What's up with Starcraft Marine????

[dirkyp]

Hello,

I just purchased a Starcraft pontoon boat (through a dealer). I have a couple of detailed questions that I wanted to ask the company, but...

The email on the starcraft website (and even the one to Smokercraft, one of their other brands), bounces back.

I call the 1-800 # on their website and it diverts you through to a dealer.

I then looked up their direct line in Topeka Indiana (260) 593-2500 and it just rings and rings until finally a click, then nothing.

Anyone know what the heck is up with this? Getting kind of mad after just plunking down cash on a new boat. If they aren't going to offer a manual for the boat they should at least be available to take some basic questions from a paying customer. Geesh.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: What's up with Starcraft Marine????

I can't help you with your question, but I can say that it is not unusual to not receive a manual. And if you do, it is almost useless.

You'll receive more detailed and accurate answers to your questions here, so fire away.

And welcome to the forum.

 

[dirkyp]

Re: What's up with Starcraft Marine????

Thanks so much - I've searched the forums and lots of discussion on the topic and conflicting reports of what dealers say (which is why I wanted to go to Starcraft directly). I have a Stardeck 206 and want to tow a tube behind it with a kid or two. There's a warning on the boat that the eyes on the pontoons themselves are not to be used so no way I'm doing that. That just leaves the back cleats on the deck but I don't know if they'll hold or not. There's an optional ski bar but my understanding is they are not for tubing. Not sure if I can use the cleats (clip a V line to both with a float to keep off motor) or if I need to think about mounting u bolts to the deck or maybe even the transom. From my reading it seems the answer comes back to how strong the cleats are and how they are installed - hence my question for Starcraft. Thanks!

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: What's up with Starcraft Marine????

There have been several threads recently concerning your question so research this forum. You are correct that most manufacturers state that you can't use the pontoon eyes, but I have used them for your purpose and have seen them used many times.

Of course the deck cleats are not an option.

The ski bar will work great for tubing or you can use properly reinforced U bolts.

 

[Silver Eagle]

Re: What's up with Starcraft Marine????

I have a 24 ft Starcraft pontoon boat. Trying to get a hold of Starcaft is nearly impossible. Try finding a good Starcraft dealer and ask them for there dirct line to them, I had it but I don't member where it is right now. When I tow a raft I got under the boat with my battery powered drill and I drilled under the plywood flooring I then put a large eye bolt throught it. as close the the rear seats as possible Then when I tow some one I just run a hook through it to the ski line. I also did the same for a front Anchor Line.

 

[5150abf]

Re: What's up with Starcraft Marine????

Starcraft is actually a Smoker brand now, they bought Starcraft 2 years ago and moved all production to the New Paris Indiana plant so there is no one at Topeka anymore.

Why can't your dealer answer your questions, the factory normally doesn't deal with the public directly, that is why it kicks you to a dealer, just like your car, you wouldn't call the headquarters of GM or Ford with a question and expect to get through.

If you have to call the factory look up Smoker Craft in New Paris Indiana.

 

[dirkyp]

Re: What's up with Starcraft Marine????

"Why can't your dealer answer your questions, the factory normally doesn't deal with the public directly, that is why it kicks you to a dealer, just like your car, you wouldn't call the headquarters of GM or Ford with a question and expect to get through."

Thanks - my main beef is that they do not say that. Instead they have a whole "contact us" page on their website and saying that "have a question or comment, we'd love to hear from you", and also provide an email address that doesn't work.

Don't say you'd love to hear from me and provide an email address if in fact you want nothing to do with me whatsoever