CENTURION PAINT ISSUE - Baaaaaaad!!!!

http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/3183/46983.html

disclaimer: This is MY OPINION
Many of you who have been on the board for a long time have read ( yes over n over ) about my problems wiht Fineline / Centurion. Please read my last post if you are intrested in my repeated problems and before you purchase a new or used boat.


I have had countless problems with my boat, the paint being the latest. Please take a look at the photos below. She is going back into the shop again this week for the ???? time. . . .

Jez - Not good, I just ordered a 2003 Tsunami, hope they have work out the kinks.. good luck

Looks like they didn't get all the wax off before they painted it. Did it orange peel too? Not sure it is a mfg problem... looks like an amateur paint job to me. If I were the dealer I sure wouldn't have showed you that job. I'd give them a D- and detention for a week. hehe

Can you take it anywhere else to have the work done?

I've got a great delear, the problem is geting any $$$ or warranty work done from fineline. . .

That is just the passanger side, drivers is just as bad. Boat is going back in the shop this weekend. . . ( no orange peel )

arent boats gel-coated, if so then there is no "paint sprayed on the boat" realy its sprayed in the mold then the glass is put in over that??

There is no "paint" on a boat. The boat is built from the color out.

Very hard to tell from those pictures what that is.

Correct me if I'm wrong. When they bulid a boat they start with a mold. The colors/stripes etc are sprayed on first, then the gelcoat, then fiberglass, right? When it pops out of the mold you have a boat with stripes, color etc. Then the decals etc are put on. Right? I'm asking here but I'm pretty sure this is process.

Yep, that's the way it goes, the boats are built from the outside in. Wax plays an integral role in the process, and is almost essential to get good looking gel right out of the mold. You would want the wax on the mold before you lay down the gel.

That clouding looks like it's either moisture related, or the gel wasn't mixed properly.

Good luck!

That looks awful. It looks like a 10 year old boat that sits in the sun all day long.

Bruce Thats correct. Jason is also right if there was no wax on the mold the boat would never come out. It would be stuck to the mold.

That also looks like 4 pictures of the same part of the boat.

That is only the passanger side, and yes the driver side is just as bad. Centurion had NO COMMENT. . .

They were SUPPOSED to call me back by 5:00 pm Friday. Never received a call, suprise, not really consedering their track record.

The boat is covered when its out of the water and stored inside a garage / barn during the heavy winter months. It shouldnt matter if it was out in direct sun for the last 2 years, there is NO WAY a gelcoat/color should fade like it has. . .

I called Centurion this morning. They will have a factory rep onsite this afternoon to evaluate the damage and are most likely going to tow it back to the factory . . . keeping my fingers crossed

aaron, if anyone deserves attention, it's you.
you have reasonably asked to be heard on this site for some time now. i hope it works out.

laterdayne

I don't know how you can complain about their customer service anymore if they send a rep to your house. I hope they figure out the problem.

(Message edited by kstateskier on March 17, 2003)

Nick, they are sending a rep to my dealer, most likely the boat will have to go back to Merced, I am awaiting the phonecall.

As you can see from the photos, the gelcoat is in desperate need of repair. I will be a happy customer when the issue gets fixed and you will see a post thanking them when its fixed n ready to go. Thnank you.

Sending a rep out this late in the game sounds like a nice gesture, but in reality, it sounds like way to little, and waaaay to late.

Good luck Aaron, hope things work out for you.

I have read your saga, and I have no idea how you keep sane. Have they been made aware of the potential customers they are losing over this? it might be worth refreshing all of your posts to the top of the list, and sending the dealer or maufacturer a link.

Please don't subject us to that again!

They should replace the boat under the lemon laws!

Unfortunately it only continues. Someone cut through my cover and stole my stereo, amps, speakers and equipment over the weekend while the boat was in the yard. Centurion Rep never made it out yesterday, I am awaiting a calll this afternoon. . .

Damn Aaron!! so you're sayin' that while your boat was at the dealer all your goodies were ripped off!!?? dude, I feel for you...

And on top of that, the rep was a no show!?
I agree with Mike Morris, how do you keep it together....good luck, hope it all works out.

While the boat was at the dealer??? Or was it at your house? That really sucks, I've always been really worried about my stereo equipment in the boat.

Have you talked to your ins company? Will they cover the loss?

mb

What doesn't tear you apart only makes you stronger. I am keeping my head up somehow, someway looking forward to the days I spend on the water to get me through this. The boat was at the delear, police report filed ans well as insurance notified. . .Tore/slit cover, Cd player, 1000 watt amp, 400 watt amp, & Tower Speakers. . .

I just hear about this from the dealer! It's true the boat was at the dealer! But what you don't know is that Aaron left the boat in front of the dealership on Sat. after closing time and anybody could have just driven off with it if they wanted to. This is a shame that the factory is taking such a beating over something they have nothing to do with. The factory has sent a rep to the dealer and taten a look at the gelcoat problem. the first time the factory hear of this issue, was on Fri. Don't allways believe what you hear. It also looks like most of the other issues are related to the engine. 3/4 of these thing are are general maintinence. Water pump impellers only go bad for two reasons, wear or running the boat without water. Get it straight!!!

Uh, I'm blaming the factory and the dealer. If it wasn't for the gelcoat, it wouldn't have been at the dealer. If it wasn't at the dealer, crap wouldn't have been stolen.

It's an inside job. Anytime crap gets stolen from boats/cars at the dealers, it's an inside job.

SCOTT,

Scott - YOU are the CENTURION REP that is suppose to evaluate my boat per fineline and this is the post you put up??? GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE, I must say. Yes the boat was dropped off at the delearship as requestted.

Did I blame the dealer for the stolen stereo NO!
Did I blame Centurion for the stolen stereo NO!

I simply said my things were stolen and did not place BLAME anywhere.

I AM BLAMING FINELINE & CENTURION FOR THE GEL COAT YES - LOOK AT IT!!! YOU ARE A EMPLOYEE OF FINELINE / CENTURION AND THIS IS THEY TYPE OF REPSONSE OWNERS OF YOUR PRODUCTS GET. I am so very glad that all future consumers have he oppurtunitty to view this forum and your response.

wow, this makes me want to buy another Centurion!!!

Hold up...Scott's with Fineline/Centurion? Does Fineline/Centurion know of his unprofessional conduct, placing blame on the customer rather than trying to figure out what the problem is and taking care of that customer? Does he know that most people in here have the intelligence to know to not run the boat w/o water or is he saying Aaron doesn't have the intelligence to know that he's not supposed to run it w/o water?

It's obvious that he wasn't blaming anyone for the theft! If you READ his post you will see that he is just trying to say that "when it rains it pours". I will be in the market for a new boat within the next year and Centurion fits my price range. However, from the professionalism and customer service that I've heard of so far, I'll definitely have to take a very close look!

If you look at his profile he must not have much faith in Centurion either since his profile says he has a sanger.

Wow Scottt, good luck selling boats. I am not taking sides here, but I think as the manufacturer you need to take it easy on accusations. Let's hypothetically say Aaron is making all this up, are you stooping to his level and calling him names on here? Say he's telling the truth, you are making yourself look bad and speaking before you know the facts.. Either way, bad move.

I read some of his other probelms. If those issues were maintenance, why didn't the factory say so? Aaron posted the long and painful story of his contact with your company that appears he was promised many things and never got any.

Who should get it straight?

Sorry about your troubles Aaron.

You wrote: "Someone cut through my cover and stole my stereo, amps, speakers and equipment over the weekend while the boat was in the yard"

Who's yard? Where was the boat when it was jacked?

Inside job

The boat was in the lot of the Delearship, it was dropped off for repairs as I have done in the past. It was NOT behind a locked gate, but directly infront of the delearship.

I stand by DELTA SPORT BOATS - great people, great mechanics, and great service. I will continue to bring my boat to DELTA, they have stuck by me.

Centurion on the other hand, I don't have to say a word, everyone can make there own decision.

OK. So, the stereo theft sucks. And, it is likely Aaron's problem because the dealer had not taken possession.

Now, back to Centurion and this post from Scott. Wow, this sure makes me feel good about CC/MC/BU.

Since Scott's post (assuming he is the Centurion rep), views of the company have gone from baaaaad to worse, IMO.

I would think a 'sales director' would have been a little more tactical in his address to his target market.....this pretty much blows my mind...and to think I had considered looking closely at Centurions for my next purchase...

Scott? Scccoooooottt???? Where'd he go?!

Just a point or 2
Scott works for Kal Kustom
they are the West coast distributor for
Centurion, Sanger and several other manufactures.
Scott owns a Sanger becasue he is a barefooter.

Looks like the gel work should be an easy fix. I would say to take it easy on the manufactures, as every single one of them have their issues. However, after Scott's remark, I can't imangine any service from Centurion being worth a damn.
Hey Scott, how's your job security now??

To all of you that have taken my comments as an attack on Aaron, let me explain my comments again. All I want to clear up is the facts that sometimes look to be black and white in words, yet don't tell the whole story. If you look at the story told about the theft of the stereo. One might think that the dealer was not taking care of the boat that was in their lot. The boat was left in front of the store after hours. The lot that they keep boats in, is fenced and alarmed. I'm not trying to blame anyone, only clearing up the facts, so it's clear. Centurion's number one priority is to try and make the customer happy. This situation is a frustrating one for both parties. Both Kal Kustom and fineline are commited to making Aaron's boat right. I have been looking into the history of this situation today and will do my best to make sure the right thing is done. We don't always have control of the motor companies warranty issues and if asked will always intervene to make the customer happy if possible.

Maybe you should've have thought about your post before you posted. I think it's a little late for the back-pedaling. These people don't take to rippin' on innocent customers from company reps very well.

right on, Scott. Thanks for the clarification.

Let us know how it turns out, Aaron....

Thank you Scott, I appreciate the more professional approach. I will keep everyone posted on the developments of my boat.

The biggest problem I have with Scott's post is this:

"The factory has sent a rep to the dealer and taten a look at the gelcoat problem. the first time the factory hear of this issue, was on Fri. Don't allways believe what you hear."

Um, Friday, as in this last Friday the 14th? Sorry, but some of us have been following Aaron's troubles since late summer/early fall.

wtf?

The gelcoat / paint is my latest problem and it appears as it is being hadled promptly, so I hope. Fineline is also working with me to recover the 400.00 check that has been in the mail for months. Awaiting a phonecall. . .

I would hate to be slammed and have my product bashed so hard by people who are very involved and love the sport. Aaron's troubles with this boat have been going on forever. It seems to me that if now a rep as Scott is or distributor or whatever he does for the company/ies is involved, it's becuase it's in somehow affecting him. It clearly shows that your company doesn't try to make the customer happy or the boat right.Fineline can't take the time to get the boat squared away and keeps playing the blame game. This shows me alot about Centurion's customer service and I'm sure glad I don't have to deal with service like that. Aaron hopefully they can get you taken care of after along time of headaches to what should be a fun thing to deal with. My .02

Aaron,

I've known you since last July, and I have yet to see that boat on the water.

Patience is a virtue, however I have little left. . .

I am awaiting an update from Fineline / Kal Kustoms / Scott. I will keep everyone updated with the develoments.

Scott,
I am sure you didn't expect the reaction you got, but you certainly did not score any brownie points for your comments. Aaron has been having problems for a while now. I read his post about his stereo being stolen and did not think he was insinuating that the dealer was to blame at all. He was merely pointing out a fact. Your first line was "The factory has sent a rep", but then we find out you are the rep. That made it look like you were hiding who you are. Then you make these comments after you didn't even show up. Very unprofessional reponse from you all the way around.

Aaron, sorry to hear about your new troubles man. I also seem to notice you are spending a lot of time waiting on phone calls, just to clarify, do they actually come? I hope you get everything worked out soon.

Everybody makes mistakes and like it or not even the best products sometime break or dont work properly.

What makes a company GOOD or BAD is not the quality of their product, rather its the quality of how they handle the problem.

Aaron this is insane!


Scott Pellaton, if you are the Rep that is going to inspect this boat..get on it. You have time to come on here and post messages..pick up the phone a set an appointment you can keep. I think you should report your findings on Wakeworld in lets say 3 Days. You can post it under the thread entitled "Centurion's response to Aaron"

Get if fixed (if you can)then sell it and never buy another one again. Cut your loses and be done with it. Save yourself the headache. After reading all of this I would never purchase a Centurion.

I agree that Aaron is having some service issuse and I would not have faith in their customer service after reading this. However, IF I WAS REALLY GOING TO BUY ANOTHER BOAT, I would make my purchase only after looking at ALL the facts. Not becuse of some post on this site or any other place for us to tell manuf's how to build boats.
"I would never purchase a Centurion."
Man, you are going to have a really hard time buying any boat if you base your purchase off information on these discussion boards.

I have been reading about this boat for it seems like a year now. When I went to the Pleasanton Boat Show I walked right past the Centurion Boats because of this stuff. I wrote this just to let Centurion know that their actions have effected people out there. I know one person here at work that bought one brand new and has had gel coat cracks and other things go wrong. Just from these two instances I would never buy a Centurion.

I wont have a hard time becasue I would pretty much buy anything else, as long as it fits my needs and budget. What kind of boat do you have? Have you ever taken care of a boat before? One that you make the payments on? If you do you would expect it to work just like you car. If I payed that much for a new boat (toy) and had that kind of customer service and problems I would never buy one again. Period. That is my choice, plenty of other boats to look at and buy.

I've had 5 friend buy Centurions with in the last 5 or 6 years, NONE of them own a Centurion now.

Aaron,
Sorry to hear about all your problems. Nobody should have to go through all that.(or even half of that)
I've been struggling whether or not I should bring this up for a couple of reasons:
1. I don't want to add insult to injury.
2. I know very little about the workings of Scott/Fineline/Sanger. It appears this is the same rep that had Sanger fix my boat.
3. I don't know Scott.
4. I don't know what I'm talking about for the most part.
but here goes:

My Sanger had a few gelcoat bubbles,took it to the dealer and watched/listen him get on the phone with Scott. The boat was at Sanger within 2 hours. It did take a couple of weeks to fix but my timing was poor. I took it in 4 days before the boat show, I suspect the busiest time of year. afaik, most companies don't cover gelcoat bubbles and I received no resistance from Scott or Sanger. I believe they technically could have said "tough luck".
It appears that this is Scott's first dealing with your on-going problems, hopefully he'll get you squared up quickly. I think Fineline is going to be the roadblock though.

That said, I'm wondering if Fineline is brushing you off(duh!)hoping you'll go away which is the reason they haven't had Scott address the issue(s). Truthfully, you're not the first person I've heard complain about Fineline customer service and there's nothing worse then poor service.

Hopefully you can get this all fixed up and have an event free season.

Take care,
B-

Barry- Glad to hear that it worked out for you.

THANKS for the wishes Barry,

I have had another individual e-mail and stated he had the same exact issue, his was a 99, same spots on the boat. He informed he waxed the boat over n over n over agian to no avail, he ending up dumping the boat and getting a Malibu. .

I am still awaiting a phonecall, I wil call them tomorrrow if I have not yet heard anything as of this evening. .

Aaron- I know Scott. He helped me build my current boat exactly how it was supposed to be built. He has met me at the Factory on Saturday and completely gone out of his way to help me long after my check was cashed. If he says this is the first he has personally heard of the problems I believe him. He is amazing at getting things done. Sounds like you two got off on the wrong foot. Trust me, with Scott involved you will get results.

For the rest of you throwing out insults, I'd like to know how many of you know Scott or have dealt with him? Also, how many of you have had messages misinterpreted by readers of this board?

Who's up?

Chris,

I have left a VM for Scott in the passed, only 1 and it was never returned. I believe he was out of state or handling a issue at that time per Kal Kustoms.

My problem is the continued promises and still nothing done ( ie check in the mail ). IMO his first post was unprofessional, however I applaud his second post and am more than willing to work with him, Fineline and Kal Kustoms. Hopefully Scott will take care of me as he has with you.

Unfortuantley I still havent received a call from anyone on status on my boat. . .

Aaron, I reponded today to a situation that didn't sound right to me. I have read all the resonses and am disapointed in this forum. I read a fair amount of unhappy people and from my seat, it's hard to make everyboby happy. Anyone who has done business with me will tell you that I may not always make everybody happy (sometimes that is impossable) But I do what I say I'm going to, and I get back when I say I will. I have not told you I would get back to you today but I did say I was looking into this problem. I never received a message from you (that doesn't always mean you didn't leave one) but I am on this problem now and I will see it through until it's done. I read one note on here that I can aggree with! It said all products have problems at one time or another. What make a good company is how they handle the problems. On the surface, it looks like you have been given the run around. I have looked at a fair amount of information in regards to your problems and will get to the bottom of them. For those of you that have put in a good word for me, I thank you.

"Disapointed in this forum." Hehe, that's a good one.

"disappointed in this forum"

I would recommend against writing such things.

Arron, I also have been following your story for almost a year. I just wanted to put my 2 cents in. My story is nowhere even close to yours but I wanted to let you know how a good company takes care of such problems. I have an 02 X-star that I bought At Ski World. As people have posted every company has problems with their boats. After about 3 months of use I noticied a crack in the upper hull near the tower mounts and about 5 or 6 small stress cracks in the interior of the Boat. I called Ski World and without hesitation they told me to bring the boat in and they would fix it. This was site unseen. I dropped the boat of on a monday morning and was on my way to the lake that Friday afternoon. I am sure that this is not what you want to hear, but I wanted to let you know that there really are people that not only follow up with first rate customer service but deliver what they promise. The guys at Ski World are always willing to go above and beyond. I wish you all the luck in the world at getting this resolved but if you can't go see the guys down at Ski World and they will treat you right.

Disappointed in your product.
Disappointed in your service.
I think it's your turn Scott to show the consumer why we shouldn't be disappointed in your company. Actions speak louder than words.

After reading all of this I would never buy a centurion. I do own a sanger and the transaction was partially through scott. He followed through on a deal that he probably did not have to. I believe and hope he will take care of you and I hope he can put the pressure on fineline to take care of you and take care of your past losses.

For those of you that are contemplating about Centurion, I am not a rep nor do I have anything to do with Centurion. I purchased a 2002 Typhoon from Austin Sport Boats last year. The Typhoon not only exceeded my expectations, but the staff @ Austin Sport Boats truly took take of us. I bought the Typhoon with wakeboarding in mind but also because of beam and length of the boat. It sits up higher than most boats but one thing stood out above all the rest: the space and quality. It has Great proportions. More importantly, we looked at the Mastercraft, Natiques, etc.. not too concerned with price and chose Centurion. I have enjoyed my boat to the max and have just ordered a 2003 30’ Tsunami with the idea that it too will also exceed my expectations..

I am surprised to hear about Aaron's unfortunate dealings, Centurion/Fineline has grown approx 22% every year for the last 2 years - Growing pains? I sure hope this isnt a benchmark with future customers in mind.

Taibiggs,

Austin Sport boats had one of there mechanics call me back in the day when some of my problems originated. The mechanic spent a good 30 mins on the phone trying to help me identify the issue. THANK YOU.

Scott, I was informed that a rep would be onsite Monday. Things happen, it appears you weren't able to make it onsite untill Tuesday. It is now Wednesday morning and I have no idea whats going on wiht my boat, where it is, if its going back to the factory, anything. Yes, you never specifically stated you would call me back, however I was informed someone would. I left a message with fineline yesterday afternoon and am again awaiting a call back.

Thank you for taking control of the issue and seeing this problem through, that is all I ask.

wow

i can believe the problems with the boat, it happens. i can't believe the attitude from the rep....calling aaron out without identifying himself and then saying HE'S disappointed in this board!

hang in there, aaron.

Tsunami???

Are you going to board behind that hideous eye sore? Might as well get a semi-real sport boat. The wake will suck just as bad behind a Fountain, Sonic, Donzi, or etc.

You guys are so into dog piling. WW is turning into a dumping grounds for boarders that are stuck off the water.

He said he is dealing with it. Just read the words, don't try and interpret it for anything else, that's my wifes job.

Hideous Eye Sore, I hope I dont swallow you up in my wake. It sure was a serious Eye Catcher when they took the photo shoot in Lake Tahoe, but I’m sure you already knew that.

Doug, All I know is nobody will have a 30' specific wakeboard boat/Big Lake Boat. The Tsunami has gotten great reviews from Wakeboard Mag and Waterski mag. Its a dual purpose boat - Plus I can fit 12 people in the Tsunami and still have a 6' stabbin cabin for the Beeearches in the bow. I will scream past your little X-star at 72 mph with more beaver than you see on pay day at a strip club, just kidding though - Look - I want something that is different than all the other wakeboard boats, Dude 30' long and I quote waterski mag - "all about wakes with the Tsunami, with top-tier boarding double-ups and nice swells... there’s not much need to load the Tsunami with extra weight to get monster wakes. I guess there is no reason to bring up that Mastercraft makes their Maristar @28' VLD with a tower and comes std with Perfect Pass

Thanks for your advice and I hope your eye sore gets better....

Everything is big in TEXAS!!!!!!

BOARD:

I have been working with FINELINE and KAL KUSTOMS extensively this afternoon. The primary reason and confusion regarding the problems is because I failed to disclose that I am not the original owner. I purchased the boat used, after a inspection with 60 hours. I am NOT the original order, but the 2cnd owner, I did not understand the relevance of this until now.

FINELINE is stepping up to the plate and doing everything they can to try an resolve the issues at hand. I would like to Thank Shell, Tim and Scott @ FINELINE for handling the issues and working to get everything squared away. Typically warranties are not transferred to the 2cnd owner. To be a 100% fair FINELINE has no direct way to verify how the old owner treated the boat. I am in the process of compiling the maintenance records and receipts so FINELINE can further assist me in getting the issues resolved. Centurion or Fineline have not been the major source of problems but rahter the Mercruiser motor, my complaints other than the gelcoat should have been made clearer. Now that the issues are layed out n presented Fineline is working to get them resolved even though it is not directly there issue to address, assist or handle.

WakeWorlder's, Scott, Shell, Tim, FINELINE, KAL KUSTOMS, my apologies if everyone wasn't on the same page and made aware of all the details. Thank you for going the extra mile, I look forward to being on the water~

tabiggs, looks like you bought the marketing on that 30' boat. haha

I just watched the vid on that boat. How do you see over the bow when moving at boarding speeds?

Looks like Scott did a fine job getting the process started to resolve Aarons problems.

That point should be noted.

E.J.

The Tsunami is certainly not a wakeboard boat.
And, what is up with those boat names. Pathetic.
They should rename the "Tsunami" to "Compensator".

Dane,
After looking at your boat comparison on your profile, how do you rate the sanger v210 or have you ever been in one?

Dane- It took me a minute, then I wet myself laughing.

I agree. that was funny and very creative.

Aaron, you're awesome for coming back with a post that more accurately defines your boat and its issues. I work for a dealer, and to be honest, when a friend brought your posts to my attention, I was very surprised. I know all the people at Fineline AND Kal Kustom, and I personally know that if a boat is under warranty, and the issues are truly warranty related, not only will they transport the boat, correct the issues and return it to its owner, but more often than not, it'll be returned SPOTLESS, with t-shirts, caps, totes, etc for their troubles. I truly hope that you haven't lost your faith in Centurion, but rather understand that when purchasing any product secondhand, it's hard to know what problems are being passed on by previous owner's neglegence. Whether it be Malibu, Mastercraft, Natique or any other line, a boat's second owner can't know what headaches they've walked in to. Thanks, Aaron for hanging in there. Hey... I can restore your faith in Centurion if you're looking for a great deal!!