I bought a new Stacer Searunner from Sunstate Marine. Within 24 hours it was taking on a significant amount of water. Inspection revealed a cracked keel weld and multiple poorly executed welds along the gunnels that were painted over. This “new and inspected” boat clearly failed to meet basic quality and safety standards before it ever reached me.
The boat was returned immediately. Dealer staff initially acknowledged the condition was unacceptable. Telwater later confirmed the defects were manufacturing-related and that the boat should never have left the factory in that condition.
Despite this, I spent a month being ignored by Sunstate management, redirected, and told I had “no rights” other than to accept a repair. Emails were routinely ignored or claimed to be “not received,” and everything was handled through poor verbal communication despite repeated requests for written responses.
I paid 60k for a new boat and ended up with a patched hull and poor paint repairs. This experience has been exhausting, stressful, and completely unacceptable. Inspect everything thoroughly before handing over your money and be cautious if you value accountability and clear communication.