Iowa Boat Buyers Beware

[Will]

On 3/30/02 I ordered an Alumacraft Magnum, 2400lb Shorelander trailer and a 60 hp Yamaha 4 stroke from Spooner Sports in Tama,Iowa. At the time of the order I was told it would take about 3 weeks to get the rig in and ready to go. I figured this was probably the best possible situation and I waited until about 6 weeks to contact the dealer and see how things were going. At the time I was told that he had the boat and trailer and the motor was shipped and should be in soon. I waited another 2 weeks and called again. I was told the motor should be in any day. I waited another 2 weeks and called and was told about difficulty getting the motor and I began to get the feeling that something funny was going on. I called the customer service for Yamaha in California and told them who my dealer was and about the uncertainty of getting my motor. They took my number and the next day called to tell me the motor had been shipped. I called the dealer and he said that what Yamaha told me and what they told him might not be the same. In any event I called again on a Thursday nearing 3 months from making the order. I was told that the motor would be in on Monday and I could pick up the rig on Wed. I called on Tues to see what time to pick up the rig on Wed. The dealer started out the conversation by asking me if I would be interested in a 40 hp motor . I said NO. and if he was not going to deliver what I ordered I wanted my money back and we would end the misery. He said he would return my deposit that week.
Two weeks later I had to drive to his business and ask for my deposit.

Gee, to think I waited 3 months for a boat I didn't get. I missed my sping trip to Canada waiting for the rig that did't come. I have a basement full of depth finders, radios, and other equipment for the boat I didn't get.
Does anyone know an Alumacraft/Yamaha dealer who delivers the goods?

[m&w marine]

www.mwmarine.com

[Smitty]

It's a little drive, but I've been impressed with Al's Specialty Marine in Rochester,MN. I looked at Lund w/ Yamaha, but am pretty sure they carry Alumacraft as well.

Good luck..

[old fisherman]

Hawkeye Marine in Cedar Rapids. They carry Yamaha and Alumacraft. There service is good and you can rely on what they say.

[GLO]

Dealers like that are simply pathetic. If all you say is accurate, there is certainly something wrong there. Maybe the bright side is that now it is later in the year you can use this board and other information and search for a better deal and get some referrals to reliable dealers. Maybe even up the hp a bit with the savings?

[Marlo Peterson]

Give me a call...

Marlo Peterson

Prior Lake Marine, Prior Lake, Mn

(952) 440-2628

[NC]

That's too bad Will. We don't have that many dealers in Iowa as it is. Sorry to hear another one has gone by the wayside.
I've also heard Al's Specialty Marine is a decent place to buy a boat. Never been there myself, but a good friends swears by them.
Good luck,
NC

[Sandman]

Try the Boat Farm in Lemars, Iowa or Soo Sports in Sioux Falls, S.D.

[fisherman]

Will, if you want a good reputable crestliner dealer located in Iowa Falls give Butch or Mark a call at 1 800 657 4750. Iowa Falls Imp. and Marine--www.iowafallsmarine.com. They could have a used alumacraft or you might get interested in a Crestliner. I think they have one with a 60 hp. motor on it sitting on the lot

They deal with Yamaha and Mercury both.

They have been up front and honest with me, so I am reccomending them to you.

You can E-Mail me at fishermn@netins.net if you want.

[jigtugger]

Give Nick a call at LaCannes Marine in Faribault a call. He is a great guy, and will tell it like it is, not just what you want to hear. They are minutes from the Alumacraft plant, and will often go over and pick them up themselves to expidite orders. Tell him the guy who bought the skeeter photo boat sent you. 507-334-6415

Jigtugger

[buyer]

Got a boat from Iowa Falls Marine. I cannot recommend them or will i ever buy from them again. As far as honesty, i did not see this from them. Buyer beware

[WCoyote]

Call Bob or Paul

Shamrock Boat Sales
Carnarvon, IA 51450

712-664-2356

I have done busines with them for over twenty years. They are honest and down to earth. It is in a small town and isn't the fanciest place under the sun, but they have been in business many years, they know boats and motors and will actually act like they are glad to see or talk to you (not all that common among boat dealers).

wea

[Joe]

Stop by Waller Sports in Oskaloosa,Ia.Bill will set you up,deliver the goods,and out service anyone!Whenever I had a problem,I stopped in and he tore into it and had me on my way within an hour.He has Alumacraft in stock.

[fisherman]

Since I don't know who you are I will guess. You probably are the Waterloo dealer who cannot come close to a Reputation. They have been really good to me-"That's my story and I'm stickin' to it"...
You can E-Mail me if you want--fishermn@netins.net

[Fshngyd]

Give Cabela's a try, they are good to work with and have a fair selection or can get Alumacraft/Mercury/Yamaha for you.
Sidney, NE location is 308-254-7889 ask for Rob in the Marine Dept.

[Nick(Ia)]

Here's a second for Hawkeye Marine in Cedar Rapids. Max might be a little rough around the edges but he runs a no-bull, 1st rate operation.

[NC]

Didn't think Waterloo had a dealer for Alumacraft? I know they do Tracker and Crestliner. Is it WBM in Waterloo? Just curious 'cause I wouldn't mind checking them out.
Thanks,

[TERRY/IA]

SECOND LACANNES MARINE IN FARIBAULT, MN I bought a magnum there and had great service. I dealt with Destry. I will go back in a minute.

[buyer]

I am glad that they were good to you, It takes all the fun out of buying a boat when you hve problems with a dealer. I did not have a good experience with them, so i cannot recommend them. Why did you think I was a dealer from waterloo?? Buyer beware