When I went boat shopping, I too was not real impressed with most dealers. Some were decent, but their nickle and dime charges for this and that lead to big price tag. I shopped most all of the big Alumacraft dealers around the metro. I found one that did not have big $$ rigging fees (like Cabelas/Hallberg), a guy who knew his prices/product without going back to the desk and looking things up and 'exceeded' my expectations. No upgrade charges for all the additional RAM mounts and network cable. I also threw a curve ball at him and asked to have my delivery day moved up two weeks in spring - no problem. No rigging charges, best price on all installed accessories (trolling motor, electronics, canvas) by several thousands. Plus, when I went to take delivery, the boat was ready with a SS prop installed. I went cheap with the aluminum and he wanted the package to be 'perfect'.

I asked him after the sale what he made on the package, after all, I didn't care because I got the best deal by far than anywhere else. He made a good profit, which he needs to stay in business and he gave me the best sales/service I was looking for. LaCannes Marine.

Interesting post! If anyone here needs help shopping for a new boat feel free to contact me as I've purchased a few new boats in the past few years.

I'll also add that my last purchase was from Nisswa Marine and everything was completed to my satisfaction and the price was excellent. Also I've never had to bring the boat back for any reason what-so-ever. I'd say that means the rigging was done to perfection. Also kudos to Yamaha/Ranger for being a reliable rig!

My purpose for this post was not for selfish reasons or to tarnish any reputation. I posted this information because I thought I would make others on this site aware of the games some dealers like to play with everyday boat buying individuals. The facts were stated in this post "Exactly" as they accurred! There is no slander involved at all! Yesterday, July 16th, I got a call from the salesman at the dealership - he had read the post and he agreed that they treated me horribly! He was all shook up and apologizing over and over about how badly they jerked me around. The owner was the one playin' games, but the salesman was still part of the equation. He asked me what he could do to make things right, and I told him what the dealership could do to make things right and make this post go away. I guess we'll see if they take care of their problems in the end...........

People, just be extra cautious when making any big purchases out there. Look out for "Yourself" because nobody else is going to!

NOW LET'S GO FISHING!!

Good to see they understand that word of mouth does work.

With the economy how can they afford to play games?

Sad that they have to be reactive with customer service and not proactive.

The thing these dealers need to realize is that in many cases, they only get ONE chance to establish a working relationship with a potential customer. They either have the right mindset and right attitude to capture the customer, or they have the wrong mindset and attitude and lose the customer. It's based on first impressions and word of mouth IMO.

A dealer might treat a potential customer wrong, get called out on it, apologize and try to make it right......but who's to say they won't attempt the same type of "swindling" sales with the next person who walks through the door? This is what concerns me. Their business mindset/attitude has already been established and that is something not easily changed.

All it takes is one or two bad experiences and the word really gets out. A collection of bad experiences as seen in this post leads me to believe the dealer hasn't established the right mindset and probably never will. So regardless of what they say or do, when I get in the market for another boat, I will look elsewhere. I've gone down that road of dealing with a terrible dealership (years ago) and I don't want to go down that road again.

I just bought a new 180 Superfisherman this spring from Miller Marine in St. Cloud. From the trade in evaluation right through the sales process, and into the service department, these guys were top notch! I was trying to do this purchase thru another dealer (I think they went b-rupt), and was never given a straight answer. These guys were straight up and honest, and willing to answer any question no matter how trivial to them. I would definitely do business there again.

It is great to hear that they are going to attempt to make it right. I would like to see if they follow through.

I can't speak for their 'rigging fees', but Cabela's beat every other Alumacraft dealer in the area by a mile on their price of my new 09 boat. They saved me thousands, though I didn't have any new electronics or trolling motors put on. Treated me well too.

Good to here dutch,don't know anything about triton but I'm sure its a fine boat,I also know that fall is just around the corner,infact the state fair is in 5 weeks which means they need to liguidate.Tell them what it will take to make it right,that is if ya still want to purchase from them.

Goodluck.

Snow,

Are you kidding me? Would you buy from someone who did that to you? Thats like asking a rapist to go back and ask for consent...