I had a different experience. I have not had a single issue with my s238. I'm a new surfer and I'm riding a 4'8 doomswell neo. I have the WakeMakers upgrade and lead and my wave is really nice. I'm easily dropping the rope 5 seconds after getting up and riding until I screw around too much or try a 360.
When a rider falls we have been just backing up and getting them the rope again. Much easier than a big U turn. Again though, I haven't had an issue yet. I have zero complaints. In the beginning I was bummed because I thought the boat had no push but the whole time it was my surfing ability. Took me 7 trips out to dial the wave in AND learn to drop the rope. To me, looking at other boats, the s238 is the best bang for the buck.
Like X said, I think he was part of a bad batch, unfortunately. That doesn't make it ok by any means. Just some pooh luck. I ordered back in November and my boat was deliver in February. 2017.