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#1
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Follow up
Well, thanks to the web it would appear I have a much better understanding
of the problem now. Various people have responded with information regarding this on-going problem from Malibu. First, I need to sincerely appologize to the local dealer. I feel bad that he is caught in the middle. If I were him, I would investigate a new product line (I'm sure he will if he hasn't already). Next, I need the boat fixed. Possibly so that I may sell it and go back to another, more reputable, company that takes concerns with customer satisfaction seriously. Third, I need to be sure that I share my story with as many skiers as possible. Maybe I am just one person who is insignificant in the eyes of Malibu but I still represent a group (competitive skiers) who made Malibu possible. Perhaps the should reflect more on where they came from. -Rant ON- Additionally, maybe they should spend more time fixing problems before they reach the consumer rather than putting a band-aid on them after the fact. It doesn't seem like a strong corporate philosophy to me. Maybe the surf-boys in Calif. just got a little too much sun to make a good decision. But hey, if it makes them money, who cares, right? - Rant OFF - Thanks to everyone out there with something to add. You have helped. I am done wasting bandwidth now. On to more productive things! -- "J.W. Frank" wrote: Just a quick question: if you recently handed over close to 30k for a new Malibu Response LX and it keeps taking on excessive water, what would you do? I returned it to the dealer. Multiple times. I spoke with the factory... twice. They seem to think it is a minor problem (the hydrobox is leaking and needs fiberglass repair). I think it is a major problem... a "manufacturing defect", if you will. I asked for another "new boat" that didn't leak. They said no way. I offered to trade it in and pay the difference if they would help me work through the dealer. They again said no, "it's a little problem". Mastercraft and Correct Craft never treated me this way. "Guy" (the customer service manager) at Malibu told me to go ahead and write this... that people would understand Malibu's position. I hope he is right...... For Sale, one Malibu Response LX with 10 hrs. Leaks like a sieve but Malibu says don't worry! I'll even take a loss on this one (hell, I've owned it since last August and haven't been able to ski behind it since then! That alone is a loss.) Make me an offer, I'm not kidding. I want a quality boat again. Comments welcome. Joe -- (pictures available upon request, it sure looks pretty) |
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#2
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Follow up
Since they introduced the Hydrophonic Damping System back in 1996 it has
been an issue. Tom may point out it is statistically unimportant (like that helps you), but he and most other people I know including Malibu owners think the whole concept is flawed. MC has some gel like substance laminated into the hull to reduce noise and CC laminates in ISO Damp to reduce noise. Malibu decided to use water and make their quieter mufflers an optional upgrade. There are very different design imperatives at work here. Many of us understand Malibu's position. Agreeing with it is another story. You are probably very right that CC would have treated you differently as MC probably would have as well. I know a number of people who have had boats replaced for a LOT less than this. I know two that not only got a replacement, but an upgrade over a cosmetic issue. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. "J.W. Frank" wrote in message ... Well, thanks to the web it would appear I have a much better understanding of the problem now. Various people have responded with information regarding this on-going problem from Malibu. First, I need to sincerely appologize to the local dealer. I feel bad that he is caught in the middle. If I were him, I would investigate a new product line (I'm sure he will if he hasn't already). Next, I need the boat fixed. Possibly so that I may sell it and go back to another, more reputable, company that takes concerns with customer satisfaction seriously. Third, I need to be sure that I share my story with as many skiers as possible. Maybe I am just one person who is insignificant in the eyes of Malibu but I still represent a group (competitive skiers) who made Malibu possible. Perhaps the should reflect more on where they came from. -Rant ON- Additionally, maybe they should spend more time fixing problems before they reach the consumer rather than putting a band-aid on them after the fact. It doesn't seem like a strong corporate philosophy to me. Maybe the surf-boys in Calif. just got a little too much sun to make a good decision. But hey, if it makes them money, who cares, right? - Rant OFF - Thanks to everyone out there with something to add. You have helped. I am done wasting bandwidth now. On to more productive things! -- "J.W. Frank" wrote: Just a quick question: if you recently handed over close to 30k for a new Malibu Response LX and it keeps taking on excessive water, what would you do? I returned it to the dealer. Multiple times. I spoke with the factory... twice. They seem to think it is a minor problem (the hydrobox is leaking and needs fiberglass repair). I think it is a major problem... a "manufacturing defect", if you will. I asked for another "new boat" that didn't leak. They said no way. I offered to trade it in and pay the difference if they would help me work through the dealer. They again said no, "it's a little problem". Mastercraft and Correct Craft never treated me this way. "Guy" (the customer service manager) at Malibu told me to go ahead and write this... that people would understand Malibu's position. I hope he is right...... For Sale, one Malibu Response LX with 10 hrs. Leaks like a sieve but Malibu says don't worry! I'll even take a loss on this one (hell, I've owned it since last August and haven't been able to ski behind it since then! That alone is a loss.) Make me an offer, I'm not kidding. I want a quality boat again. Comments welcome. Joe -- (pictures available upon request, it sure looks pretty) |
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#3
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Follow up
"J.W. Frank" wrote in message ...
Comments welcome. Joe -- (pictures available upon request, it sure looks pretty) Malibus are know for leaking out of the HDS system. It's the box you are referring to. Some boats will never have a problem while other boats leak badly (like yours). However, M should step up and fix the problem. They are not going to replace the entire boat however, nor would I expect them to. That's like saying my car has a brake problem so I want the manufacture to give me a new one. M is aware of the problems and truthfully I don't know why they don't just loose the HDS box. It is suppose to reduce the shaft vibrations, but in reality, every other manufacture does just fine without it. It would certainly cause fewer headaches for owners like you. Yes is is a repairable condition. Yes it happens with some frequency. Yes, some minor fiberglass work should fix the problem for good. Yes, you should be happy with the boat again after the repair. However, if M repair isn't good enough for you and you insist on selling the boat and taking a bath - let me know, I'd be more than happy to sell my MC and pick up a M for a great price. Maybe we can just swap boats - its a 93 Mastercraft Prostar 190. You can e-mail me at (remove nospam).  Seriously, I'm sorry that you have had this problem. No one likes having issues with their new boat. But I have to say you need take a step back and allow M to do their job. I agree with Guy - I think most people are going to understand M position and dismiss you as some nit picking owner making outrageous demands (demanding a new boat over a minor issue). Now if M doesn't step up to the plate and get the job fixed in a reasonable amount of time or to your satisfaction, then you have reason to rant and rave. Until then, let it ride and see how things work out. |
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#5
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Follow up
I took a couple Responses out and almost didn't buy a ski boat at all.
All motor, noisy as hell and low quality. One was 2 years old and was completely falling apart. Then I looked at a used MC and said yes, now this is solid boat. I wanted a 20 foot bowrider so I ended up with a Tige. Not quite as solid as a MC but close and I liked the features (TAPS is a big plus) and price. I won't really know if I made the right choice for many years to come but I knew enough to stay away from malibu (for my needs). Malibu may have great wake but it didn't pass the wife test at all. Response "bow rider" (i.e. the hole the cut in the closed bow) is a bad joke too. "J.W. Frank" wrote in message ... Well, thanks to the web it would appear I have a much better understanding of the problem now. Various people have responded with information regarding this on-going problem from Malibu. First, I need to sincerely appologize to the local dealer. I feel bad that he is caught in the middle. If I were him, I would investigate a new product line (I'm sure he will if he hasn't already). Next, I need the boat fixed. Possibly so that I may sell it and go back to another, more reputable, company that takes concerns with customer satisfaction seriously. Third, I need to be sure that I share my story with as many skiers as possible. Maybe I am just one person who is insignificant in the eyes of Malibu but I still represent a group (competitive skiers) who made Malibu possible. Perhaps the should reflect more on where they came from. -Rant ON- Additionally, maybe they should spend more time fixing problems before they reach the consumer rather than putting a band-aid on them after the fact. It doesn't seem like a strong corporate philosophy to me. Maybe the surf-boys in Calif. just got a little too much sun to make a good decision. But hey, if it makes them money, who cares, right? - Rant OFF - Thanks to everyone out there with something to add. You have helped. I am done wasting bandwidth now. On to more productive things! -- "J.W. Frank" wrote: Just a quick question: if you recently handed over close to 30k for a new Malibu Response LX and it keeps taking on excessive water, what would you do? I returned it to the dealer. Multiple times. I spoke with the factory... twice. They seem to think it is a minor problem (the hydrobox is leaking and needs fiberglass repair). I think it is a major problem... a "manufacturing defect", if you will. I asked for another "new boat" that didn't leak. They said no way. I offered to trade it in and pay the difference if they would help me work through the dealer. They again said no, "it's a little problem". Mastercraft and Correct Craft never treated me this way. "Guy" (the customer service manager) at Malibu told me to go ahead and write this... that people would understand Malibu's position. I hope he is right...... For Sale, one Malibu Response LX with 10 hrs. Leaks like a sieve but Malibu says don't worry! I'll even take a loss on this one (hell, I've owned it since last August and haven't been able to ski behind it since then! That alone is a loss.) Make me an offer, I'm not kidding. I want a quality boat again. Comments welcome. Joe -- (pictures available upon request, it sure looks pretty) |
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#6
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Follow up
"George Mills" wrote in message ... Then I looked at a used MC and said yes, now this is solid boat. I wanted a 20 foot bowrider so I ended up with a Tige. Not quite as solid as a MC but close and I liked the features (TAPS is a big plus) and price. I'm interested in why the TAPS is a big plus for you? |
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#7
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Follow up
"Doug Meredith" wrote in message
... "George Mills" wrote in message ... Then I looked at a used MC and said yes, now this is solid boat. I wanted a 20 foot bowrider so I ended up with a Tige. Not quite as solid as a MC but close and I liked the features (TAPS is a big plus) and price. I'm interested in why the TAPS is a big plus for you? Wouldn't you agree this subject has also been beat to death. One side says a properly designed boat doesn't need TAPS and that a hydrolic trim plate is nothing novel since Supra has had it as an option for many many years. Charlie Pigeon came up with a wonderful gimmick and sold the heck out of it. It is also something a sales guy can demonstrate even if it is questionable what he is really demonstrating. The other side says that they love to adjust the boat's wake characteristics and that they think it is a benefit. Who cares? I have my opinions and voted with my wallet to get a CC. Everyone has the freedom to do that, and you can't save the world from making (what is in your mind) a poor decision. |
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#8
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Follow up
See the Tige site for an explanation. It works great. Basically they shape
the hull so that it wants to ride bow up (i.e. wake board mode). When you want to slalom you put the trim tab down that basically adds lift in the rear. This lift is normally present in a slalom hull. In "slalom" mode it meets tournament specs. Although you can certainly argue it may not have the perfect slalom wake. It's very versatile and slalom is not everything for our boat. I like it for when it's rough water and I want to bring the bow up. Folks in front stay a lot dryer. I never have it in the slalom position unless someone is skiing. "George Mills" wrote in message ... I took a couple Responses out and almost didn't buy a ski boat at all. All motor, noisy as hell and low quality. One was 2 years old and was completely falling apart. Then I looked at a used MC and said yes, now this is solid boat. I wanted a 20 foot bowrider so I ended up with a Tige. Not quite as solid as a MC but close and I liked the features (TAPS is a big plus) and price. I won't really know if I made the right choice for many years to come but I knew enough to stay away from malibu (for my needs). Malibu may have great wake but it didn't pass the wife test at all. Response "bow rider" (i.e. the hole the cut in the closed bow) is a bad joke too. "J.W. Frank" wrote in message ... Well, thanks to the web it would appear I have a much better understanding of the problem now. Various people have responded with information regarding this on-going problem from Malibu. First, I need to sincerely appologize to the local dealer. I feel bad that he is caught in the middle. If I were him, I would investigate a new product line (I'm sure he will if he hasn't already). Next, I need the boat fixed. Possibly so that I may sell it and go back to another, more reputable, company that takes concerns with customer satisfaction seriously. Third, I need to be sure that I share my story with as many skiers as possible. Maybe I am just one person who is insignificant in the eyes of Malibu but I still represent a group (competitive skiers) who made Malibu possible. Perhaps the should reflect more on where they came from. -Rant ON- Additionally, maybe they should spend more time fixing problems before they reach the consumer rather than putting a band-aid on them after the fact. It doesn't seem like a strong corporate philosophy to me. Maybe the surf-boys in Calif. just got a little too much sun to make a good decision. But hey, if it makes them money, who cares, right? - Rant OFF - Thanks to everyone out there with something to add. You have helped. I am done wasting bandwidth now. On to more productive things! -- "J.W. Frank" wrote: Just a quick question: if you recently handed over close to 30k for a new Malibu Response LX and it keeps taking on excessive water, what would you do? I returned it to the dealer. Multiple times. I spoke with the factory... twice. They seem to think it is a minor problem (the hydrobox is leaking and needs fiberglass repair). I think it is a major problem... a "manufacturing defect", if you will. I asked for another "new boat" that didn't leak. They said no way. I offered to trade it in and pay the difference if they would help me work through the dealer. They again said no, "it's a little problem". Mastercraft and Correct Craft never treated me this way. "Guy" (the customer service manager) at Malibu told me to go ahead and write this... that people would understand Malibu's position. I hope he is right...... For Sale, one Malibu Response LX with 10 hrs. Leaks like a sieve but Malibu says don't worry! I'll even take a loss on this one (hell, I've owned it since last August and haven't been able to ski behind it since then! That alone is a loss.) Make me an offer, I'm not kidding. I want a quality boat again. Comments welcome. Joe -- (pictures available upon request, it sure looks pretty) |
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