Hobie, warranty issue

I got a standard shut-out email response when I inquired about some defects on my Hobie.  However one of them may actually be helping this situation, an oblong scupper hole.  Thread is here: http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,11729.0.html

I've checked quite a few times, and still see no leaks in the scupper holes.  And believe me, I have weighed that puppy down with a bunch of gear and rolled it across all kinds of terrain. 

Hobie has been good to their customers so to base one's opinion about their customer service on this one situation would be unfair.

I don't know about that over 2 weeks and they haven't even got a claim yet

but, we will review the claim when received

It seems like every time I entertain the thought of crossing over to the dark side something like this pops up.

It seems like every time I entertain the thought of crossing over to the dark side something like this pops up.

We are also quite famliar with this type of comment form the "other side". Please give us the opportunity to work with his dealer on this issue... which is FAR from a slam-dunk warranty claim. Most likely we will... as usual... do what we do to make a customer happy. But first, we need to see the facts and an actual claim for what is being requested.

We are also quite famliar with this type of comment form the "other side"

That can't be good but when I look at a boat I only listen to people that have that boat not the other side as you call it.
The dark side isn't a derogatory remark it's what we call peddle craft in good fun I think it was coined by one of our most fun loving members. Thanks for getting involved keep us in the loop.

so to baseit seems like eveytime I enterain the thought  one's opinion about their customer service on this one situation would be unfair.

I don't know about that over 2 weeks and they haven't even got a claim yet

Not sure if that is my quote or not as it looks butchered, but regardless, is it Hobie's fault that they haven't received the claim yet?  I mean, the dealer is responsible for putting the claim in, am I correct?

Michael

I mean, the dealer is responsible for putting the claim in, am I correct?

True unless it is an authorized dealer then I would expect that they represent the Brand.

It is up to the Manufacture to make the claim process painless.

My bad on the scramble fixed

i've been wanting and saving for a mirage -drive boat for about a year now. this thread is starting to bum me out.

I'm sure a lot of people are watching this thread and will get to see how Hobie treat it's customers however it works out.

Generally speaking, Hobie has been good to their customers so to base one's opinion about their customer service on this one situation would be unfair.

Michael

I agree and even if they choose not to replace the kayak it doesn't mean they're a bad company.  I only know of two other similar situations friends have had with Hobie, and their service was excellent. 

hey zin, any word from hobie yet? 

  Received one message on this web site, apparently from somebody from Hobie saying they have decided to replace my hull.   Strange thing is I have not heard a thing from Windtoys, and in fact have not received one call from them about this the entire time.  I am still waiting for my $180 plus tax upgrade wheels that I paid cash for 2 weeks before leaving for my long baja road trip. (receipt dated Nomber 24)  Had those arrived this all would have not happened.   Just to clarify, I took my hobie to Windtoys before leaving and showed them my concern with where the wheel card ends in the scupper and asked if they did not think that was going to put stress on the hull and they thought it was no big deal.   After posting this I see that most people do not recommend ever using a through hull cart ever, which is a bummber, because they are very handy!  I believe both Hobie and Windoys are excellent at what they do, but I believe that they are bringing out products faster than the accessories that need to come with them.  The least they should do is tell people to only use those skinny and short wheel carts only on a boat ramp and never someplace where a wheel can be pushed by a rock (i.e. a lake or ocean shore!).and that would help a lot.  Had I known I would have had Lisa and I carry the kayaks to the waters edge and never taken a chance. $40000 for two kayaks is  alot of money, but I do love the product and feel that if the primary reason you are on a kayak is to fish, a Hobie is he only way to to go! 

It seems like every time I entertain the thought of crossing over to the dark side something like this pops up.

We are also quite famliar with this type of comment form the "other side". Please give us the opportunity to work with his dealer on this issue... which is FAR from a slam-dunk warranty claim. Most likely we will... as usual... do what we do to make a customer happy. But first, we need to see the facts and an actual claim for what is being requested.

I love my Hobie, no matter what. It is common knowledge among yakfishers that scupper hole carts cause damage and leaks to scuppers. If Hobie designs a scupper cart for Hobie yaks and it causes damage, that seems like a pretty clear cut and dry warranty issue. Here's a tip: Hobie, quit making damn scupper carts.

  Great news from John as Windtoys, who just called.  Hobie is gladly replacing the hull, John is personally going to remount all of my accessories and I should be good to go in a week or so.   Thank you Hobie for your understanding with this issue!  I might recommend that you send with each Kayak, some sore of owners manual that will help people protect their hulls intergrity!  I can't wait to get back on the water in my Outback, it has been the funnest toy that I have owned in the past year, and the includes my Shelby GT500!  

good to hear things worked out for you.

i have a scupper cart too.  i generally only use it on my boat ramp launch days.  the rest of the time its wheeleez or carry.  i also understand the question kayote raised - if there's an apparent problem with the scupper carts(even occasionally), why does hobie continue to sell them?  they are very convenient but there's definitely some risk there even if fully strapped on due to weight distribution.

$40000 for two kayaks is  alot of money,

That is alot of Money, I think ya made Jon's year on that one.... 

Glad things are working out and see ya out there soon   

BTW, I trade ya another Outback for that Shelby.....

Double your fun!!!!

 Shelby is great fun, but seems to be a lot less government oversite when I am on my yak, and I likes my freedom!