Guntersville Boat Mart

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OPEN NOW - Closes at 5:00pm

1.0 star rating
9/11/2018

My wife and I had never even ridden in a pontoon boat until we drove over 1800 miles to Gunterville Alabama. We had talked with John over the phone about one listed on Ebay and made plans to purchase that boat based upon description and condition and price. I made a deposit of $1,000 with the intent of seeing the boat and a sea trial to finalize the deal. When we arrived and saw the boat we were very disappointed. John at that point gave us some other options which included new ones he had in his yard. We decided not to exceed the amount we had planned to spend mostly due to lack of experience and our age which I explained to him. The option we decided on was a 2016 with a 2018 trailer and a 90 hp Yamaha. After we had finalized the deal I asked John to make sure it was ready to travel which he acknowledged he would. Our first stop I parked I notice water coming out the pontoons, after removing the plugs water flowed for 45 minutes. I'm thinking, novice me I assumed that a 2016 boat would have good pontoons. I called John as asked what the deal was and his response was interesting, "the pontoons have plugs". Okay I know and asked again, did I buy a boat with bad pontoons? His response was "the boat has been sitting for a long time in the water." I didn't know anything about pontoon boats as I told John. I didn't suspect that the stop block bolted to the trailer would possible move if not tightened properly. Right after we left I noticed it was sitting what seemed far back on the trailer. I pulled off the interstate to see what was happening, purchased a wrench to check the u-bolts on the stop block, they were loose. The boat had actually moved about 4 ft back. I could not move the boat and could not. On the Kansas turnpike toll road a tire on the rear axle blew out. To much weight on rear axle. I was monitoring the temp with my hands and about ever 150-200 miles and spraying them with water.
When I got home I called John again with the following: I thought you ought to see what happened because of the way the boat was loaded and the stop block issue...photos. It's a wonder we made it home with the bad distribution of the weight caused a tire to blow also see additional pictures...." Curious what you think about this John. John's response; " The trailer was fit we both looked at it. I don't know what you have done since you have left here." Me; I didn't do anything but drive John, I was completely dependent on your knowledge and experience to make sure we could get home. If in fact it was as you say in the beginning then that leaves only one other possibility and that is that the u-bolts holding the boat stop were left loose which explains why it was twisted and when it bounced the one side got under the boat. The bolts were not tight by the way. I suppose you think I should have tested all the bolts before I left there? No response John's response; We have been in business for over 42 years! The boat was loaded here and checked over before you left. I don't know what you want me to say. Something must have shifted when you were transporting. I'm sorry that happened. Yes it is obviously things shifted and it was because someone there under your responsibility or you neglected to tighten the u-bolts after moving the stop block, obviously the trailer has been used on another boat. After all that, there is much much more such as not having a warranty on this boat because information about it's former use was not disclosed to us which would have kept us from buying this boat. Save yourself from the lack of good business ethics, practices and great expense by not buying from this dealer. Added 9/13/18.. See what they did to cover up the seams in the interior so you can see it. They found Naugahyde close to the same color and had someone glue stripes made to look original over 9 seams which had separated to cover them up in order to sell the boat.

I began searching for a pre-owned pontoon boat in late spring. My husband and I had very specific qualifications for "our boat." I looked for months online in fb marketplace, craigslist, and boat trader with no luck. Finally, I drove to Guntersville just looking for a place that sold pontoon boats. I walked into the Boat Mart and told them what I was looking for. John sent me several pictures of boats and there were several on the lot. We found exactly what we were looking for and had our boat before the weekend! John had it ready for the test drive, had the motor serviced, and when we requested a boat cover he was happy to provide a new one. We had an amazing experience at Guntersville Boat Mart and will recommend them to our family and friends! Also, we financed the boat through our credit union. Our "hard to impress" banker's first words to us were "I can't believe they let this boat go at this price!" Truth.
D. Burkes

The sales manager worked a deal with us, the day my husband was to go pick the boat up, I called and paid for the boat using a credit card. When he called to ask if the boat was ready he was informed that the owner was not going to honor the deal. Then there was a problem getting anyone to return a phone call. When they finally did he offered $1,500 less for our trade but no change in boat price. When I asked why they got to the point of taking my money the response was the sale is not final until the bill of sale is signed. So please don't waste your time.

Terrible business. Salesman rude and uncompromising. Someone stole my boarding ladder while boat in their shop.
Took forever to get new motor and then they wanted more money to install a trim gauge, that should have been part of the motor price.
Never, never will I go there again.

Talked to a salesperson John who was very professional and helpful. I bought a boat and they were able to give me all the technical details about the boat before I purchased it. They have also help whenever I have a question, I just call and someone will be able to help. Great place will recommend to others.

Bought 5 boats there always been happy with them. The one I traded in had blown engine.they let me use a boat .for the weekend thanks

rented boats for past 5 years great experience thanks boat mart for some great family memories, and always taking the time

Boat mart in guntersville. Are nothing but a bunch of thieves and crooks. They steel whenever you leave it in your boat. Take your good parts and put on their bad ones. Please take my advice and go somewhere else. Don't say I didn't warn you