If you've got a lemon boat, there is a federal lemon law that can help you get back your money or get paid compensation. It is the law in all 50 states. Here's a few tips on how it works and how to use it.
1
What can the Federal Lemon Law do for me if I have a Lemon Boat?
Under the right circumstances, it can require the manufacturer of the boat to pay you damages or maybe even buy it back if your boat has a defect that substantially impairs the use or value or safety of the boat and it was not, or could not get, properly repaired in a timely manner. Technically, the law's name is the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act and it actually covers almost all consumer products, including boats, as long as the product costs more than $25 and it is intended primarily for consumer-type use. Recreational boats fit that definition.
2
Does the Federal Lemon Law cover boats?
Yes, as long as you bought the boat new and it came with a written warranty. It does not matter if your defects related to the hull, equipment, or another part of the boat. The federal lemon law covers the whole boat.
3
Does the Federal Lemon Law cover used boats?
Yes, as long as the warranty was transferred to you and it was still in effect when your defects arose.
4
How do I know if I have a Lemon Boat?
All new boats come with a warranty from the manufacturer and sometimes with warranties from other companies who made some of the equipment or parts installed on the boat. If it has a warranty, the federal lemon law covers it. Those warranties often say that the manufacturer will pay for parts and labor if your problem is one that is covered by their warranty. If you have problems with your boat, then generally the first thing you should do is go back to the selling dealer or an authorized repair shop so the problem can be diagnosed and fixed. However, if they are not able to correct the problem within a reasonable number of attempts or within a reasonable amount of time, then your vehicle may qualify for the federal lemon law remedies. Some states say that if your faith in the reliability has been shaken, even though repairs are done, then you may have a lemon boat. That means you could get paid damages or maybe even make the manufacturer take it back and refund your money.
5
How many chances do I have to give them before I can say my boat is a lemon?
First, remember that your problem has to be one that is covered by the warranty. If it is, then your obligation is to complain about it and their obligation is to get it fixed within a reasonable number of chances. How many chances are "reasonable" depends on the defects. Some problems should be fixed on the first attempt but others may take more attempts to find the source of the problem. The best answer is to talk to an independent expert surveyor about the defects and ask them for their expert opinion.
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