Is my flooded boat ruined?

[pjames]

I went to my local marina this weekend to check over the boat, do a little wax and clean-up, getting ready for spring. Since it was stored inside all winter, I figured a couple of hours and I'm ready. <br /><br />Instead, I'm horrified and afraid that the boat is ruined or seriously damaged.<br /><br />As I got inside the boat (18 foot Monterey) I thought I would open the ski locker for some ventilation. What I found was water just an inch or two from the top of the locker (and floor), with my fenders squashed against the edge, and with a big chunk of ice underneath!<br /><br />After my shock, I called in the marina owner, who said that "some water in the bottom is no big deal...it's a boat." But he admitted that this was a lot of water, but felt that it likely caused no damage...<br /><br />To make a long painful story shorter, I pulled the drain plug and removed approximately 70-80 gallons of water! The water in the engine area was up to the bottom of the oil pan, but may not have touched the starter or fuel pump.<br /><br />The marina is going to pull the boat out into the sun and let it dry out for a day or two, then they'll check it over. <br /><br />Here are the issues I have:<br />How did it get so MUCH water? My best guess is that the dealer who winterized the boat left it out during some heavy fall thunderstorms without the canvas, and they never drained it or removed the plug at all (and maybe left the engine drain water into the bilge as well.) <br /><br />Or the marina where it was stored left it out (though I saw it with canvas on after it was delivered there). Or some combination of the two. No apparent roof leaks visible in the building where it was stored...<br /><br />What damage was likely done? Assuming that at least the engine was properly winterized (I'm hoping), would water and ice have caused damage? No visible damage to hull or deck, and carpet isn't soggy...<br /><br />What should I look for, and what precautions should I take. If the motor runs fine and boat has no apparent problem, will it still never be "right" again? <br /><br /> I'm figuring that I may have to have an attorney involved, or my insurance company, or a surveyor, or something. I'm sick over this, so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Is my flooded boat ruined?

I have no idea if there would be any damage, but I would definately get a lawyer if the marina refuses to pay. Even if there is no damage they should at least partially refund whatever they charge to winterize and store, because obviously it was done wrong. That is a LOT of water. I've had my 16' Glastron out in some HEAVY summer rain, it never gets more than about 10 gallons of water in it.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Is my flooded boat ruined?

How did it get so MUCH water? My best guess is that the dealer who winterized the boat left it out during some heavy fall thunderstorms without the canvas, and they never drained it or removed the plug at all (and maybe left the engine drain water into the bilge as well.) <br /><br />No clue but it didn't come from your engine cooling system, in addition not removing the plug is a sin. (if there is no damage you should have your winterization fee refunded)<br /><br />My first step would be to alert my insurance company. Bring them up to speed on the situation and ask their opinions.<br /><br />If really concerned contact a marine surveyor to do a complete evaluation of the craft for any damage seen and unseen. Retain a copy of his findings and contact the marina and your attorney with these findings. Ask what the marina will do for you to fix that which is damaged if anything. If nothing is found you now have a first class survey which you may be able to produce if you sell the boat in the near future, if there is damage go after the marina for the price of the survey in addition to the damages.<br /><br />Try to keep lawyers out unless you are against the wall. They tend to close peoples minds and wallets once they are involved. The marina should have insurance themselves if they did something wrong. (80gals x 8lbs/gallon = 640lbs for 6 months) Check the trailer as well....<br /><br />Keep us apraised...

 

[Bass Runner]

Re: Is my flooded boat ruined?

Ditto!!!!!!!! You pay them for the storage and the winterizeing I would say they are liable but then what do i know.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Is my flooded boat ruined?

Not being familiar with your boat, I would be concerned about water below the floorboards. In most cases once water gets below the floor it does not come out. If so, it would begin rotting the floor and stringers. Something to think about!

 

[blifsey]

Re: Is my flooded boat ruined?

Would/could saturated floatation foam be a problem??? 110% agree with the suggestion to get with your insurance agent immediately!

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Is my flooded boat ruined?

Saturated foam definately could be a problem.

 

[richg99]

Re: Is my flooded boat ruined?

This advice is probably too late, but...I would NOT call the insurance company YET. <br /><br />I would pay for an independent survey of the boat. If damage is there, then certainly involve your insurance company. Recognize though, that the minute you call them with a "potential" claim, you go on the hot list for people with claims. Even if they never pay a dime, you get a mark on your record. I'd pay the surveryor first. RichG

 

[Solittle]

Re: Is my flooded boat ruined?

I do not agree with RichG at all. Your insurance company is not your enemy. If anything they are there to help protect you from loss.<br /><br />I too would be concerned about waterlogged foam and potential rot in the floor and transom even if it seems to dry out OK. I also would want to get a detailed Work Order from the marina indicating what they have done to make it right and indicating that the work has/is being done at no cost to you. I would also dig up and save the Work Order for the winterizing & storage.<br /><br />A big bummer!!!!!!!

 

[MajBach]

Re: Is my flooded boat ruined?

Richg is exactly right on. i'd call lawyer before insurance. No need to EVER bring an insurance co up to speed until you are ready to file - and never take their advice. You are not they're friend. Most insurance companies have a mandate to refuse 1 in 3 claims regardless of validity just becasue stats tell them 1 in 3 will get fed up and walk away.<br /><br />The marina is on the hook! Get a survey, get pictures and present them with the bill. If they dont pay- take them to court!

 

[BrianTindall]

Re: Is my flooded boat ruined?

Well let's see what we have:<br /><br />Boat was stored inside at the marina.<br />Drain plug was left in by their people.<br />You paid for them to winterize the boat and engine.<br /><br />Here are my thoughts:<br />DO NOT get YOUR insurance company involved.<br />DO NOT pay for anything Except for an expert to look your boat over for any damage.<br />Present a COPY of the report to the marina.<br />DO NOT call a lawyer (unless they are a good friend).<br />DO give the marina the chance to make it right, that's what THEY have insurance for.<br />DO make the marina understand they may be held responsible for underlying damages not originally found but caused by their service.<br />IT WILL be twice as hard to get your money back from them or their insurance company if you pay to have someone else fix any problems.<br />This may have just been an oversight by an employee, things do happen. Going to a lawyer may just complicate the matter and tick off the person who is willing to make it right. As a former parts dept. manager for some large marinas, I have delt with both customers and insurance companies. If the marina is not willing to make it right, them hit them with everything you have, but only after you have exhausted every other option. Keep us posted.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Is my flooded boat ruined?

Just a thought to add to this discussion.<br /><br />I feel comfortable calling my Banker at any time and sometimes just to see if she would like to go to lunch. Can't have a strong enough relationship with your banker. Getting money for my needs is a piece of cake and a formality, I know what I can have, when I can have it and at what rate, within about .5 points.<br /><br />My lawyer is someone I also have as a friend and someone I involve in the purchase of a house, previous divorce, and the day to day issues that arrise. He too is someone I have no problem dropping a quick question on. This doesn't always mean I need to involve him but your legal position is not always as clear as you would like to believe.<br /><br />House, cars, personal coverage, everything except the boat is covered by my insurance agent. I would call him in a heartbeat for advise on this issue. If he dinged me one penny he would lose all that busness and that of my extended family members. He is a resource, not a money collector. When he becomes a money collector and not a resource it is time for him to go.<br /><br />JMHO

 

[salty87]

Re: Is my flooded boat ruined?

i can echo the concerns about calling your insurance company first. i would say it depends on your relationship. if you're calling an 800 number, don't do it. if you have a relationship with an agent you can trust, give it a shot.<br /><br />i hit an underwater object, never found out what it was but it bent my prop shaft and dinged up the prop pretty good. i called the insurance co to clarify my coverage and see if they would be of any help.....quite the opposite. the insurance company said i made a claim on my insurance and they tried to raise my premium....the amount of the claim????? $0 . i took the shaft off and brought it to a shop, paid out of my pocket and put it all back together. they still said i made a claim. after a few heated calls, they dropped the claim and didn't raise my premium.<br /><br />an insurance company is not your friend, your agent may be but he can only do so much.<br /><br />i'd give the marina a shot to take care of it first.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Is my flooded boat ruined?

This type of crap goes way beyond someone making a mistake. This is about as bad as it can get. Total incompetence...more than that...Plain old disregard for your boat and you as a customer! A full reimbursement for winterising and storage is a step in the right direction by the marina. I would also get the owner to sign a letter of the facts as you have experienced them.<br /><br />If the floor doesn't feel soggy when it dries out and everything works the way it should, then leave it alone and save your money.<br /><br />If they are uncooperative with you, get the suveyor to check it out. If there is damage get them to reimburse. If they refuse, get your lawyer involved.

 

[Skiuseme]

Re: Is my flooded boat ruined?

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Is my flooded boat ruined?

Originally posted by cobra 3.0:<br />If the floor doesn't feel soggy when it dries out and everything works the way it should, then leave it alone and save your money.

The problem here is that soggy floors are a result of rot not wet. It could take a year or more before the rot, caused by the wetness, becomes evident. <br /><br />If the wood could dry out right away there would be no problem, but in most cases water below the floor is held by the foam and never dries out.

 

[wezie]

Re: Is my flooded boat ruined?

Called "sinking them on the trailer".<br />The damage can be the same as the real thing.<br />Insurance Company needs to know.<br />Any materials below the inside waterline have been soaked for X weeks. That is not the same as being wet.<br />The hull has also been pressed on the trailer for X weeks by that amount of water times 8 lbs. There may be structural problems.<br />The first thing done after removing a power boat from the water is remove the plug/s.<br />The second thing is to prevent anything from colgging the same drains.<br />Good Luck!

 

[BrianTindall]

Re: Is my flooded boat ruined?

1 post, many responses and no follow up yet from pjames. Am I missing something?

 

[Cal_MI]

Re: Is my flooded boat ruined?

The first thing to go bad on a flooded inboard is usually the starter, since it is electrical and on the bottom of the engine.<br /><br />I once took a flooded glass OB boat and added drain (limber) holes and vents so it could dry out under the floorboards. Fussy job, but it worked.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Is my flooded boat ruined?

Originally posted by Brian Tindall:<br />1 post, many responses and no follow up yet from pjames. Am I missing something?

Maybe we scared pjames to d**th?