Question

I recently bought a used boat that breaks down a lot. Do lemon laws apply just to cars?

Answer 1

Not at all. Lemon laws apply to all sorts of vehicles, including boats, as well as motorcycles, trailers, trucks, and more. The biggest issue for your boat situation, however, is that only 7 of the 50 US states extend lemon law protections to used vehicles. And not all used vehicles will necessarily qualify — it’ll depend on how it was bought, whether or not the manufacturer’s warranty is still valid, and more.

I’m being vague because lemon laws are regulated at the state level, so you’ll need to look at your local regulations to get the details. The 7 states that extend lemon law protection to used vehicles are Minnesota, New Mexico, New Jersey, New York, California, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Your chances of getting a successful lemon law claim are better in those states. But even if you aren’t in one of them, it can still be a good idea to look up a “Lemon law attorney near me” and get a consultation. 

Answer 2

While lemon laws primarily apply to cars, they don't usually cover used cars or other vehicles like boats. However, the specific regulations can vary by location and may include certain provisions for used vehicles, including boats. It's essential to research the lemon laws in your area to determine if there are any applicable provisions for used boats. In many cases, lemon laws focus on new vehicles and provide protections if your newly purchased vehicle experiences repeated, unrepairable issues during the warranty period. For used boats, you may need to rely on other consumer protection laws or the terms of your purchase agreement to address any issues with frequent breakdowns. Consulting with a legal professional who specializes in consumer protection can provide you with guidance specific to your situation and location.

Answer 3

Lemon laws primarily apply to cars and other motor vehicles, and they vary by state in terms of coverage and conditions. In most states, these laws typically do not cover used boats or other types of watercraft. However, there may be other legal options or protections available depending on your situation:

1. Lemon Laws and Boats

• New Boats: In some states, lemon laws may apply to new boats, similar to new cars. However, this is less common and typically requires that the boat has a substantial defect affecting its safety, functionality, or value, which has not been repaired after several attempts.
• Used Boats: Lemon laws usually do not extend to used boats. However, if you purchased the boat with a warranty, you may still have protections under the terms of that warranty.

2. Warranty Coverage

• If the boat was sold with any type of manufacturer's warranty or extended warranty, it may cover the issues you're experiencing. Warranties typically require the seller or manufacturer to repair defects or replace parts within a certain timeframe.

3. Fraud or Misrepresentation

• If the seller knowingly concealed defects or misrepresented the condition of the boat, you might have grounds for a claim under fraud or misrepresentation laws. This could apply if the seller claimed the boat was in good working condition when it wasn't.

4. Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

• This federal law applies to consumer products, including boats, and may provide some protection if you purchased the boat with a written warranty. If the seller or manufacturer fails to honor the terms of the warranty, you could have legal recourse.

5. Implied Warranty of Merchantability

• In some states, boats sold by dealers (not private sellers) may come with an implied warranty of merchantability, meaning the boat must be in reasonable working order for its intended purpose. This protection might be available even for used boats unless the dealer clearly disclaimed it in the contract (e.g., sold "as is").

6. “As-Is” Purchases

• If you bought the boat "as-is," it means you agreed to purchase it in its current condition, and the seller is generally not responsible for defects. However, even in an "as-is" sale, if the seller engaged in fraud, you may still have legal options.

7. State Consumer Protection Laws

• Some states have general consumer protection laws that cover various types of purchases, including boats. These laws might allow you to file a complaint if you believe the seller acted unfairly or deceptively.

Conclusion

While lemon laws generally don’t apply to used boats, you may have options through warranties, fraud protections, or state-specific consumer laws. If you're having ongoing issues, it might be worth consulting with a consumer protection attorney(954-618-1776) to explore your specific rights. Would you like help finding resources or exploring your state’s laws on this issue?