Newport Pontoons

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Horrific experience, found $2,693.50 of damages charged to my credit card and the owner (Garrison) hung up on me!



Prior to the rental, my friend reminded me to call to check what requirements there are to drive the boat, and whether there is insurance to cover potential accidents/damages to the boat (she's been on a boat before that was in accident, so she reminded me to check) So I did.



I called before the rental date, I was told no license or specific requirements for driving the boat is required. Newport Pontoons will charge a deposit of $250 on my card at time of rental. If an accident occurs, I will pay up to $250 deposit, if less than $250 the difference will be refunded. So I asked.. what if the damage is over $250? I was informed by the rental rep that the rest will be covered by their insurance on the boat. I reported this information back to my friend, so I can go ahead with the rental.

It was a lot of fun, we drove the boat around the marina and towards the end hit a muddy area and mud got stuck onto the propeller. We drove the boat back immediately after, but returned past due time and was charged overtime ($50, it was fair).



I was told there may be damages due to the mud, and they will assess it and get back to me. I called the next day to check because I was leaving the country and wanted to follow-up what the damages might be (whether it will be the full $250 or some deposit will be refunded), the rental rep girl told me damages will be taken from my deposit, if any.



Afterwards I found $2,693.50 charged to my credit card, I called Garrison the owner to explain my horrific surprise and the situation. He referred me to the fine print on the contract, they can charge me Newport Pontoons standards service rates and rate parts for repair. The breakdown of bill was $180 for part, $50 for extra clean up, $1,000 for downtime for repair, $600 for pull boat from water, $750 for labor time for repairs, $13.50 sales tax on part.



I read negative reviews on yelp on living social coupon fine print disclosure, was aware of the experience others had, but since I know I accepted. I paid $85 living social coupon ($200 value) +$286 = $371 total for 3 hours of rental incl tax. + $50 overtime + $2,693.50 damages = $3,114.50.



Garrison refused to make any refunds/changes to the damages bill, and told me his girls never and would never inform the customer about the “up to $250 deposit rest covered by insurance information”. He was very firm, very rude, and when I was firm to tell him what I was told by his “girl” with 100% certainty and that I will share my experience on public forum, he said he will sue me for slander and then hung up on me.



$3,114.50 - This is my total for 3 hours 20 min. of fun (to be fair, I did enjoy the experience very much), and a lessons learned to: NEVER TRUST THE RENTAL REPRESENTATIVES’ PROVIDED INFORMATION AND ALWAYS READ THE CONTRACT CAREFULLY.



Garrison, if you are reading this review. I would like to say again with 100% certainty that your rental rep girl did tell me to expect up to $250 (deposit amount) of damages at most and the rest will be dealt with on your company’s insurance on the boat.

Went out on a boat last night with some friends. We had a great time. We ordered food prior and it was waiting for us on the boat when we arrived. Took it our for 4 hours and we had so much fun we were disappointed when we were having to return the boat. Can't wait to do it again!

Went out on these rental boats with 9 other people in Newport Harbor this week. We had a blast. The employees were friendly and answered all our questions on how to operate the boat. We docked at a local hot spot for dinner and drinks. Then on the way back plugged in our music and danced the night away. So much more room on these boats than any other I'm aware of in Newport. The electric duffy boats are a waste of time once you have experienced a Newport Pontoon. I'm telling all my friends... Can't wait to do it again!