Boat Structural Integrity Test

[MITAdU]

Hello, I have a 2013 Larson LSR 220HP I/O boat that was stolen. It was parked for the winter with the leg down 1" from the ground. It was recovered the following day about 130kms away and the skeg was noticeably reduced to about half of its original size from it constantly hitting the road. The prop is damaged as well among other things.

Larson is declining the lifetime warranty since they wouldn't know the extent of the damage. I know there are tests e.g. Dye Penetrant Test, etc. that will reveal "external" cracks or damages but how can one verify if there are "internal" cracks/damages? There must be scanning equipment boat manufacturers use to ensure good quality control or to take data for their R&D, right? I know there are various non-destructive tests that can be done on pressure vessels/piping like x-rays, ultrasound, etc. but can it be applied/used on fiberglass boats? Any info on how to test or equipment to use or what service shops in Alberta, Canada I can use is much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[DeepBlue2010]

I totally understand your worries and desire to make sure that the vessel that carry you and your loved ones is safe and sound but the tests you are asking for - if exists - it would be very costly. It is obvious that the outdrive and propeller sustained some damage. That you already know.

If you are worried about the fiberglass hull, I would go through every inch of the hull from the outside looking for any hair cracks in the gelcoat. If the hull sustained any significant stress or twist, the gel will most likely crack. Gelcoat is not paint, it will not stretch to accomodate. It will jusy crack. You can also apply light from the outside and try to see any traces of light from the inside and/or visa versa.

Finally, I would take her to the ramp and drop her in the water while still attached to the trailer and wait a while looking for any leaks.

If you give to professional marine service, this is what they would do. I doubt any shop can actually afford any automated test equipment such as imaging and x-ray but i could be wrong. If you are. Ot comfortable doing this work yourself, you might want to consider hiring a reputable marine surveyor to inspect her. After all, that is what they do for living. Just few thoughts for your consideration.

Best of luck to you and sorry for your troubles m8. I am glad you got her back.

P.S, think about buying and hiding one of these GPS tracking bugs in your boat. I have one in my mine.

 

[fhhuber]

I'd try to get the insurance company to write it off...

You have grounds in that the hull maker voided the lifetime warranty for abuse and the outdrive is going to need major work.

 

[tpenfield]

Hello, I have a 2013 Larson LSR 220HP I/O boat that was stolen. It was parked for the winter with the leg down 1" from the ground. It was recovered the following day about 130kms away and the skeg was noticeably reduced to about half of its original size from it constantly hitting the road. The prop is damaged as well among other things.

Larson is declining the lifetime warranty since they wouldn't know the extent of the damage. I know there are tests e.g. Dye Penetrant Test, etc. that will reveal "external" cracks or damages but how can one verify if there are "internal" cracks/damages? There must be scanning equipment boat manufacturers use to ensure good quality control or to take data for their R&D, right? I know there are various non-destructive tests that can be done on pressure vessels/piping like x-rays, ultrasound, etc. but can it be applied/used on fiberglass boats? Any info on how to test or equipment to use or what service shops in Alberta, Canada I can use is much appreciated. Thanks.

There must be scanning equipment boat manufacturers use to ensure good quality control or to take data for their R&D, right? Probably wrong . . . I think you give the manufacturers of recreational boats way too much credit.

You may be getting too scientific for what is really needed. A good visual inspection by a certified Marine Surveyor should be all you need to assess damage that may have resulted from the theft.

 

[MITAdU]

Deepblue - Yup, I was doing research on GPS Trackers but the boat was stolen before I could even buy one. Only concern I have about not having an "internal" inspection/test done is that I'd be paying for it down the road if there is an internal damage that wasn't corrected.

 

[MITAdU]

@ fhhuber - My thoughts were that Larson should stipulate what needs to be done i.e. required tests and repairs for them to honor the lifetime warranty. If my insurance will deem that the repair costs will be too high then the insurance can just pay me for what the current boat's value. Well, that's why we pay insurance premiums, right?

 

[MITAdU]

@ tpenfield - the only reason what I thought about it is that how can they back up a lifetime warranty without data from test results. I'm just concerned something bad happens a few years after the repairs or uncorrected damages and I'll have to shoulder that cost.

 

[GA_Boater]

Ask Larson what is needed to continue the lifetime warranty. They must have procedures to follow after warranted repairs are made to their boats to continue the guarantee.

 

[MITAdU]

@ GA_Boater - Yes, I already did last week. I'm hoping their next response to my email of using test equipments I mentioned will yield a favourable response. I talked to contractors (that worked in our gas plant) who performs non-destructive examinations on our pressure vessels that it can be done. The downside is that it would be costly (more labour hours) for them since they're not trained working on fiberglass materials. Same technology can be applied & I hope their certified shops has one.

 

[GA_Boater]

Don't count on any type of NDT by Larson. The equipment and training cost for them or dealers outweigh any benefit to them. A professional survey accepted by Larson.is probably about it. And that should be an item in your insurance claim.

I would be more worried about the damage to the outdrive and possible ongoing issues.

Was the thief or thieves caught?

 

[MITAdU]

Their reply on that was to cancel the warranty since they said "we don't know the extent of the damage". Then, I emailed them about possible test(s) we can perform which would make them certain all repairs to be done will be completed. Then it would be to their satisfaction. The only thing is my insurance may decline it if gets to expensive.

 

[tpenfield]

It seems like you may be going to great lengths to have a warranty that Larson probably does not actually payout on anyway. Warranties tend to be more marketing gimmicks than product protection. JMO . . .

 

[harleyman1975]

Have you read the warranty? Does it state that it is void if damaged or abused? How does it pay? Prorated? What is it warrantying against? If the damage directly caused the warranty to be voided then the insurance co. should be on the hook in some way shape or size. I would ask that the file note that if any damage related to the loss down the road were to be discovered that they would go good on it and As far as Larson I would think that a survey report from a reputable licensed surveyor performed at a dealership would satisfy them as to the extent of any damage...or lack there of. Keep the dialog open. Utilize your dealership. Get them involved. They sold you the boat and made their money, they owe you (at least the appearance of) assistance with the Mfgr.

 

[MITAdU]

@ Harleyman - you mentioned a lot of good points. I really think Larson should stipulate the requirements and if the insurance approves it then all parties will be satisfied. I guess as you mentioned, I'll coordinate this to the dealer. Thanks.