Buyer beware - Malibu Kayaks

A year ago I purchased a Malibu kayak stealth 14 combo (kayak with rudder kit installed) from Astoria Scuba dive shop.  I have been waiting for my rudder ever since.  the original order was not shipped with the rudder installed because there was trouble with the freighter from china were the rudders were made and they did not have any in stock - totally understandable. 

however, rudders have been available since fall of last year, yet they refuse to ship me mine.  the problem comes with the interaction with Malibu Kayaks and Astoria Scuba shop.  each party insists the other is at fault and have been at an impass since June of last year on the matter.  I do not have enough information from either party to develop a good enough opinion on who is really to blame, but I do know Malibu kayaks will no longer speak with me, Astoria scuba, or the better business bureau.

so now I find myself needing to go to small claims court for a part worth $60...$60 will cover my gas to and from Astoria court house with a stop at the bow picker for lunch.

While functionally my Malibu is an awesome kayak - I wouldn't even buy a bungee cord from Malibu at this point based on their costumer service.  it would appear customer service is not an important part of their business model.

Sounds to me more like an issue with Astoria Scuba.  IMO, the retailer should be doing whatever it can to shield you from behind the scenes issues.  They should eat the cost of the rudder, then work with Malibu to resolve the issue.  You shouldn't have to get involved in this one bit.

-Allen

I agree with pole^2.  It's their issue, not yours.

-Spot-

If you are going to use small claims court; you'll get much more attention from the dealer if you sue for the cost of everything (Kayak & rudder). After all, if you ordered the rudder you certainly must feel the boat is not as useable as one with the rudder.
If the dealer thinks there is a reasonable chance they may have to eat it all I'm guessing they'll step up, well before the court due date.
Good luck... Myself personally; I detest dealers who do not/will not back up their sales.

Many many weeks ago when you told me about this when we were fishing I was hoping everyone would pull their head out and fix it but sadly that didn't happen. 1 year for a dam part. Stick it to them.

I was considering checking them out in Astoria if I don't find a used second yak , but am now considering going to pdx or hood river  instead

I was considering checking them out in Astoria if I don't find a used second yak , but am now considering going to pdx or hood river  instead

IMO it would be worth driving right past Astoria Scuba when shopping for a kayak.  my last interaction with both companies was standing in the shop at Astoria with Malibu on speakerphone.  at the end of the conversation, Malibu did acknowledge that they had a rudder backordered for Astoria, but did not ship it - all due to whatever problems there are between Astoria scuba and Malibu.  I'll find out next Monday (provided ocean conditions are bad) if I can sue them both in the same lawsuit, or if i'll have to pick one or the other to sue.  I would much rather be fishing with my spare time, than dealing with this.

and the worst part, is the guy that owns Astoria scuba also owns the whole pier 39...which Rogue Brewery is on.  since I will never be driving down that pier again, i'll have to go to Newport to enjoy a Rogue beer at the pub.

I was considering checking them out in Astoria if I don't find a used second yak , but am now considering going to pdx or hood river  instead

IMO it would be worth driving right past Astoria Scuba when shopping for a kayak.  my last interaction with both companies was standing in the shop at Astoria with Malibu on speakerphone.  at the end of the conversation, Malibu did acknowledge that they had a rudder backordered for Astoria, but did not ship it - all due to whatever problems there are between Astoria scuba and Malibu.  I'll find out next Monday (provided ocean conditions are bad) if I can sue them both in the same lawsuit, or if i'll have to pick one or the other to sue.  I would much rather be fishing with my spare time, than dealing with this.

and the worst part, is the guy that owns Astoria scuba also owns the whole pier 39...which Rogue Brewery is on.  since I will never be driving down that pier again, i'll have to go to Newport to enjoy a Rogue beer at the pub.

If it would make ya feel better bring your yak down to tilly bay any time after Wednesday and I will take you out fishing, that relaxes me on a bad day!

I believe the members of NWKA ought to show support for this issue by emailing the Astoria SCUBA management  to voice our individual and collective dismay at the treatment of one of our members.   1945 members represents a substantial potential loss of possible revenue if we threaten to boycott the business as a group.  Businesses in today's retail market cannot afford to piss off a large group of potential customers.     

Contact:  dive@astoriascuba.com    The email I sent to this address came back so evidently its no longer valid.  There is a telephone number listed on their website.  503-325-2502  I suggest giving them a call and telling them to make it right. 

It is a $60 part. Order it off Amazon and chalk up the loss to the 'life happens' category and be done with it. A missing $60 part would never keep me off the water.
Astoria Scuba obviously has some problem with Malibu kayaks that neither of them wish to resolve. Blast them both publicly and move on.

It is a $60 part. Order it off Amazon and chalk up the loss to the 'life happens' category and be done with it. A missing $60 part would never keep me off the water.
Astoria Scuba obviously has some problem with Malibu kayaks that neither of them wish to resolve. Blast them both publicly and move on.

I almost agree...however, I bought a product.  it was not given to me.  at this point, I will spend 3 times that much just for the principle of the matter to make it right.

It is a $60 part. Order it off Amazon and chalk up the loss to the 'life happens' category and be done with it. A missing $60 part would never keep me off the water.
Astoria Scuba obviously has some problem with Malibu kayaks that neither of them wish to resolve. Blast them both publicly and move on.

I agree.  A long fight just doesn't seem worth it to me over a rudder.  It's not just a matter of how much you spend, it's also a matter of how much your time and emotional energy is worth.

I remember having an email conversation with a sales rep from Malibu several years ago and asked them if they were going to put much effort into expanding their market into the Pacific Northwest.  The guy told me that they just weren't interested in the territory and they do just fine with their business in the southern states.  So I'm not surprised to hear that you're having difficulties getting someone from that company to care about your transaction.  It's pretty sad really.

I believe the members of NWKA ought to show support for this issue by emailing the Astoria SCUBA management  to voice our individual and collective dismay at the treatment of one of our members.   1945 members represents a substantial potential loss of possible revenue if we threaten to boycott the business as a group.  Businesses in today's retail market cannot afford to piss off a large group of potential customers.     

Contact:  dive@astoriascuba.com    The email I sent to this address came back so evidently its no longer valid.  There is a telephone number listed on their website.  503-325-2502  I suggest giving them a call and telling them to make it right.

Without more details, I personally would stop short this.  However, I will happily forward this thread on to Floyd and let him tell his side of the story.

-Allen

Astoria replied to my note with a long response.  As I'm not one to pass messages, I invited them to pop in here and do what needs to be done.  I also sent a note to Malibu to do the same.

-Allen

Astoria replied to my note with a long response.  As I'm not one to pass messages, I invited them to pop in here and do what needs to be done.  I also sent a note to Malibu to do the same.

-Allen

thank you!!