I got my boat 4 months ago and the engine keeps failing. They have tried to fix it over and over and it seems they can't figure it out. I've been stranded on the lake 6 times now. It's under warranty and I haven't had to pay anything but no one can seem to figure out what's wrong(even the engine company). Anybody ever got a lemon. If so what can I do?

What's the problem w it?

Make & model of motor?

Ford must of made the engine

You will have to give name of boat, name of dealer, name of mechanic, name of factory rep, etc.,etc., then bash above said in full page rant to get any response on here! (LOL) No Ive not bought a lemon but I hope things work out for you. Sounds like they are at least trying to help you?

What is happening just before you get stranded? Been having a few beers? Anybody been standing next to the filler cap, with the urge to go?

What engine do you have? I bought a new boat in 2005. It had a 90 hp mercury optimax on ot. The day I picked it up from the dealership me and my dad went out to the lake to start the break in process and fish a little. While I was idling the motor died on me. We were 4 or 5 miles from the boat ramp. It would not start again. There are not too many things that make you feel worse than getting towed in your brand new boat that your just picked up from the dealership 2 or 3 hours ago. I took it back to the dealership the next day. They said it had a bad wire harness which they replaced. The next time I took it out it died again. I took it back to the dealership right then since it was Saturday. They told me that the top end would have to be completely rebuilt. I said no way and they said it was my only option. I refused and told them I would only take a new motor. After running around in circles for about a week my dad contacted mercury getting the same run around. Eventually he finally got around to the president of mercury before I got a new motor.

Yes I have. In 1986 I bought. New Spirit bassboat with a 220 Yamaha. The boat was a Skeeter Starfire copy built in Many Louisiana. I began to have issues with the boat right away. Idling through the stumps caused the bottom of the boat to start coming apart. The trolling motor batteries were mounted under the three seats. Just the batteries vibrating and rubbing on the boat caused a leak. You get the picture.

I took the boat to them for repair after many phone calls. I left it about 3 weeks at the factory. I picked it up and drug it home to discover someone had stolen my hotfoot. Shortly after that they shut down. I think they lasted 3 years. A friend of mine had bought one a year before and had great luck with his.

I'd think that if they can't figure it out by now they'd just replace the engine with a new one. Is that not how it works with boats?

That's gotta be frustrating. Maybe list what it's doing and the make/model. Maybe someone here has experienced what yours is doing. Good luck and keep that paper trail. If things can't be figured out by the manufacturer, I'd try to escalate the issue until it's resolved. You did buy it new.

I'm not going to bash anyone. It is a major brand of boat and motor company. The boat itself isn't the problem. Just the engine. Is there anything legally that can be done if the problem isn't fixed? I will be getting in contact with the higher up at the motor company

I had a friend in 09 that had an evenrude that was the same way. He finally had to trade it in on a new boat with A mercury. he could not get the dealer to help him.

I would like to know the name of this place so I could avoid doing business there..

Everytime I have gotten it back from the shop it starts right up and works great for a while(hours) then it just won't start. Sometimes it will start again after an hour or so but sometimes not. This last time it worked for 10 minutes after being in the shop for 2 weeks.

Might be worth taking it to a differiant wrench -- get a second set of eyes on it.

As suggested...brand and model?

Describe exactly what has happened.

Otherwise, call Tommy at Rockwall marine and take his advice.