Ohio Boat Lemon Law Summary
Free Lemon Law Tips by Doug Smith

All states have some type of legislation for defective cars, usually known as a lemon law. Lemon laws protect consumers in the event that the car they purchased is irreparably defective.

Some states, such as Ohio, also have boat lemon laws. Boat lemon laws were legislated to protect water craft purchasers, such as sailboats, jet skis, and powerboats.

Under the boat lemon law, if your defective boat is still under coverage of the original manufacturer warranty, the manufacturer gets a reasonable attempt to repair it. In turn, the manufacturer must fix it under the boat lemon law.



If the defect cannot be repaired, or if an unreasonable number of defects is found, then return the water craft for a full refund.

It does not matter which part of the water craft is defective. Three criteria must be satisfied for the boat lemon law to protect your purchase.

First, the malfunction is required to be covered under the original manufacturer warranty.

Second, you must allow the manufacturer a reasonable opportunity to get the water craft fixed.

Third, the manufacturer must be unable to fix the water craft in a reasonable number of attempts, or within a reasonable period.

If you can meet these three criteria, you probably can claim the financial protection provided by the boat lemon law. Be aware, however, that you have a limited window of time to file a lawsuit under the boat lemon law.

If not, you may lose your rights to do so and be left without recourse. Generally, boat lemon laws allow 24 months from the time of purchase.



In states like Ohio, however, there are more laws apart from the boat lemon law that can provide protection in the event you purchase a defective watercraft. The Consumer Sales Practices Act also covers water craft. Ohio has a Commercial Sales Law as well.

If you find yourself the owner of a defective boat, turn to the boat lemon law for recourse. Consult with an attorney that specializes in boat lemon laws. Make sure the attorney represents boat lemon law consumers, as opposed to manufacturers.

Before purchasing a water craft, you should thoroughly examine the boat lemon law requirements to ensure you are protected. As an example, if your boat's defect is not one normally covered under the manufacturer's warranty, the boat lemon law will not aid you.

When you become aware that there is a defect in your water craft, please contact the manufacturer immediately. Do not lose your rights under the boat lemon law due to ignorance or lack of knowledge. Like all lemon laws, boat lemon laws favor the prepared and informed consumer.

This article is ©2006 by Doug Smith. Bought a lemon car? Browse many free and informative articles and tips on car lemon laws, including definition of a lemon car, lemon law attorneys, lemon law arbitration, state lemon laws and more. Visit http://LemonLaws.FindCarsForHire.com. This article may be freely reprinted as long as this copyright notice remains intact, the article is unchanged, and all hyperlinks remain active and clickable.