Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Boater's World's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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  Boater's World

  730 US Highway 27 N Lake Placid, FL 33852-9439

• 

  Boater's World

  531 E Commercial Blvd Oakland Park, FL 33334-2434

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/25/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Purchased an extended warranty on a boat back in 2023. The warranty was very expensive and there is an option to cancel. After having the boat warranty for almost 2 years, I filed paper work to cancel it and receive a partial refund, as I did not see value in the warranty anymore. The process involved the Boat Dealership sending a signed form to the warranty company. The process was initiated on December 19, 2024. The warranty company completed their part of the process on December, 2024. As of January 25, 2025, I have not received my refund. I have called the business multiple times over a span of 3 days, and left my call back information multiple times. No one has prioritized my issue, or updated me on the status of the refund. They refund amount is in the thousands of dollars. There have been multiple exscuses given / no one has called me back. I even have been told "someone will call you first thing in the morning" and failed to receive a call by the end of the business day.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/30/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I purchased a 16 ft Tahoe boat from them on 10/19/24. It is now December 30th. I have not yet received my registration or registration numbers for the boat. I have made multiple trips to the dealer, I have made multiple calls. They say, were waiting for the payoff to clear their bank, call back next week. Week, after week, no registration. Now they dont even return my calls. The state of Florida says it only take 2 weeks for the title and registration, but for Boaters World its now taken over 2 months, and still nothing.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/04/2025

  We sincerely apologize for the delay in being able to provide Mr. ******* with the title and registration for his boat but have made significant progress to do so.  Our check to the consignors bank for payment of their lien has now cleared and the bank is in the process of clearing the title with the state.  Per our contact with the bank, we expect to receive the title from them within the next ***** business days.  Once receiving it, we will immediately process Mr. ******** registration and overnight mail it to him with tracking.  In the meantime, we provided Mr. ******* with a temporary registration on Monday, 12/30.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/15/2025

   
  Complaint: 22744799
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  there has been no further communication from Boaters World on this situation or status and we have yet to receive registration
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** *******

  Business Response

  Date: 01/16/2025

  Please see the attached.  While we extend our continued apologies, it does appear to be out for delivery today.  Please feel free to advise me personally if not via email: ******************************** or cellular at: **************.  Thank you

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/15/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  The company trick me, they sold me a engine f300xsb2 s/n 6kax-1012649,,for my discounted price $21,993.00 ,that after receiving the documents from them they increased the price to $23,797.04 ( they installed the steering wheel backwards, and destroyed my console glove box, cutting out the fiberglass to install it,,incorrectly also destroying my stainless steel rub rail, and rubber , and destroying my paint job on both side of the bow, were it **** the trailer rubber support ,after putting the boat back on trailer,recklessly running the boat back on the trailer,after there 2 hour joy ride on the lake ( also missing the small hatch door )in the *****, side where they installed there battery #** series )also breaking my brake light on trailer, after complaining,they replaced the break light,( it was not even the correct light )also when I took the boat to boaters world , I supply 2 each 41 batteries inside the console, instead of running the wire to the console, from the engine,they took a different battery, and installed it in my storage locker close to engine, taking my space , and leaving the wire harness laying on the floor of the bilge, and leaving the balance of the harness wire laying on the floor inside the console floor,,,very poorly work ethics,,,my cost of repairs was ,$4,495.00 that was denied,and after complaining they offer to patch it up, But,after discovering there work ethics, I declined, and told them my , shop in *************** would do the repairs correctly, and I would send them the bill, but have been refused any payment or compensation, also I will file a complaint with a lawyer to sued boatersworld , for damages ect,?after asking them to pay for there recklessly and rigging job,,, and being very disrespectful , so I am sending bbb this report, and forward to my colleagues and my attorney. ****** ******

  Business Response

  Date: 10/02/2024

  Upon receiving notice of Mr. Pinder's BBB concern on 9/15 I reached out to him by phone on 9/16.  We have been working together since to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution.  The result saw us send Mr. Pinder an agreed upon amount yesterday to cover repair expenses for damage which occurred at our facility during the repower of his vessel.  Mr. Pinder was very amicable to work with, and I appreciate his trust in me to hopefully restore his confidence in our business.  Thank you, Pat Shaughnessy

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/26/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  We bought a boat from Boaters World 2 years ago. With that purchase, we purchased a 5 year extended warranty worth $3,700. I have the signed contract. We just had to make repairs on our boat totaling $2,278.80. When we called the extended warranty company, they told us the extended warranty was canceled 1 month after we purchased it!! NO ONE told us it was canceled and we ve been paying on it for 2 years! If our boat didnt need repairs, we never would have known it was canceled!!!

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/26/2024

  I forgot to attach the signed contract.

  Thank you.

  ***************************

  Business Response

  Date: 06/27/2024

  We reached out to the administrator of the warranty yesterday to request the customer's record but have not heard back. We will follow up with them again tomorrow if not receiving a response by midday.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/28/2024

  We will continue to wait to hear back from Boaters World again.

  Thank you.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/28/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  When we listed our inboard centurion for sale online, we were contacted by Boaters World of ***********.. they convinced us they could effortlessly sell it on ****************** came to our home to pick it up. We were later contacted and informed that they had no luck with the sale.. We arranged a day for them to bring the boat back .. When that day came no one showed up ... but a week later as I was preparing to pull out of the driveway a truck transporting the boat pulled up .. 5 minutes later and I would have missed him ..even from a distance it was obvious why it didn't sell.. It is completely destroyed. The photos included are from the Boaters World listing when they first took possession of my boat and the rest of the photos are from the day it was returned to me . Keep in mind that this is just the aesthetic damage. We've been given an estimate of $7000 (that we don't have) to get it back to the way it was. If you're wondering what Boaters Worlds response has been.. keep wondering because there has been absolutely no response from them. No one answers the phone.. no response online. I didn't reach out to them and ask them for help selling it.. they reached out to me.. that is what is so mind-boggling about this situation.. I would care for someone elses valuables better than I would care for my own.. it's unbelievable.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/02/2024

  Being new to the Boater's World organization, I was not employed during the term Ms. ****** boat was on consignment with our Lake Placid dealership.  I have reviewed the information available in our records and the pictures she included in her complaint.  I have left a message on the number provided in her complaint, leaving my contact information in hopes of discussing the matter with her.  I will attempt to reach her again tomorrow and provide an update once speaking with her.  

  *****************************

  Director of Operations - Boater's World

  Business Response

  Date: 06/10/2024

  After closely examining the pictures ************** submitted with her complaint I had the opportunity to speak with her last Monday, 6/3.When zooming in to the example picture, it is clear that the deterioration was already very evident upon its arrival.  This was common in materials of this era if having been left exposed to the elements or the wrong products had been used to clean and protect it.  These areas of deterioration were certainly obvious to potential buyers seeing them in person, being a significant deterrent to its sale due to the upholstery already needing replacement.  Boaters World could not have prevented this deterioration nor did anything to accelerate it. I explained to ************** that while Boaters World could not take responsibility for the deterioration, we would be happy to have an estimate prepared by our sublet upholstery vendor at our cost if she would send several pictures of the boats configuration and upholstered areas.  I did also state that while I could not offer further assistance until receiving the estimate, we would then consider providing a one-time good will subsidy payment to assist with the expense. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/08/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On 8/24/2023 We purchased a 16' Tahoe Bow Rider Boat from Boater's World in *********** **. While we were in the financing office *******, named "Laz" offered us a warranty and we said no. But then he said that it was $400 and it covered our first boat service at any Tracker Boat dealer which would include Bass Pro Shop. I repeated the information back because it sounded like an amazing deal. ******** we said that sounded good, but we NEVER once saw this paperwork, nor did we sign it. When we scheduled our boat for service I looked through our paperwork to find the warranty but it was not included so I reached out to Boater's World for a copy and to see if it had been included after all. That is when I first saw this price tag, which we NEVER agreed to. It had been added our loan without our permission or signature. I have asked for a refund and verbally the company agreed to this, but now I am no longer getting any sort of response from the company. I would like a refund for this unauthorized charge.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/11/2024

  We (Boater's World) are actively working with our customer via phone and email to resolve this unfortunate issue. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/23/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Now, I see why the boat dealership has drug this out for over a year. I bought a boat from Boater's World ********* in 09/2022. I was under the understanding that I was buying a new bought until I went to sign the paperwork. They had approved us for a 2021 BlackFin 272cc with 26 hours. They assured us that we were making a better purchase with this boat because we would have two extended warranties totaling $20,000 that would cover more than the factory warranty. The issues started when we bought the boat and took it out for the first time and the bow light didn't work. We were told that lights aren't covered by these warranties. We were told by the finance manager at the time that these warranties would cover the boat from bow to *****. We have taken the boat in numerous times with other issues only to have the boat sit on their lot and nothing resolved. We got excuses such as back orders and supply demand issues. This boat has spent more time on the dealer lot that it has in our actual possession. We have a paper trail that was provided to us by the dealership that shows where we have asked for issues resolve with the boat and there was no action taken to resolve these issues. We are now over a year into ownership of this boat and are unable to sell the boat due to the issues that are not being resolved by the dealership. I have had this boat on consignment with the same company for about six months now and no one has purchased due to the fact that the boat isn't seaworthy in its condition. The latest issue we had was a critical temp alarm going off when the boat idles. The dealership response to us was that it is due for it 150 or 200 hour service despite the fact that we haven't put that many hours on it. This dealership has done nothing but lie to us since we have started this venture over a year ago. And I am to the point where I am sinking financially over this and there seems to be nothing I have been able to do up to this point. I am pleading for help.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/28/2024

  We have pulled his unit into the shop and are currently working on the unit. We fixed the lower unit and driveshaft housing and also the water pump is due to be repaired, but not completed in its entirety, at some point 12/28/2024. 

  Business Response

  Date: 02/28/2024

  Some additional updates:
  The starboard engine was found to be overheating at idle only, not under normal 1000+ RPM running conditions.  This has been repaired under good will by replacing the water pump and thermostat.
  The port engine lower unit was found to have poor paint adhesion which our Service Writer was able to contact Mercury and get covered under warranty.  This unit now has a full new lower unit including new water pump. 
  Both the port and starboard engines also got new driveshaft housings covered under warranty due to the same paint adhesion issue.
  The customer mentioned the bilge pump was not working correctly.  This was found to be an issue with the auto float switch.  It and the bilge pump itself have been replaced as good will.
  The customer mentioned the bow navigation light was at some point inoperable.  It and the ***** light were tested and found to be operating correctly.
  The boat is being washed this afternoon and will be ready for transport tomorrow morning. 
  The customer is asked to contact the ****************** to arrange pick up.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/20/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I purchased a boat under false pretenses the dealer told me the boat motor had only 254 hrs on the motor when it broke down after 2 hrs of use it has actually over ****+ hrs on it I paid ***** dollars for a boat that was misrepresented claiming only to have ***************************************************************************** it only thing they could do is fix the motor thats broken they dont care that the hours are different

  Business Response

  Date: 06/22/2023

  This boat was purchased 2/2023. The boat was brought into the dealership advising the motor was not working. After running diagnostics, it was determined that the boat was ran with the low oil pressure alarm activated and oil was not placed in the motor when the alarm sounded. The buyer was advised that Boater's World would repair the motor for him. The buyer declined. Records also indicate the the meter showed the correct hours at the time the buyer made the purchase. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/30/2022

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I was in the process of purchasing a boat, and provided $3,000. Dollars down as requested by the lending agency, Bank of the Ozark (OZK). They delivered the boat and noticed several problems with the boat. No seats where on the boat, fish finder was exposed to the sun and melted in its place on the dash. I took it for a quick test drive and noticed that the boat would not plane out. I was informed that Jack ***** was to high. I didnt have time to further test the boat and took it out the first thing in the morning. I was driving the boat and the boat stalled. I was able to start the boat back up and tried to proceed down a canal to the lake. The boat would no longer move more then a couple mile per hour. It was obvious there was something wrong with the motor. I called the salesman immediately and later the finance department. I asked them to pick the boat up that to many thinks where wrong with the boat and to please return my down payment. The business, Lake Placid, never filed the loan application per OZK. *** made several attempts to contact Boaters World to no avail. None of my ****** are being returned.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/22/2022

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I purchased a used boat for $39,000. in January 2022. It was used and I asked if all the dials and instruments worked. The sales guy Cliff said yes they all work. When they delivered the boat and put it in the water- I drove it away. The gas gauge was full which they said they would do. It never changed form full after I was using the boat. Finally I went to fill it up and it took 20 gallons. The gauge did not work I called Cliff and he sent me to **** the service manager. **** said they would send someone to fix it. They never did. Then they told me the new service manager was ***. I talked to him and he said the same thing. They never fixed tix I called but was told it was now my problem. I just want them to fix it. Thanks