ComplaintsforThunder Jets Boats, Inc

• Initial Complaint

  09/07/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  The 2018 Thunder *********** was purchased new in 2019. In a couple months, the kicker motor mount had issues. Although this was a known issue, Thunder Jet was slow to respond. Only after a hull crack caused the boat to leak in less than a year, did TJ correct the issue with an unauthorized repair. The 1st hull crack needed to be repaired less than a year later, and after another year is currently severely pitted. Two years after the kicker mount was fixed, it is cracking. 2 additional hull cracks are leaking. I consider this 3 year boat as a lemon and unsafe to use. It should be replaced, or I should be bought out of the boat. Thunder Jet will not provide a resolution, allow a local company to inspect the cracks, or send someone to my house to inspect cracks. They will not sign a wavier to prevent the boat from having unauthorized repairs, again, if the boat is taking to a repair facility owned by TJ's parent company. A pick up was scheduled by Thunder Jet, and no one showed up on the scheduled day. Welding aluminum makes the material weaker which will allow the cracks to happened again, and TJ has not address or discussed the root cause of the cracks. A 3 year boat with 3 hull cracks has no resale value, as it is expected to crack again, which is a safety issue. Cracking on other heavy duty aluminum boats does not seem to happen within 5 years. My insurance company has determine that the cracks are a result of a manufacturers defect and will not cover the hull cracks. I reported the current crack over 3 weeks ago, and no action has taken place. Thunder Jet has multiple pictures of the cracks.

  Business response

  10/14/2022

  October 13, 2022
  
  Better Business Bureau
  PO Box 191279
  *****, ** *****
  

  Re: ******, Case #********
  

  To Whom it May ********************* are in receipt of the above-referenced BBB complaint submitted by **************** on 9/7/2022 and apologize for any delay in responding. Thunder Jet has been working with **************** to resolve his issues. His boat is currently at our facility in Clarkston and we are in process of performing agreed-upon repairs.
  

  Thunder Jet strives to deliver the best possible craftmanship and has created a comprehensive Quality Control process to ensure a premier product is delivered to our dealers and customers. While we regret when a customer experiences even one issue with their purchase, we are committed to customer satisfaction that's unmatched by any other marine manufacturer.
  

  Sincerely,
  

  ********************************
  Claims and Litigation Paralegal
  DD: **************
  *******************************************

  Customer response

  10/20/2022

   
  

   

   

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.  While it would be ideal to replace the hull, as a 3 year old boat should not have 3 cracks in the hull, and multiple cracks on the kicker support, I feel like the Thunder Jet facility went above and beyond to try to resolve all the issues with the boat.  Only time will determine if the repairs they completed will completely solve the issues.  I do believe that in order to say that they are meeting or exceeding the customer service of other boat companies, the hull should have been completely replaced. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

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