New R3 Stitching discoloration

[kbad81]

I purchased a new r3 surf model less than 2 months ago and have noticed that the seat stitching is turning brown/yellow throughout the boat. I haven't allowed any suntan oils on the boat and it's occuring in areas where no one has or could sit. Pretty concerning that the stitching looks this bad after only 25 hours of use. Has anyone else noticed this on a newer model cobalt?

[Skiingstrongman]

I wouldn't waste a second asking here. If it's new I would immediately reach out to your dealer.

[Driller]

If you don't get a satisfactory response from the dealer, call Cobalt.

[Big Block Power]

Strongman, you're the chemist. My first thought and I want to know. What interior vinyl cleaner and conditioner are you using. The stiching may not like it? Is the boat garage kept? Lift kept what covers? Only reason I ask is what elements are getting to it. Sorry to see your having this issue. In sure the thread they use are in hundreds of boats. Can't believe it's the thread or more would be complaining. Just my thought.

[Tuscany]

I'm thinking you may have had a bad run of thread. Mine has not done this, but I'll pop the cover and look closer tomorrow.
This pic was from last week

[jhnmdahl]

Mine's a few summers old and looks nothing like that. Keep us posted as to what Cobalt says, please!

John

[Tuscany]

I'm not one who needs apologies, and I'm the kind of guy who doesn't kill the messenger, but Cobalt hasn't called or inquired about the door jamb, or the pocket tear ( both fixed by myself), even though Cobalt told me to expect a call from my field rep. Insert cricket emoji

Their vaunted customer service doesn't seem to be what they claim. So, I would call cobalt directly, and have them send you a brand new interior...period, no negotiation.

[cmattj]

I'm not one who needs apologies, and I'm the kind of guy who doesn't kill the messenger, but Cobalt hasn't called or inquired about the door jamb, or the pocket tear ( both fixed by myself), even though Cobalt told me to expect a call from my field rep. Insert cricket emoji

Their vaunted customer service doesn't seem to be what they claim. So, I would call cobalt directly, and have them send you a brand new interior...period, no negotiation.

Absolutely!!
Its notice in one pic you have one threading that is light the the above one brown..

Deep cleaning.. dyes.. will limit your longevity.
In my industry that is a warranty issue.. Cobalt should receive your boat back and replace it as T stated..

[kbad81]

I have contacted both cobalt directly and my local dealer whom is also reaching out to cobalt. The cobalt rep yesterday asked that I provide pictures of all the seats that have the issue in additional to the ones I provided above, which is basically all the seats on the boat some worse than others.

I noticed this issue after the 1st couple of times out and it has gotten progressively worse since. I have tried spot check/clean a section with some mild cleaners to no avail. I honestly don't know whats causing it because I have been very cautious about no foods, colored drinks or suntan oils/lotions on the boat. I can't even imagine what this would look like after a complete season or two.

I'm hopeful that Cobalt will get the situation rectified.

[Tuscany]

Just wondering if you have gotten an answer yet?
My experience with Cobalt? Don't hold your breath...

[liquid]

That's disappointing. Please keep us updated.

[AsLan7]

Unfortunately, I don't see the dealership or Cobalt corporate with their current Cobalt corporate mindset replacing your seats or stitching. I hope I'm wrong.

Definitely keep us posted.

[Tuscany]

I'm going to rant a little here..

Honestly, Cobalt's corporate service is an effing joke.
Here's why:
Whether it's a Cobalt A40, or the gateway series, Cobalt should be working towards fixing the issues, while tossing the customer a small token of respect like making contact regarding the problems on a boat that "compromises nothing".. like my head door latch falling off within the first 5 minutes in the water. Or a net pocket tearing off because it wasn't secured properly.
Nice boat for SURE, but that is expected for the premium paid..

I'm not overly critical and I don't need my ass kissed. I'm the kind of customer BB would like because I know sh#t happens and I don't shoot the messenger. Just fix the issue and don't make me wait for parts you say you don't have, when new boats are showing up all over the place with them clearly installed.
I think they are so busy right now that they are a little too proud.

I just...just... got my hardware for the EZ fold after telling my dealer to make it happen this week.
Then, I asked the dealer if they have the new cockpit cover...........crickets.
It's sewn totally different form the cover I have now.
I'll also have snaps and the regular Bimini mount on the side of the boat left over which will no longer be used. I'm going to leave them because I don't trust my dealer to fill and sand on my new boat.
I guess I'll turn the mount into a fender clip. You can never have too many fender clips..

My advice? I think you had a seriously bad batch of thread, and it's nothing that you did, or could have done on a new boat. Become somewhat of a hard ass, and demand a new interior without hesitation.. Call Cobalt directly and ask for answers. Your dealer is at Cobalt's mercy. My experience shows that they are in no hurry to rectify a problematic situation.

[AsLan7]

.
"Honestly, Cobalt's corporate service is an effing joke.
Whether it's a Cobalt, or a cheap aluminum flat bottom, corporate should be fixing the issues left, and be in some sort of contact regarding the problems on an expensive boat that "compromises nothing".. like my head door latch falling off within the first 5 minutes in the water."




.
T, I have been hesitant to say this on the chat forum, but your thoughts above (in addition to some other factors such as design flaws and poor functionality) are why we did not purchase a newer model Cobalt. In fact, some others on the forum who I will not name are in total agreement with your observations. In fact, I have had multiple conversations with some folks outside the CChat forum discussing the decline in quality and service of these newer Cobalt models. Such a shame.

Honestly, I think this modern Cobalt company has lost its way --from the disappearing signature docking lights --to the quality control issues we now see --to the design changes that makes one scratch their head--I'm just so disappointed.

I'm hoping the quality of Malibu boats and their staff will breathe new life into this company and "right the ship" so to speak so that they will find their way again.

Cobalt owners are FIERCELY loyal. They will stay loyal for awhile but if things don't change, I'm afraid for Cobalt's future as the best of the best in runabouts and larger passes on to another builder.

Sorry for the rant. I had to get this off my chest. Feel free to flame me.

[Tuscany]

I'm not afraid to comment and tell everyone my opinion, or demonstrate what I see as a joke.
I don't look at it as an ego or embarrassing thing. If it sucks, I'll tell everyone that it sucks..
The only thing I am hesitant to discuss on an open forum are prices. I won't undermine someone else's living, but I'll definitely share what I know by a PM if someone asks.

I think the quality of the build is every bit what I expected. No one should be afraid of the quality of parts, gel/glass/finish/vinyl/electronics.
It's the best.

It's some of the stupid stuff that baffles me. Makes no sense , and so unnecessary from a build standpoint. Two cents and five seconds, and these problems are no longer problems.
For example, all of the hardware is top notch, but the installation is almost a joke, like the bathroom latch. Screws set in glass are no place for a latch that gets constant abuse. Nuts and bolts are the answer here Neodesha..

Then there is this :
This is the netting pocket which are found on various spots of the boat. This piece came off of the cockpit sink area. The fabric, backer and netting is excellent quality...then they use a series of four staples to secure the netting strap on the back side which will definitely come loose when you try to pull it out a little to stick something like a wallet in the pocket. It pulled out with little effort. Just downright baffling.
Such an easy fix that should be the stock approach here..
A simple set of stainless screws would instantly make this strap so strong that it would rip before it comes loose..