Check out my cracked swim platform
 

Here is what happened to my swim platform over the winter. Boat was stored indoors. Apparently the tube was full of water and froze.
Baja has seen this before, and is willing to cover 75% of the repair because I am 14 months into the five year warranty.:mad:
I will be drilling drain holes into the bottom of the supports so that this doesn't happen again. Will you do the same?

One more

Well, maybe one more.

I believe that GottaHaveIt had the same problem with his swim platform...

I noticed long ago that mine has little holes in it. I assumed it was to allow water to drain out. I guess you never stop learning.

What kills me is that I was told by a Baja rep that they (BAJA) were aware of this problem, and your newer model outlaw with the drain holes just confirms this. Just like the stringer issue with these boats. Instead of waiting for the customer to have a problem they should contact the dealer/customer when there is an issue like these. I would of rather drilled a hole than find a cracked plarform and pay someone to repair it. The estimate of repair is over 500.00 bucks.
On top of this it happened during winter storage while I was still under the initial 12 month warranty, but now I'm 14mos. into the warranty ,and am only covered at 75%. I for one, did not know the warranties are pro rated. After the 1st year , they cover 75%, 2nd year 50%, 3rd year 25%, and after that it us up to their
discretion. This will probably be my last new boat,and perhaps my last Baja as well.
Anyone want to buy a boat? LOL

Erie,

I feel the same way about Baja, their warranty doesn't mean much to me. How is your dealer? I think the dealer has more control than the consumer when it comes to getting repairs done, in my experience at least.

Pro-rated?
 

So if someone was to buy a used Baja with a year or two warranty left, they really aren't getting much. :(

It's not just Baja. It's Brunswick corp.. They own BAJA, MERCURY, SEA RAY, SEA LINE, MAXUM, HATTERAS, BOSTON WHALER, and yes BAYLINER. Had I known this I would have bought the Sunsation instead.

Sunsation? Ouch...
My dealer has had a 28 Sunsation parked beside a 25 Outlaw, and the Sunsation looks small compared to the 25. The 29 Outlaw absolutley dwarfs the 28 Sunsation. You would have to go to a 32 Sunsation for a comparable boat. And the Baja is far better looking.
I wish I had enough money to take it off your hands.
I do agree with you on the warranty issue, I think your getting boned.

I disagree that he is getting boned.

The Baja warranty is for:

5 years on structural hull and deck issues.
3 years on gelcoat blisters.
1 year on all else (swim platform).

I'm actually surprised that they are paying for anything related to that platform since it has been longer than 1 year.

As far as Sunsation, Dave brings up a good point about small appearance. I thought it was just me, but I think my boat on a trailer "looks" bigger than a 32 Sunsation on a trailer - go figure.

>5 years on structural hull and deck issues.

Does that include repairing stress cracks too?

Isn't there a 3-yr corrosion warranty as well? Or is that Mercruiser? What does that cover?


I checked out a 288 at the last AC Boat show, I loved the cockpit design and cabin but it felt pretty cramped, even compared to my little H2X. I was surprised, I know the beam is narrower than the H2X but it really felt small.

>5 years on structural hull and deck issues.

Does that include repairing stress cracks too?

Isn't there a 3-yr corrosion warranty as well? Or is that Mercruiser? What does that cover?


I checked out a 288 at the last AC Boat show, I loved the cockpit design and cabin but it felt pretty cramped, even compared to my little H2X. I was surprised, I know the beam is narrower than the H2X but it really felt small.

no, it does not include stress cracks or blisters after 12 months and yes gottahaveit did have the same problem and I believe he got squat. I would keep fighting but consider myself lucky they paid what they did after 12 months

Baja hasn't paid for anything yet. I am still trying to find someone in my area to repair the platform. My dealer has since gone out of business.
Baja says they have someone in my area "familiar" with repairing
the stringer issue. I am told that in 2001, and 29OUTLAW can confirm this, that the 29s were redesigned to eliminate the delaminating stringer. How long they knew about this is anybody's guess. They had 4-5 years to figure it out.
Don't get me wrong. I love my boat. Although my love will fade if Baja doesn't take care of me.
BTW, I took delivery in April 2000, and Baja Started my warranty in February 2000. Go Figure. February is when I gave a deposit on the boat (at the boat show). I'm still scratching my head over that one.
When I was looking at the boat I also looked at the 32 Sunsation. IMHO It was better built. If it were not $20k more I would have bought it. I'm just cheap I guess.:rolleyes:
Please understand.....I am not "Baja Bashing".......yet!!!!!
Everyone enjoy the boating season.

It is unfortunate that your dealer is out of buisness,,, they are usually your best bet with dealing with the factory. My guess is that if you stay on them, they will pay for 100% of the repair,,, as they should,,,it was the first winter with the boat not the third.
I own a 97 272 that we bought new, there have been a few sticky moments, but I have to say my dealer and Baja have always come through. It's only smart buisness as far as I am cincerned,,, there are alot of other manufactures out there and we are not to far out from something bigger.
If they want you to buy a Baja for your next boat they need to take care of you now. And don't be afraid to make that known.



GOOD LUCK !!!!!

When dealing with Baja trying to get your boat repaired be absolutely sure to get an authorization number before any work is done. I got the run around for 9 months from a customer rep when trying to get my hull voids fixed, that was when my boat was still under warranty. My dealership went under and I ended up going to small claims court. I was right and I won but I never got paid.

And be sure to keep on them, they will soon "forget" your situation then your back at the beginning. Document every conversation you have too.

Good news. Baja has agreed to repair the boat at thier expense.
Thanks for all the support. DJM, I will ask for the work order #. I just may buy a 36 Outlaw (down the raod) after all. I will keep you posted on my progress.
Brian.
P.S. At least I still have my old 26" Sea Ray to use while the boat is in for repairs. Looks like I'll be doing a little fishing.

That's good news about them paying but are they paying the glass work and the platform or just the glass work. If they pay for the glass, it's just par based on the warranty. If they pay for the platform also, then you got a good deal.

Another option with issues like the platform is to call the folks who actually make the item. My 24 Outlaw blew a trim cylinder after the one year Baja warranty had expired. I didn't bother with the dealer or Baja. I called Insta Trim directly and told them about it. They send me a new cylinder free.