Marine 360 Chris and Robbie Lack of respect, deceitful advertising practices, clearly lie about the boats they sell. Chapin South Carolina

While in the market for shopping for a specific boat, I stumbled upon an ad on Craigslist offering the boat I wanted.  The ad stated it was in good condition. 

I emailed them through the Craigslist link and it was available. I talked to Robbie. He mentioned that the boat was in mint condition. I asked if there were any cracks or gel coat issues, and explained that I was looking for a boat without these issues. Very kind and friendly over the phone, he described all the nice and good features this boat had. Specifically he said that there were no gel coat repairs or damage. He also said that the trailer had recently been serviced and that he knew the owner andthat this boat was in a very good condition.

I emailed again, made them an offer and again stated the importance for the boat's hull to be in mint condition.I asked them to please answer questions and if possible send some pictures.  I further explained that I had to drive 800 miles to get the boat, and the only way I would do this is if it was mint.  The email was answered by a person named Chris. He told me to call him. I called Chris after receiving his email, he wasn't there. He was out with a customer. So I asked the gentleman whose name I currently don't have, about the boat. His answer was its a "9 out of 10". I explained to him the importance of this matter and that I was calling from far way. He looked at the boat and told me that there were no damage to the gel coat. I asked to please look underneath the boat. He said, "nothing boat is mint".

On Saturday June 7, 2014.  After arranging time off from work for me and my wife, I make a call to Marine 360 and speak to Chris. I explain, that I am serious about the boat, that I had about 800 miles to drive to get to the boat, and that I already spoke to one of his colegues and explained again the importance of the boat not having any issues. He sounded nice over the phone, reassured me that the boat was in excelent condition and that he did not see any gel coat issues. They were closed on Sunday, so we agreed I would be there on Monday June 9th. 

I had to borrow a truck from a family member (our cars aren't tow ready yet), and drove from Miami to South Carolina had to stay in 2 hotels and pay heave fuel expenses just to get there. We arrived the Saturday, drove by the parking were it was parked as Chris suggested. Looked at the boat, and it looked from the back great! My wife and I were very happy and pleased to be there. We enjoyed our time around Lake Murray on Sunday. Woke up early on Monday Morning to have plenty of time to arrange banking details and start our journey back. 

When we got there, I shake hands with Chris and he leads me to the mentioned boat.  Immediately from the front I saw the keel badly scraped. I went under the trailer took some pictures. Al least 3 feet from a 19 foot boat, zero gel coat. Everything under that boat was very badly scuffed. I was so upset, took some more pictures and sent it over to contacts to see what the damage would be.  The boat was in very bad shape. THe trailer would most likely not make it from South Carolina to Miami. It was all rusted. The engine appeared to have been sprayed with black spray paint to cover for rust and other issues. I pointed the damage to Chris. He said all I can say is I am sorry. 

I felt so humiliated and deceived. Why would a firm, not one person but 3 describe this boat like they did, and not mention this damage to the hull? I told him that this trip was based on all their information, and that it was well worth it if the boat was indeed the condition it was in. I spent easily $850 on hotels and gas...

I was very upset and told him, that I would not leave this like this. I wanted justice. He told me to do what I needed to do. I left and shortly before, I called him again. I explained the bad taste he left in my heart with this situation and that I wasn't asking him to cough up the $850 but if he could at least compensate us $200 for gas. I was asking for a small token of co-responsibility in this. He said that his finance guy was out of the office and that he would mail it to me this same afternoon.

I left that Monday, today is Saturday still nothing in the mail. I am still emotioanlly hurt with the lies this company cost me. It seem that his willingness is also another lie. 

I am sharing this story so no other person falls victim to this company trying to sell damaged Boston Whalers and playing on the emotions of it to make the sale happen. I almost bought it, after driving 800 miles to get something, the hardest thing is to be rational and just walk away! 

So 2 things: either they are honest and they never checked the keel of the boat and it was an honest mistake, or they are flat out scam artist.  I leave them in Gods hand. I did file another complain with the BBB, but I have a feeling that they won't do anything with it. After all, Marine 360 pays for their membership. 

THey are clever enough not to give the great details in writing, so they most likely never get caught. Sooner or later these three guys will be lcoked up for good.