I recently purchased an 03 MC X2 and the bow had a 7 inch gouge from a boat buddy gone bad. What some don't know is that underneath the rubber are two metal (sharp) points. When and if it wears out, you will run your boat up on metal! <BR> <BR>$600 to fiberglass and paint it <BR> <BR>Anyone else have these issues? <BR> <BR>M

not yet. I have a 2000 x-5 with 1100 hours on it and my boatbuddy rubber is not worn at all. What I did notice thru the years is that if you are off center and ram the bow eye into the rubber parts, they will wear out fast. Go in slow and steady and easy the boat up the bunks to the buddy

I have a '96 and it hasn't worn out on me. The only thing I have noticed is that is leaves a dark grey(black) mark on the top part of the keel on the bow were it rubs before engaging.

The front of my boat did the same thing on long trip back from havasu. <BR> Sucks

I had one that would flip over when you least expect it. Something would catch on the bow and flip it, causing a gouge. When I got my Tige, I made sure the boat buddy was not installed.

I have not had a problem, but have hit the sides a couple times in the river current. For only $ 50.00 its worth changing every couple of years for the ease of loading.