Consumer Affairs Resources

• How to check your boat for recalls? The easiest way to find out if there is or was a recall for your boat, engine, or accessory is to visit the U.S. Coast Guard’s recall website. If your boat is on the list, contact the manufacturer, which can check records to see if the repair has been done. If not, it can direct you to a dealer that can do the repair. The USCG also has a list of manufacturer's contact information.
• Before buying or selling a boat, be sure to review our Buying & Selling advice to help ensure a seamless purchase or sale. BoatUS encourages both parties to use these two forms when purchasing or selling a boat: The BoatUS Purchase Agreement and the U.S.C.G. Bill of Sale (CG-1340).
• Safety recall, service bulletin, product correction bulletin, service advisory: What do these terms mean to you? Some use the force of law to require manufacturers to repair defects. Some are manufacturers’ goodwill offers for free repairs, and the others are simply internal notifications that may not be much more than an “FYI.” Here’s what each means to recreational boaters.
• If you are having a problem with a boat manufacturer, dealer, repair facility or other marine-related business, we recommend filing a written complaint with the company, outlining your concerns, what steps have been taken to remedy the situation and what you believe would be a fair resolution. BoatUS offers this sample complaint letter template that can be used.
• Tips for finding a marine surveyor and getting the most useful survey for your money.
• BoatUS conducts a Salvage Arbitration Plan as a low cost, time efficient, equitable dispute resolution system for the recreational boating community. It is structured in a manner that strives to provide the parties with an objective, unbiased legally supportable outcome.