Complaint Review: Ahlstrand Marine

After purchasing a new aluminum fishing boat this past winter, I specified the boat to be stored and shrink wrapped (which was an additional charge and was paid for accordingly at the time of boat payment) I was told that a phone call made to the service department "a few days" in advance would allow for the prepping and detailing prior to the boat pick-up. A phone call was made two weeks in advance to notify the sales and service departments of the pick-up. At this time, trailer accessories (fender guides, heavy-duty swivel jack) were requested and I was assured "we'll take care of it and you can pay at the time of your pick-up."

When the time came for my pick-up, not only was my boat still in shrink wrap and absolutely filthy dirty from being stored out in the muddy grass swamp, but the accessories that I had ordered had not been installed. After questioning one of the sales staff ,who seemed more bothered by me this particular day than the day of my boat purchase two months previous, they got some part-time youngster off the cashier register to look in their accessories store for the requested items to mount on my boat. This particular fella could not locate the parts that I had requested but at this point in time, I was consigned to just procurring them myself and installing. Upon removal of the shrink wrap, I found dirt, mud, leaves and other debris within both the inside and outside of the hull. Not very professional at all.

Despite my better judgement, I had this same dealer convert a short-shaft outboard motor to a long-shaft motor to accomadate the transom on this new boat and had received a verbal quotation a week before dropping the motor off by Ahlstrand Marine. In addition, I had requested that the service department clean and check the carb, lower unit, and cylinder compression prior to the expensive retrofit. They did and informed me that compression was great (104/107) and the motor started up fine in their test tank in the shop. I had them perform the all of the repairs and $1200 two weeks later, was headed for my local lake to try the motor out.

After priming the bulb, pulling the choke, and pulling the starter rope, I was dismayed that the motor would not fire up. I tried several more times and the same result. Nothing. I waited a good hour vand got on my trolling motor and just fished. After a while, I tried again and nothing.

I returned that afternoon back to Ahlstrand Marine where I was told that I would have to leave my boat for Service, which I did begrudgingly. I was also told at this time to call back in 'a couple of days' to check the status. I called a week later. The conversation went something like this, "Ahlstrand Marine." 'Hello, my name is Steve and I dropped my boat off for a repair a week ago and" "Was expecting some kind of miracle?" interjects the female voice at the other end of the phone line. "Uh...no, I was told to call back after a couple of days to check on the repair status. I waited a week. Has the technician had an opportunity to even take a "No, he hasn't." Click. Dialtone.

I received a voicemail message a few days later at my home informing me that my repair has been completed and to come pick my boat up. I happily oblige and return to Ahlstrand Marine the following business day and learn that some new componets were necessary to ensure proper starting and not to worry because my outboard was tested both on my boat and in their shop tank 9their gastank as well as mine) and that the motor was starting great and idling very smooth.

Well...you guessed it. I took my boat and newly repaired motor back to the lake to check it out and it doesn't start a lick. I take the cowling off and check to ensure that it is getting a spark (plugs were not fouled) and gas (it was) The motor did not turn and as I tried in fits of frustration to start my outboard motor, I called Ahlstrand Marine and explained the situation only to be told that I would need to drop it off and because they were backed up in repairs, that this couldd 'take awhile.'

Since this is after a all, a 25 year old two-stroke bought third-hand now, I decided to call Ahlstrand and ask them how much they would offer me for this motor that I had just dumped over $1400 into and they stated $400. I then asked them to quote me on a new 2007 outboard motor and they gave me a quote of essentially $600 over the price of another dealers 4-stroke motor. Their offer was for a 2-stroke outboard. Unbelievable. I bought the motor at the other dealer and do not plan on frequenting Ahlstrand Marine any time in the near future.

Steverino4141
Schaumburg, Illinois
U.S.A.