Problems With Triumph Boats & Warrantys

[CRIMAR30]

I am in the market for either a new 2007, or a new 2006,and have been doing research on here and other boat web sites.
I have seen many problems such as hull distortion,screwed on accesories loosening, and falling off, dealers trying to get owners to do their own repairs,electrical problems. Would ALL of these problems be covered by the warrantee, and repaired by the dealership, or passed off as not covered? If I were to purchase my boat out of state, are the local dealers obligated to make repairs?
And if I had a problem with a dealer, what recourse would I have?

I see that you are located in NC. I'm not sure which dealer(s) you have been working with but several of the owners, as well as me, live in NC and have purchased their boats from Merritt Marine in Hillsborough, NC. I can personally recommend them as a reputable dealer and have had nothing but excellent customer service from them.

Are there issues with Triumph boats? Yes, of course there are. Are there issues with any other boat, regardless of manufacturer? Yes, there is. The difference, in my mind, is will the manufacturer and dealer stand behind their warranty? I had an issue with hull distortion on my 170DC which was identified with an inspection before I accepted delivery on the boat. To make a long story short, Triumph made another boat for me. I had the support of Carl Merritt, which was a tremendous help, but I like to think I would have had the same outcome, regardless of the dealer. I may be naive in thinking that but regardless, Triumph stood behind their product.

My recommendation is to ask your dealer the same questions you posted here. If you're not satisfied with the answers, find another dealer. As you mentioned there are several problems discussed on this and other sites but ask the owners if any of them would trade their Triumph for a similarly priced boat and I'd be willing to bet the majority of them would keep their Triumph.

If you haven't done so already, schedule a test ride, you'll be surprised at the ride. This may help you make your decision.

I wish you the best in your decision, regardless of whichever boat you decide to buy.

[fridaysoff]

CRIMAR,
I can't answer all of your questions or settle your nerves about buying new technology. I can tell you about my experience with boats and my Triumph 170CC. You used the term "many" distortions, etc. I've owned quite a few boats and had issues with everyone of them at one time or another. Boats are like anything else that has a warranty. If you buy an automobile ,never change the oil,keep air in the tires, or replace them before they blow out, I will bet you are going to have a problem with the warranty. I have not had a single problem with my Triumph. Once a year I check all of the deck screws to insure that they are snug (none have ever loosened). I have not had to replace any pumps,wiring or any other parts and pieces on the hull. None of my hangy things have fallen off, but I put them on properly with the correct adhesive for plastic,etc. I can't imagine that your are getting many negative feelings about Triumph boats on this website so I assume that you are reading other forums. If you are then you are also reading about problems with other brands of boats,dealers, and manufactuers. If I'm not mistaken, I've only read info from "ONE" person that is having a warranty issue with Triumph. Every other one that I've heard of has been resolved. If you have unlimited funds, there are better boats on the market. If you have only a small amount of money to spend, there are worse boats on the market. If you feel like you would like to purchase a Triumph, but are nervous about the technology, buy a used 170CC. If you like it, sell it and buy a new 23'; one thing is absolute in the boat owning business; you are going to have to tighten screws, replace pumps,wiring, etc. Its part of the fun of defeating "MURPHY'S LAW." I went through the same turmoil you're going through before I purchased my Triumph; by the same token, I never thought I would drive a front wheel drive automobile!!!! I put quite a few hours on my boat each year fishing/playing. If you could see the small amount of time that I spend on preparing my boat for the next outing you would be pleasantly surprised. I don't know how old you are, but with a "transferrable" lifetime warranty on the hull, let your children worry about dealing with any warranty problems!!!! Good luck with your decision. If I can help you with any specific questions, send me a private message.
John D.

[MolarBoater]

I have had 3 warranty issues with a 2002 Bay boat. Triumph has taken care of one and is currently taking care of the other. The third, I had an issue with a engine bracket coming loose and the dealer took care of that and has been well repaired of for 5 years now.

So far, I have only had to invest time and gas taking the boat to the dealer. Once Triumph actually picked my boat up, at my house and took it to NC and inspected and repaired. Lifetime warranty...... Triumph has stood by their product.

Emery Cole

[bluefishbones]

Dito on the service, they picked up my boat from the house in Pa, fixed it in NC and returned in a timely manner.
Tom

[NCangler]

I cannot actually think of one thing that has been a problem with my 2006 215 Chaos. And I can personally vouch for Merritt Marine in Hillsborough. They are my dealer and have been fantastic to work with. I have personally met many of the folks at Triumph through our factory tour and the last two Mackfest fishing tournaments, and I have been impressed with the folks I've met. Their desire to build a quality product, and improve it year after year, I think will be a formula for great success for them. Triumph is not a large boat company and implementing a new technology like Roplene I'm sure has been a learning process, but they obviously believe in their product, because they continue to offer a life-time hull warranty and they've backed it up as noted in previous posts. You'll have to ask a local dealer your question about standing behind a boat bought from someone else. Putting yourself in the shoes of a dealer trying to make a living though would tell me that most dealers of any boat brand will want to take care their boat buying customers first.

As to your post "dealers trying to get owners to do their own repairs, electrical problems"...I am not aware of a dealer telling an owner to do their own repairs. That would be counter productive for the dealer wouldn't it? To me the key to successful boat ownership is developing a relationship with a reputable dealer and sticking with them to do your maintenance work. All of us are going to have varying degrees of what we are capable of doing or want to do with our boats. But anything that affects warranty on the hull or motor, I take to my dealer.

Regarding things falling off...not sure what that is referencing either but stuff can shake loose from Roplene and Fiberglass boats. The great thing about Roplene though is that you can get Roplene powder, heat up a stainless steel screw, dip the screw in the powder then reset it in the Roplene where it will cool and fit snugly. As noted earlier you can get Roplene shavings or "welding rods" and you can fill holes and sand them smooth.

As noted feel free to ask any specific questions and do take a test ride.

[CRIMAR30]

I was at the Raliegh boat show today, and met and talked with Dick at the Merritt Marine exhibit about what I'd heard, and read about the boats. He answered all of the questions I could think of, and I was very impressed. So my opinions of the boats have skyrocketed since the original post. I'm in the process of selling my larger boat, and that is going to be held up now until Monday,the 24th,so after that, I'll be in the market for a new boat, and it looks like it will probably be a new Triumph.
Thanks everyone for your input about the boats, it was all very informative and helpful.

CRIMAR30,

Glad Dick was able to address your concerns, he's very knowledgeable.

Did I say that right Dick

[CRIMAR30]

You are the first 170 DC I've seen here, that's the one I'm looking at, how do you like it?

[NCangler]

Congratulations in advance!

Originally Posted by CRIMAR30

I'll be in the market for a new boat, and it looks like it will probably be a new Triumph.