I bought my boat from Inland Boat Center in March 2024 through Taylor and Mr. Hellman. At the time…read moreof sale, the experience was excellent--very responsive, very friendly, and full of assurances that made me feel confident doing business there. I purchased a 2021 Manitou Aurora for $32,000, which I still own and have only put about 30 hours on.
A major part of that conversation was a trailer they agreed to sell me for $2,800 out the door. I was told it only needed brakes and that I would get a call when it was ready. I followed up several times and kept hearing delays, including that the wrong brakes had been installed and they needed more time. Eventually the communication stopped completely. Since then, no one has followed through, no one has updated me, and now the original agreement is treated as if it never happened. Instead, the only option presented is a new trailer for around $7,000.
I also recently asked what they would offer if they bought the boat back. After paying $32,000 and barely using it, I was offered $16,000. Even getting that answer took repeated effort because emails and calls were ignored until I physically walked into the showroom.
Service has been equally disappointing. When I bought the boat, I was specifically told that because I am a Canyon Lake customer they would arrange pickup and delivery for service. When I called recently, I was told there is now a $200 transportation charge and that I would need to take it up with Taylor. I texted Taylor directly again and still received no response.
I was also quoted around $1,000 for a basic oil change and impeller replacement, while other boat service centers quoted substantially less for the same work.
I have been in sales for over 20 years, and one thing I understand clearly is that customer service after the sale matters more than the sale itself. What stands out most here is how dramatically the customer experience changed once the transaction was complete. Before the purchase, communication was immediate. After the purchase, promises became difficult to verify, follow-up became almost nonexistent, and basic customer service became a struggle.
For anyone considering buying here: document everything, get every commitment in writing, and do not rely on verbal promises alone. Based on how this has been handled, I would not purchase from Inland Boat Center again, and I would not recommend that friends, family, or anyone I know buy or service a boat there.
