I purchased a used boat/motor/trailer from Camp & Cruise, an established dealer in Grand Rapids, MI in January 2, 2015 for $6,400. I planned to use the boat for guiding. Upon use of the boat for the first time I had issues with the Evinrude (E50PL4SI, S18007164) and had to be towed back to the launch. I contacted Bill Rice about the issue. Who said he would forward my issue onto his service team, I never heard back. The gas tank plug did not fit tightly and I had to change it at my cost. Issue #1 solved. I then took the boat back out, expecting the boat to run like new. It didn't. The boat would run for a couple minutes and then die. The motor was not running properly to sum it up. I contacted C&C for the second time and this time received a response. We attempted a few things to get the issues solved. New fuel pump and then spark plugs (plugs at my cost). None of them worked. In the process of doing these projects I decided a change the oil, which was not changed prior to my purchasing, Issue #3. It was to the point where it needed to be taken to a professional. I was told by a C&C service contact that they were speaking with their rep to find a place for me to take it in Madison, WI. They never came up with an answer. With time running out to get the boat fixed before my upcoming boat guide trips I called upset about the issue demanding it need to get into a professional ASAP. I was told if I knew of a highly recommended marina to take it there. I did so, Don's Marine (A top 100 dealer) in Lodi, WI.
I told them to give me a diagnosis before proceeding. They did and I got them in touch with C&C. The technician at C&C called me after talking with the Technician at Don's and insisted I take it elsewhere and that the technician at Don's was not doing "what he would do." He specifically said "do not let that guy open up your engine." He requested I bring the boat back to Grand Rapids, MI (720mi roundtrip) and he would take care of the issue. C&C made the offer to pay my gas to get there. I explained that it was an unrealistic request as it was in the peak of my trout guide season and I was booked solid. I cannot give up a two days of work to run the boat back to MI, when my clients are coming I from afar to have a guided trip. My reliability as a guide service would be jeopardized. It was not a realistic request and C&C was unable to negotiate any further. I left it at that due to my extreme disappointment in C&C and the complete neglect of reason.
The bill to get the work completed at Don's was $2,336.06. The technician at Don's explained how the issue was caused previous to my ownership and that there was a laundry list of issues with the engine. He sent me an email with pictures describing the issues.
This was the diagnosis from the tech:
"Test ran engine and found to be overheating at WOW. T-Stat is @195, exhaust manifold is @ 125 and cylinder head is @ 210+. Overheating is causing fuel to vapor lock causing engine to run out of fuel. Pulled power head and pulled cylinder head off. Found engine had been apart at some point (Missing top timing chain tensioner and timing chain was not lined up with factor marks.) Found water scale build up and old impeller pieces from when motor was not a jet drive stuck in cylinder head and engine block."
Here are the 3 major issues.
Issue #1 Gas line plug was the wrong plug for the new gas tank you put in the boat
Issues #2 MAJOR ISSUE. The motor would run for a couple minutes and then die
Issue #3 Oil was not changed when I purchased boat.
The bottom line is the boat was not functional when I purchased it and I was told it was.
Quote from an email exchanged with Bill Rice.
"Your rig is fine, and the previous owner had 0 issues with the boat or the engine.
No funny business. We will not sell a boat that is dangerous, unsafe, or will cause problems down the road for the owner.
Anytime you have a concern reach out. The purchase is only the starting point."
This was obviously blatantly false. read more