u/SearArtist

Hello, I am looking to buy a 2019+ model. We are a family of 4, two kids (girls) age 9 and 6. We have two jet skis currently, but will be selling them to fund a boat instead. A boat seems like it would better suit our needs as a family versus 2 skis.

We live 1/3mi away from a private launch in our community (Lake Norman NC), so launching is quick and easy.

Currently we've been looking at models such as an AR195 or 195S, but I've been expanding our search and have seen some 2020 models such as a 212S which offer twin 1.8 and more room. I'm wondering if a larger size such as the 21ft with twin engines would be the better package versus a smaller 19ft with a 1.8L SVHO. I'm also concerned about 20-22 models since we know they had covid quality issues.

We aren't really social people and don't plan to have more than 1-2 extra people on the boat in some instances. For the most part it will just be us 4 and maybe our GSD.

New boats are out of the budget. Trying to stay below $40k for a first boat to ensure 1) we like having a boat and 2) if we decide to jump to a bigger size we aren't eating a lot of depreciation on a new model.

I'm about to swap in a CSF radiator into my 2015 with 156k on it. I figure the radiator will crack any day now.

Is it a good idea to go ahead and replace the fan clutch bracket (16211 on below pic) and/or the fan clutch (16210) while it's all apart or do these things not ever really wear out? I'm also doing the water pump, tensioner, and idler pulley while I have the real estate.

https://preview.redd.it/6fy9tk2xpw4h1.png?width=1023&format=png&auto=webp&s=a967661725e9569b90a6ad4b07ba1000f0633050

Let me preface this by saying everything went very well during the actual buying process, however when the Acty I purchased was delivered to the port everything took a turn for the worse.

At the time of purchase I let them know that I was very flexible on which port it could be delivered to on the east coast, anywhere between Norfolk and Jacksonville. I was hoping this flexibility would result in getting on a ship sooner in around 4-6 weeks. We are now at week 12 and there has been zero movement, zero bookings, zero plan, zero updates.

I'm out of pocket nearly $5k for a vehicle that seems to be stuck in Japan.

Auction Date: Feb 26th

Delivered to the port: March 4th

Communication has basically halted, no proactive updates or excuses. I was told I got 8 weeks of storage for free, and it continues to sit there collecting daily storage fees. I've had to ask multiple times for any updates on the vessel booking, responses are few and far between or a generic "checking" reply.

I emailed the owner a few days ago expressing my concerns and frustration and I have yet to get a reply. At this point I'm sick of asking for updates, and I'd rather just have my money back.

To add to my credentials, I worked in freight forwarding for over a decade mostly on the import side, so I'm very familiar with how the process works and knew what to expect shipping and importing wise.

Anyone else use them lately and still waiting a long time for your vehicle to get exported out of Japan, or just me and my luck?