrera a 290 Effect Cat with twin 300x wacka's The first weekend in August. The motors were rigged by Lakeland Marine in Havasu. This deal was something that took alot of time and energy on my part to make it run smoothly. Bottom line I love the boat and it's been a fun rest of the summer.
How it worked was I bought the boat from Carrera with everything but the motors. Lakeland gave me a estimate for the rigging and the motors purchase. To get a great intrest rate I had to sign loan docs before the boat was done about a month before. So Lakeland was paid in full before they did anything. So when boat gets to Lakeland and they do the rigging and I finally take delivery they hand me a bill for $4500 more than the estimate said it would be. Now I knew it would be a little more because Carrera decided it would be better for Lakeland to do all the steering and throttle cables and run Hyd steering as they would know better the lengths needed. So when I picked up the boat Carrera told me they would cover the labor and the parts needed for that. So of that $4500 hundred their parts was $670 and maybe 5 hours of labor.
Here is the problem I have with bill. When Lakeland was rigging the motors and they knew that they were going to go quite a bit over my estimate why wouldn't they let me know before I show up to pick boat up and surprise me with that bill. This is pretty much the problem I had with the deal with Lakeland. They told me that Carrera was supposed to have the boat done and that's why they went way over the estimate. The hours alone was over by 30 hours of the original est. Carrera had the boat complete except for the cables and Hyd steering as mentioned above and Carrera was going to pay me back after Lakeland gave me the bill. Again my biggest problem was the fact that Lakeland didn't contact me at let me know the original estimate wasn't going to be close to the final bill. I always thought when you sign a estimate that if they go above that they must call you to get your approval. To their credit Lakeland has been great to deal with and have done a good job picking up and fixing little things as needed (Merc Warranty stuff). So I'm happy with the work and the way I was treated just not the surpise when I picked it up.
So here is the big thanks and credit where credit is due. Aftershock/Carrera who lately has taken a beating on things in the Sandbar stepped up big time. They knew they owed me money for the cables and labor which was about $1000. I told them that Lakeland said alot of the labor Lakeland added to my bill was caused by them and Carrera had their doubts on that as I did and called Lakeland. So when Alex talked with Lakeland and they said it was what it was Alex and I agreed that he would step up and send me a check for $2K to cover some of the overage. So big props to the guys at Aftershock/Carrera for the help as they covered something that wasn't their deal. I too was skeptical of the merger of the 2 companies but my fears have been put to bed. I was there weekly watching my boat being built and was impressed on the way it was put together. Like any new company that picks up a new product line there is going to be growing pains. The bottom line is they've taken care of me and I feel good about the boat, service and quailty of the product.
So all in all another new boat on the water...

OutCole'd

10-05-2004, 11:44 AM

Glad to hear Carrera / Aftershock took care of you!! Customer Service is what it is all about in todays business.

phebus

10-05-2004, 11:45 AM

I don't know about you guys, but I am kind of skeptical of a new guy with only 2,361 posts coming on here and propping up a company. :D
Actually, it's nice to see someone with some time and credibility coming on here and stating their good experiences with a company. I am personally sick of newbies with virtually zero previous posts, using this forum to bash companies with an intent to manipulate them. It's time we give no credence to them, but it amazes me how many people jump right on the bandwagon, only to find out when the truth comes out how wrong they were.
Anyway, enough of my banter.....
Thanks Rocky

BoatFloating

10-05-2004, 11:58 AM

Thanks guys..... I'm not trying to say that other people who post don't have issues I'm just saying that mine have been real positive.... ;)

Reaper1

10-05-2004, 11:59 AM

That was nice of Carrera to step up and do that for you. I'll tell you one thing, "29 LIVES" makes a hell of a late night channel party machine. :crossx: :cool: ;)

TOBTEK

10-05-2004, 12:02 PM

good to hear that everything went OK....but why didnt you have carrera do the complete rigging job inc'ing motors? was it less expensive subing it out?

BoatFloating

10-05-2004, 12:17 PM

good to hear that everything went OK....but why didnt you have carrera do the complete rigging job inc'ing motors? was it less expensive subing it out?
Couple reasons. Carrera and Aftershock alike haven't done a bunch of Outboards. Carrera did one 257 and Aftershock did a 24' Deck Boat with a single 300x that they had San Diego Eliminator do the motor rigging. I figured Lakeland would be the best choice to make sure it was done right.The second was the 300x can't be purchased in CA legally anymore. So this made it easier. I don't know how DCB does it I would imagine Dave has some sort of out of state address so he can get them sent to. On the box it says in big bold letters Not For Sale In California....

SummerObsession

10-05-2004, 12:38 PM

That's great to hear!
Sounds like everyone went out of their way to make your purchase a good one.
I think you 're very lucky.
You referred to Lakeland giving you an "estimate" and not a bid. Estimates to me are worthless. It only gives you a rough idea of what it MIGHT cost.
If it was a bid, they would have had no right to charge anymore than that bid without asking/telling you first.
Just a thought.

Sandbar Mike

10-05-2004, 12:45 PM

Thats bullshit,
I would figure an estimate is exactly what it should cost. Of course followed up by a purchase agreement.
Oh well, the boat sure turned out sweet.
I never did get the top speed out of you yet, I'm curious being how close our boats are with running surface and weight??
You doing Havasu anymore this season? We are going a few more time this month, hopefully see you out there.
Don't forget the Monster Drinks, :supp: :D

SHOCKWAVETOM

10-05-2004, 12:51 PM

Sounds good. Glad you got taken care of to everybody's satisfaction. WIN, WIN, WIN...that is the name of the game :)

MRS FLYIN VEE

10-05-2004, 12:51 PM

well Rocky I am glad everything worked out for you .. :D

phebus

10-05-2004, 01:11 PM

The second was the 300x can't be purchased in CA legally anymore. So this made it easier. I don't know how DCB does it I would imagine Dave has some sort of out of state address so he can get them sent to. On the box it says in big bold letters Not For Sale In California....
My guess is that Calif. manufacturers can buy them to install on boats that aren't for sale in Calif. Out of state sales only (ie: AZ.)

Tom Slick

10-05-2004, 01:24 PM

From what I can remember, an estimate is just that, an estimate. Legally I believe that the company issuing the estimate has to notify the customer prior to the work being done if the price of the estimate is changed. I believe that in a court of law you could win a case if you can prove that the company never contacted you with a revised price, prior to the completion of the work. You should have had a new estimate faxed or mailed to you with an explanation of the additional costs and you would have had to have signed off on that new estimate. In a nut shell, it sounds like Lakeland was wrong and if you wanted to pursue legal action you probable could. However, if you feel that you have been satisfied to this point, I would just call it a day, as you may need them in the future being that you boat in Havasu and they seem to be the outboard guys of choice in the LHC.

Speedin' Ian

10-05-2004, 02:45 PM

I too am curious what kind of numbers you got out of your combo BF? Are you happy with the power and performance, would you change anything if you did it again?

Kilrtoy

10-05-2004, 04:08 PM

BoatFloating

10-05-2004, 04:34 PM

This is my take on how DCB since they were the ones that were mentioned selling 300X's.
Look at alot of car parts for sale, Who hear remembers SUPER SHOPS. They would sell you anything under the sun and only install some things that were meant for cal or street legal in cal. If they were illegal I remember getting stamps on my receipt stating not for california use or street legal, something to those words and then you either had to put them on yourself what ever the part is or find some one to do it for you.
But the simply answer has already been stated if he sells a boat out of state why cant he buy them.....
Now Im not bashing aftershock, but they should refund you money if they infact did not do some of the stuff. And I am glad to hear that they stood up and did this for you..... :)
I would have felt better if they would have subed that job out rather than have you do it....
Let me clear this up a little. DCB is doing nothing wrong in building and selling boats with 300x's. They just can't buy those motors and get them shipped into CA anymore. Carrera/Aftershock completed their end of the deal 100% besides Hyd steering and cables which we agreed that Lakeland should do this once they figure out where the motors were going. They did give me the money and $1000 more to help cover the overage that they didn't have to do. It was never a question of the parts and a little labor for the cables and labor to install which originally was part of my deal, but since they didn't want to run cables without motors being on boat they decided to let Lakeland do this. Just a little FYI Mecury won't ship 300X's to Calif anymore because they can't sell them here, now you can use them in CA you just can't buy them anymore in CA.
I too am curious what kind of numbers you got out of your combo BF? Are you happy with the power and performance, would you change anything if you did it again?
Ian, no I wouldn't change a thing. I'm very happy with the setup. As for numbers the first few hours are break in so your limited to the rpms you can run. Once I got past that I'm still not getting near the rpms out of the motors as I should, I've only seen 5300 and that's trimed to high and speed was going down not up. So Lakeland just raised the motors a notch and I should see the full rpm range which is 6800 max. So far top speed at 5100 rpms is 80 miles a hour. Lakeland went conservative on the X setup during break in so I had good water pressure. So I should have a better reading for some good numbers this weekends ATDR. Since most of my testing was in the worst month for testing August because of heat and humidity.
Thats bullshit,
I would figure an estimate is exactly what it should cost. Of course followed up by a purchase agreement.
Oh well, the boat sure turned out sweet.
I never did get the top speed out of you yet, I'm curious being how close our boats are with running surface and weight??
You doing Havasu anymore this season? We are going a few more time this month, hopefully see you out there.
Don't forget the Monster Drinks, :supp: :D
Mike, I think this weekends trip to AMDR is the last one. The 16th I have to do a party and then the 23rd depending on the weather will be a riding trip.... But next year being a full year will be great....

Kilrtoy

10-05-2004, 04:51 PM

Re-read and a little clearer now,
So they wont even ship them to cali, WOW. That is messed up, as is that new law......
Damn boaters creating mass amounts of smog......

BoatFloating

10-05-2004, 04:54 PM

Re-read and a little clearer now,
So they wont even ship them to cali, WOW. That is messed up, as is that new law......
Damn boaters creating mass amounts of smog......
I want to say the law has been in effect since 2001 or 2002. You can thank the Democrats that made the law with the help of the Serria Club....

mbrown2

10-05-2004, 07:00 PM

DrewDown

10-05-2004, 07:50 PM

Mad props to the focker that installed the stereo and neon. It sounds and looks great.

Sandbar Mike

10-06-2004, 06:09 AM

Ouote,
Mike, I think this weekends trip to AMDR is the last one. The 16th I have to do a party and then the 23rd depending on the weather will be a riding trip.... But next year being a full year will be great....
Rocky I here that, I had a partial havasu summer as well, Look forward to hangn next summer. Thanks for the party invite also, try'n to get freed up from some kids stuff.
Pimps and hoe's baby :D :D :D

BoatFloating

10-06-2004, 06:18 AM

I think they can ship them in here as long as they get deployed onto a boat that is getting sold to an out of state buyer....my boat was delivered out of state in 9/03 and I think Topcat just took ownership of his a couple of months back and those engines were installed in Cali..
That might be true but when i talked to Mercury they told me they don't ship them into CA anymore. Just another deal with CA trying to keep us down :D

257

10-06-2004, 07:04 AM

Hummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

andy01

10-06-2004, 07:05 AM

BoatFloating

10-06-2004, 01:54 PM

BF your boat turned out nice. I know about the surprise at the end. My rigging was a little higher. (A LOT) but it was worth it in the long run. How many hours do you have on your motors now? How long did it take to start to break and be able to idle. I have been told not to idle for 5-8 hours minium.
Andy
Andy, thanks for the nice words. I have about 18 hours on the motors so far. According to the sticker that came on the motors from Mercury it states no more than 5 minutestotal of idle during the first hour only. And rpm range of 4000 to 5500 and changing rpms every 5 minutes. Then the next 3 hours change rpms every 10 mintues. I've heard different people say the computer limits your epms during the first hour only and then I heard it can be up to 20hours. Lou at Lakeland has been to more classes at Mercury then I've been in high school and he said 1 hour only.

Bre

10-06-2004, 02:07 PM

Hey WiLLis :D Get back over to the bad board

andy01

10-06-2004, 02:49 PM

Andy, thanks for the nice words. I have about 18 hours on the motors so far. According to the sticker that came on the motors from Mercury it states no more than 5 minutestotal of idle during the first hour only. And rpm range of 4000 to 5500 and changing rpms every 5 minutes. Then the next 3 hours change rpms every 10 mintues. I've heard different people say the computer limits your epms during the first hour only and then I heard it can be up to 20hours. Lou at Lakeland has been to more classes at Mercury then I've been in high school and he said 1 hour only.
Thank you. I was told no idle for 5-8 hours because of break in and it will foul plugs because they run so rich at first. But one hour seems a little easier to deal with.
Andy

BoatFloating

10-06-2004, 05:21 PM

Thank you. I was told no idle for 5-8 hours because of break in and it will foul plugs because they run so rich at first. But one hour seems a little easier to deal with.
Andy
It does run rich but I didn't have a problem with the 1 hour. I got in it and ran the piss out of her. So far the 300x's are great....

mbrown2

10-06-2004, 05:27 PM

It does run rich but I didn't have a problem with the 1 hour. I got in it and ran the piss out of her. So far the 300x's are great....
After 20-30 hours you will start burning through less and less oil....

BoatFloating

10-06-2004, 05:33 PM

After 20-30 hours you will start burning through less and less oil....
Thank god it was getting pricey..... :frown:

Kilrtoy

10-06-2004, 06:35 PM

How much is oil for those things...

mbrown2

10-06-2004, 06:53 PM

How much is oil for those things... Depends, it could run 22+ a gallon if you buy it buy the gallon, but if you keep your containers you can normally pay to have your empty gallons refilled (ie: buying in bulk) for around 12-14 a gallon..
It sux that Lakeland in Parker closed...I need to find a new bulk place in Parker...Lakeland is too far.

BoatFloating

10-06-2004, 07:34 PM

Depends, it could run 22+ a gallon if you buy it buy the gallon, but if you keep your containers you can normally pay to have your empty gallons refilled (ie: buying in bulk) for around 12-14 a gallon..
It sux that Lakeland in Parker closed...I need to find a new bulk place in Parker...Lakeland is too far.
Lakeland in Havasu is $17 a gallon bulk. Mike next year I'll stop by on the way up to Havasu and get them filled at Lakeland then bring them back on way home.... ;)

mbrown2

10-06-2004, 07:39 PM

Lakeland in Havasu is $17 a gallon bulk. Mike next year I'll stop by on the way up to Havasu and get them filled at Lakeland then bring them back on way home.... ;)
Damn, I thought they were around 12-14 at the beginning of the season....I am thinking about buying a 35 gal drum if I can get a deal on one...ie: find someone with a hookup...

shadow

10-06-2004, 07:51 PM

Rocky, Good to hear all turned out welll with your boat.
Nice choice in boat ,grapics,power and overall setup.Hope you get a shi t load of trouble free hours for you and the Family.looking forward to doing some boating and partying next season.Sand season for you now?

BoatFloating

10-06-2004, 08:28 PM

Damn, I thought they were around 12-14 at the beginning of the season....I am thinking about buying a 35 gal drum if I can get a deal on one...ie: find someone with a hookup...
You can get them but it cost a ton of money to get it into CA because of all the AQMD B.S..... You'd be better off having it delivered to Parker. Try a authorised Merc dealer in Parker....

BoatFloating

10-06-2004, 08:29 PM

mbrown2

10-06-2004, 08:37 PM

You can get them but it cost a ton of money to get it into CA because of all the AQMD B.S..... You'd be better off having it delivered to Parker. Try a authorised Merc dealer in Parker....
I am going to try something like that...get it delivered to Parker Oil or something...or one of my neigh's or maybe Parker Oil can order for me....Actually, I spoke to Mc's Market and the owners are cool...I asked them to see if they could order from their distributor...but I was not paying retail...we will see, but come spring, I will have a drum.

Bling Bling

10-06-2004, 09:06 PM

I thought real motors get broke in on a dyno. :eat:

Kilrtoy

10-06-2004, 10:00 PM

Ok and how many gallons does the boat take(OIL) and how quickly does it burn them........
This sounds really expensive$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

mbrown2

10-07-2004, 07:29 AM

Ok and how many gallons does the boat take(OIL) and how quickly does it burn them........
This sounds really expensive$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
There is one oil tank for each motor...each tank is approximately 2.5 gallons...Right now with 60 hrs I can go about 3 days of running 3-4 hours of run time without putting oil in...

mbrown2

10-07-2004, 07:30 AM

I thought real motors get broke in on a dyno. :eat:
No, I think it goes Real Dyno Blower Motors break drives.. :wink: :) :)

andy01

10-07-2004, 07:40 AM

I am going to try something like that...get it delivered to Parker Oil or something...or one of my neigh's or maybe Parker Oil can order for me....Actually, I spoke to Mc's Market and the owners are cool...I asked them to see if they could order from their distributor...but I was not paying retail...we will see, but come spring, I will have a drum.
If it is more interesting to the party you end up doing buss. with to buy two let me know. I may buy a drum as well. Even if it is in Parker. I can have that Daytona guy pick it up for me, you the "My Daytona is the fast one in Parker" guy. Sits in his Cabana with his nose up high.
Andy

BoatFloating

10-07-2004, 07:42 AM

Ok and how many gallons does the boat take(OIL) and how quickly does it burn them........
This sounds really expensive$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Not at all. Like Mbrown said I ran 2 full days and still have enough oil to go another. And Mike there 3 gallon tanks...... :) :)

BoatFloating

10-07-2004, 07:52 AM

No, I think it goes Real Dyno Blower Motors break drives.. :wink: :) :)
Exactly and real men have a dick...... So that's strike 2 for Bling :jawdrop:

mbrown2

10-07-2004, 08:18 AM

And Mike there 3 gallon tanks...... :) :) Goes to show you what Lakeland knows...I asked them :rollside:

shadow

10-07-2004, 11:15 AM

If it is more interesting to the party you end up doing buss. with to buy two let me know. I may buy a drum as well. Even if it is in Parker. I can have that Daytona guy pick it up for me, you the "My Daytona is the fast one in Parker" guy. Sits in his Cabana with his nose up high.
Andy
Haven't seen Mr Daytona lately,about a month ago kicin it in the cabanas.
Hope to see him out this weekend. ;)

BoatFloating

10-07-2004, 12:38 PM

Goes to show you what Lakeland knows...I asked them :rollside:
Who knows???? According to my Smart Craft said 3 gallons.....But who knows how smart the Smart Craft is..... :)

Bre

10-07-2004, 12:47 PM

Hey BF is Woody going this weekend?
And Reap...you posted there today :) Good job :p

BoatFloating

10-07-2004, 12:51 PM

Hey BF is Woody going this weekend?
And Reap...you posted there today :) Good job :p
No Woody....... No Reaper as far as I know.....

Bre

10-07-2004, 12:52 PM

No Woody....... No Reaper as far as I know.....
No Woody :frown:
Who the hell is White Shadow??? :D

BoatFloating

10-07-2004, 12:54 PM

No Woody :frown:
Who the hell is White Shadow??? :D
Our buddy Mike ... He's alot of fun.....

Bre

10-07-2004, 12:57 PM

Our buddy Mike ... He's alot of fun.....
Awesome :cool:

BoatFloating

10-07-2004, 01:03 PM

I talked to Reaper 1 and he's got his MrsReapers high school reunion...... Boring..... :messedup:

Bre

10-07-2004, 01:07 PM

I talked to Reaper 1 and he's got his MrsReapers high school reunion...... Boring..... :messedup:
I'm sure they would both rather be partying with us :p
Oh well...... thanks for finding out for me :shift:

MRS. REAPER

10-07-2004, 01:07 PM

I talked to Reaper 1 and he's got his MrsReapers high school reunion...... Boring..... :messedup: I know, I know....what can I say, we're obligated to go. Reaper1 wants that Goose 3-pack for the night to entertain him :devil:

Reaper1

10-07-2004, 02:04 PM

I know, I know....what can I say, we're obligated to go. Reaper1 wants that Goose 3-pack for the night to entertain him :devil:And just for that sugar momma stuff you're buying the 3-pack. :p

Reaper1

10-07-2004, 02:11 PM

I'm sure they would both rather be partying with us :p
Oh well...... thanks for finding out for me :shift:
You know this. Hope to see you guys and the Boatfloatings out there on the 23rd. :D

Bre

10-07-2004, 02:25 PM

You know this. Hope to see you guys and the Boatfloatings out there on the 23rd. :D
We will be there for sure :cool:

MRS. REAPER

10-07-2004, 02:30 PM

And just for that sugar momma stuff you're buying the 3-pack. :p Don't I always?? :hammerhea