NITRO Boats

One of the other issues was the customer service. I had purchased the Elite warranty which covers everything from top to bottom, inside and out, front to back. When trying to Contact warranty and bass pro shops was informed it was my issue. Deal with it. So I had to reach out to the president and ceo of bass pro shop to get assistance with this boat. So after an additional 3 months of getting the run around and having to send another email was finally able to get someone at the headquarters who was also a president of something.

What we did next I would have thought would have solved the issue. So what we did was an soc which is the swapping out of collateral on my loan and I ended up taking possession of a 2020 nitro z21 problem solved (* not). So bringing this boat home my truck was shaking like the wheels were coming off. Had contacted the local shop in Harrisburg. Was told, "It's your step trying to harmonic balance." Said, "Weah okay." There's something else wrong. Anyway the master control panel stopped working. When it rains would turn random things on and off, etc had to drive e to Harrisburg. Spent 7 hrs there. Replaced. Said about shaking again. Was told the same thing, "It's your step." So new panel replaced. Go home. Well it goes bad again and then again and was finally replaced with a good one.

Next issue boat carpet falling off the boat. Again rod locker shock breaking. Sent the wrong passenger side console. Received correct one. The glove box won't lock. They put wrong locking mechanism inside then the live well pumps went out x2 and I just replaced another one for the 3rd time. So the shop had a list a mile long of repairs to do on a brand new 2020 z21 nitro boat. They had the boat for 2 months. Oh I forgot the shaking was the axles on the trailer. Had 3 of 4 tires go the belts. The axles were Installed or balanced wrong. The carpet was to be repaired again. Rod locker shock. Got the boat back. Was covered. Took cover off carpet. Not fixed. Also upon getting this boat the center seat had to be re upholstered. Was never sat in.

So during the next couple months only issue was the livewell pump. Was getting ready for a long trip and was rotating tires 3 of my trailer brake caliper. The bolts fell out. Had to buy temporary bolts while still waiting for the replacement bolts. Had another trip to NY. Not very far got to my destination heard all kinds of squeaking. Upon further investigation the brand new axles which are good for 100,000 miles well the left rear blew up so I had to replace that at the ramp with one I had purchased and was told that I wasted my money because these are the best axles. So anyway 21 days later no warranty replacement axle bearings or bolts. Had to contact the president and ceo of bass pro for assistance again.

I would not recommend buying a nitro boat or their warranty due to lack of support from this company and the reviews. I have a folder that is 2 inches thick with repair orders of things that had to be repaired or replaced and there are things not listed on here that I can't remember and I am not going through all the paperwork to list each and every item.

Since that service visit it's been in the shop 2 more times because the dead died once on the Illinois river and again today at Heidecke Lake. I call customer service for tracker and they tell me bring it into the dealership for an evaluation. The Bolingbrook Bass Pro Shop is 30 mins from my house and I have spent lots of $$ driving it there and back to drop it off 7 times. The guys at the Bolingbrook Bass Pro Shop service department are awesome but Nitros are pieces of **.. Should have bought a ranger.

I repositioned the boat and again raised it to its maximum tilt. No additional water ran out the stern plug hole. I placed the jack stand on a cinder block, raised the bow and increasing the height by approximately ten inches and no more water ran out.

Since there is a drain pipe under the gas tank, I assumed this would lead to the amidships bilge and bow. However, the pipe is not visible from the bow storage compartment or from the bow step that covers the small garbage can. I ran a fish-tape up the pipe from the stern end of the pipe and met with solid resistance. It did not feel like a clog from debris or bait. I assumed it may be the gas tank so I decided to take it to TBS. The boat was left tilted overnight and driven to TBS the following day with water still present in the bilge. I explained the problem to the service technician and noted the black mold that was growing in various parts of the boat. I was told that it would likely be at least two weeks before this could be examined, repaired and the boat prepped for winterizing and shrink-wrapping.

After three weeks, I called TBS. They were still baffled as to why water was trapped in the bilge area. I was told they had never seen this problem before. I was informed that they had contacted the Warranty Department and that Tracker Engineering was also aware of the issue. Finally, that they were waiting to hear back from these departments on how to diagnose and fix this matter.

Another week went by and I again called TBS and spoke to Adam. He informed me he had not received any feedback from Warranty or Engineering as to a cause or repair, but that he was told that the problem as they explained it was "impossible". I asked what was considered impossible and was informed by Adam that they [TBS] believed the blockage was the gas tank itself, but that Engineering disagreed. A few more days went by with no word. I called TBS again and was directed by Bryce to speak with Chuck [last name not known] in the Warranty Department, phone number (417) 873-4555. I immediately called Chuck, left a message, and he promptly called me back.

I also expressed my belief that if the boat could not drain under normal circumstances and with reasonable effort on my part; that this was directly related to, and was the precipitating factor in previous problems of corrosion in electrical parts and wiring. Also, that the water retention was the primary causal factor in the recurrent surface mold on carpeting, structural components and the boat cover.

These problems were encountered each spring after the boat was stored for the winter and they were encountered to a lesser degree during the summer season when the boat was used, dried out, and recovered for periods of time. I also mentioned that I had brought this matter to the attention of the technicians at TBS when it was in there for electrical problems which could not be explained being such a new boat. I was told each time by various persons in the TBS that the corrosion and related electrical problems were common when being exposed to excessive moisture for a long period of time.

However, despite my efforts to render the boat completely dry each fall, each spring there were moisture and corrosion issues. At no time during any service visit was it suggested that there may be another problem causing the corrosion issues. I am sure no one suspected that the boat was retaining water, and I was instructed that these were moisture-related and corrosion problems. In continuation, after speaking with Chuck the first time I let a few more days pass. On 11/20/15 I again called TBS and found that they were still waiting for either Engineering or Chuck to call. I admit that I was frustrated and losing faith, and that I was shocked that no one could find the problem.

I called Chuck from the Warranty Department the same day and was informed that he was still waiting for Engineering to get back to him. I expressed my concern about how long the boat had been at TBS, and shared that my concern was now irritation with the process but that I would wait a bit longer for an answer. However, after hanging up with Chuck, I decided to take a trip to the TBS to examine the boat. I called the same morning, 11/20/15, to inform the technicians that I would be there on 11/21/15 in the morning to see the boat. I do not remember who I talked to but was informed that the boat had been in a service bay all day drying out in preparation for shrink-wrapping, and would be available for my examination.

I went to TBS the next day at noon. My wife was present with me and she did view/examine the boat with me. Adam and one other technician [name not known] were present. I examined the stern bilge area and drain pipe. I also attempted to look at the pipe through the opening in the amidships single step that leads up to the bow deck. The step houses a small garbage can that fits inside an oval hole that provides marginal visible access to the bilge area below. This step also houses the ice chest that is not removable from the boat.

The garbage can hole is approximately 6 inches wide by 8-10 inches long. The garbage can itself is approximately one gallon in size. The hole that the garbage can fits into is not large enough to put one’s head into to view the entirety of the amidships bilge area. It does offer an unobstructed view of the bilge area directly under it. However, the view is cut short at the bottom of the step when looking toward the stern. I noticed that the bilge under the garbage can had approximately 2-3 inches of standing water in it. The drain-pipe under the gas tank is situated in the bilge area directly over the keel. If it were three or four feet longer it would be visible from the garbage can hole. The pipe is not visible, and, as I was to find out shortly thereafter, ends within an inch or so after exiting from under the front portion of the gas tank.

The distance from the front of the gas tank to the garbage can opening is approximately four feet depending on how it is measured making it impossible to see the bilge area in front of the gas tank. I again asked the technicians if there was a theory about the cause of the standing water in the amidships bilge area. I was told that there had been no progress and that they (the service department) were awaiting instructions from Engineering. At this time, the boat had been at TBS over a month. I observed and photographed the overall condition of the boat, the decks, all carpeting, all storage bunks and cabinets, instrumentation, above and below decks, hull and bilge areas.

All these areas contained either standing water or were wet with water and/or condensation. The stern's inside hull and bilge area were covered with condensation yet there was no standing water evident in the stern bilge area. The batteries, battery charger, inside walls of the stern hull, and other surfaces and components had dripping condensation on them – the ongoing problem with this boat. I attributed all of this to the delay in finding the issue with water drainage. Frankly, seeing the boat in that condition when water was an issue and corrosion was a constant problem was a bit disappointing. I admit I did not ask why so much water was standing in the boat, but I did not want to get sidetracked with a different issue.

I had decided that I would get pictures of the inside structure and design of the amidships hull and bilge area. I accomplished this simply by holding my cell phone in one hand, reaching down through the garbage can receptacle and taking pictures as I rotated the phone. In this manner, pictures taken would capture the condition of bilge area. I took several pictures with my own cell phone. I also took pictures of the stern bilge area and the inside of bow storage and rod locker bins.

The pictures I took on 11/21/15 illustrate several issues and raise additional concerns as listed below: The entire inside hull and bilge area was wet with water and/or covered in condensation calling into question that the boat had been inside drying since the previous day. In various places inside the stern and amidships hull and bilge, there was black mold or some other dark organic growth. This was most evident under the front deck and on the hull sides toward the bow of the boat. Black mold is on the underside of the center passenger seat. The back of the seat is not visible as it is attached to the rear deck. Mold is present in the stern hull and bilge areas, and mold is evident in the amidships area inside the hull and bilge, under the bow deck.

There is a dark stain line of discoloration approximately halfway up the inside of the hull in the amidships area. The white hull material is discolored below the line and has little evidence of the aforementioned black mold. This is likely due to the fact that standing water disallowed its growth in this area. However, in the same amidships area, black mold is apparent and abundant above this line of discoloration, but is not present in the stern hull and bilge area because these areas were not subject to continuous standing water – they did drain out completely. The aforementioned discoloration and separating dark line are not as evident in the stern bilge, but mold is prevalent throughout the stern hull area, and it covers all surfaces to some degree or another.

The bow deck, forward storage and side rod compartments are covered in carpet inside and out. Despite using Damp-Rid tubs and bags each fall before closing the boat; these areas have had a fine, greenish-white mildew or mold on them each spring when the boat is uncovered. The mold exudes a fetid, stagnant odor until it is scrubbed clean. It is not present now as it is the end of the boating season. The most significant pictures taken clearly show a plug in the drain pipe. One of these pictures was sent to the service technician, Adam's cell phone. This picture clearly indicates that the drain tube under the gas tank, which exits toward the bow, is/was plugged.

The picture(s) show a round, light-blue appearing plug, containing a ring of metal (?) partially embedded in it and hanging down to the bilge floor. The plug is completely within the drainpipe except for the ring of metal. It is clearly not organic matter, refuse, paper, or fishing bait. After leaving TBS, I assumed that there would be some action taken to remedy the problem. I received a phone call on Monday, 11/23/15, at 8:30 a.m. Technician Bryce at TBS informed me that he had used a rod or line of some type to "knock" the plug out of the drain hole, and that upon doing so, the water that had been trapped under the amidships deck area spilled from the boat. I still wonder how much water was actually trapped up in that area over the past two years.

I immediately called Chuck in Warranty. It was 11/23/15 and prior to 9 a.m. Chuck stated that he had not yet talked to the TBS. I informed him of the events, activities, and discoveries I made in visiting TBS on the previous Saturday. I was clear that I had photographed the majority of the boat, specifically the inside hull and bilge areas under both decks as well as any other obvious areas of concern to me.

I told Chuck that I had discovered the cause of the water drainage problem and that this allowed the technicians at TBS to remedy the captured water problem. I also stated that I was not content with the boat simply being dried out and shrink-wrapped, and I was clear that this decision was not made out of a lack of confidence in the Bolingbrook, TBS technicians, but rather out of my concern for the condition of the boat. I stated my concerns about the long-standing water and the resultant mold and black organic growth inside the entirety of the hull, bilge and compartments. I added my concerns about mold under the center passenger seat and possibly being not only under the other seats, but also in other areas of the boat not easily viewed or totally hidden given the construction of the craft.

I informed Chuck that I was seriously concerned because water had been standing in the boat for at least three years, and that because of this situation there may be other areas and parts of the boat that have been compromised as a direct result of this condition despite this being a predominantly fiberglass boat. At the time, I did not mention my own research into previous complaints made by other owners, indicating hull cracking and splitting with various boats, but I do have concerns about hull-degradation due to the entombed water. I also expressed my frustration that I had to go to TBS to diagnose the problem for them.

What I did not say to Chuck on the phone at the time was that I, as well as my wife, got the distinct impression, that the problem had already been identified, yet not repaired. I cannot prove that this is the case. However, I would be surprised if I were the first person to consider putting a phone down in a hole to take pictures of objects that cannot be viewed directly. At the end of our brief conversation, I clarified that I had multiple concerns, was of the belief that the boat was compromised and damaged due to standing water. I added that this was the direct result of error, oversight and/or negligence in production of the craft, and that it required replacement with a new craft. Specifically, I stated to Chuck that I did not want the boat back. I believe our brief conversation ended amicably albeit without resolution. I know that I was clear that I would await a response from him regarding my concerns and expectations.

In summary, my concerns begin with the documented service record of this boat and the expenses incurred to maintain it despite having been under warranty for two years. I have spent a considerable amount of my personal time maintaining, cleaning, washing and sanitizing the craft while being hampered by an unknown problem and a hazardous condition. I have employed other services to address and repair moisture-related damage to the boat's cover; this started within one year of owning it despite the fact that I do not trailer the craft with the cover on it except for short, non-highway speed travels. I have had interruption of boating activities and vacation time because of other electrical problems. I have had to endure the intangible and immeasurable matters of my time, frustration, aggravation, and dissatisfaction with the craft's seemingly unexplainable ailments.

I am unwilling to take back into my possession a craft that, having had these difficulties, may continue to have the same or similar problems and may yield even more problems and challenges in the future without any warranty and assurance. On this point I offer the service records of the boat since 2012, which illustrate several instances of electrical problems and part failure due to moisture and corrosion damage. I opine that these are unusual for a boat that at the time was less than three years old and in one instance had only been in use for a few months.

The following list of documented problems is proof of the boat's history of moisture and corrosion-related problems. It has had the three-bank battery charger replaced and the compartment lights repaired in 10/2012. There were problems with the connections and communication between the Lowrance Sonars and the Side Scan computer in 4/2015. Moisture and corrosion in the PME control box required replacement in 4/2015. Moreover, two repairs of the boat's trailer-able cover due to the deterioration and unraveling of factory stitching in 2013 and 2015.

Since the conversation with Chuck on 11/23/15, I received one call from Adam at TBS. He stated that he was authorized to replace the center seat cushion of the boat, clean the boat, and shrink-wrap the craft. I informed him that I did not wish this service to be performed at this time because I had still not resolved the matter entirely with the Warranty Department. He said he understood and that he would re-cover the boat and return it to the storage yard until he had been instructed otherwise. A few days later I contacted TBS to request a copy of all service invoices on this craft. Adam handled this request in a reasonable amount of time. However, it is now 12/9/2015 and I have not received any response from the Warranty department or any other person representing Tracker boats – thus this letter.

I trust I have clarified my concerns, and adequately explained the situation with this craft and my reasons for not wanting it back in my possession. I believe that there is adequate research and literature on the matters of mold and mildew contamination that support caution in this matter. Even major industry and health leaders including OSHA, the EPA and the CDC have taken a firmer and more cautionary stance on previously-relied-upon methods in eradicating mold and mildew-related problems. I admit that at this time I have researched very little on the effects of standing water in the bilge area of fiberglass boats. However, I have read enough to believe that my concerns are warranted given the size of this boat, its horsepower ratings, and performance capabilities. I realize that boats are designed to keep out water and even to hold water at times.

However, I also realize after having owned boats all of my life that water must be removed as soon as possible – everyday if possible. After all, watercraft are not bathtubs, and they do contain materials used in construction that are not compatible with continuous water contact. And, as I have stated before, this boat has cost me time, money, and aggravation for a problem not of my making. I assume it is now costing Tracker time and money. I would prefer to resolve this as expeditiously as possible and avoid spending any additional time and money in disagreement, or litigation. I await a response from whoever has authorization to address this temporary lack of communication.

In closing, I wish to state that prior to taking the boat to the Tracker Boat Service department on 10/15/15, that I had been completely satisfied with that shop's work and response to my service needs. Aside from the problems encountered and the required repairs, I have been quite satisfied and even impressed with the quality of the craft and its performance. It has made my time on the water all that more enjoyable. It has even made time on land enjoyable - answering questions and receiving compliments about the boat, and having encouraged others to consider a Tracker or Nitro if they are in the market. It is no wonder that Tracker continues to hold a BBB rating of A+.

I hope this current matter resolves itself quickly as in the past. I have been diligent in maintaining the craft despite its internal handicap. I would prefer to tell others that Tracker stands behind their promise of quality and service, rather than the opposite. I would buy another Tracker boat when the time comes. However, I can only do that if I am assured that customer satisfaction and standing behind the product it is still a top priority for Tracker. As of 1/5/16, no response from corporate.