New boat, and I broke something on the motor

[supermgl]

First off, I have very little experience with the drive system, and only a little with the engines. I found this site looking for some info about my problem. Hopefully someone will have some good info for me. <br /><br />I picked up a used Crest Pontoon boat last night. I took it out today and didn't even get to leave the dock. I took the boat off the trailer and put it in reverse, I heard a loud pop and other nasty noises, so I put it back and neutral and shut it off. After inspecting the motor quickly I figured I would try it again, it started fine but would not go into either forward or reverse gear. The engine would only rev up. I put it back on the trailer thinking I would bring it into the dealer. I later noticed a collar around the prop was broken. This was not like this when I picked it up. During the test drive, the engine ran great. I'm just wondering what may have happened, did I cause the thing to break? It's a 96 Mercury 75hp, a friend mentioned it could have just been time. I didn't think I over exerted it...any comments would be welcome. I shudder to think what this may cost to fix.<br /><br />Here's a pic:<br />

 

[rodbolt]

Re: New boat, and I broke something on the motor

that collar is the prop shaft bearing carrier. it also carries the reverse gear assy. most likly something got between the pinion and reverse gears. only a tear down will tell. dont lose the tiny balls in the prop shaft shifter clutch. they may fall out when you remove the prop shaft.

 

[supermgl]

Re: New boat, and I broke something on the motor

This sounds expensive.

 

[Vlad D Impeller]

Re: New boat, and I broke something on the motor

Gee! what would have caused that to happened?

 

[BF]

Re: New boat, and I broke something on the motor

Welcome... & condolences...<br /><br />yes, sadly it doesn't look like it'll be a pleasant day for you financially! Was the engine rev'ing high when you shifted to rev? Any chance you hit something with the prop when you put it in reverse?? If so, and also if you had insurance on the rig that includes damages due to submerged objects, then the insurance company would pay.<br /><br />Lower unit work gets expensive fast. All the parts are expensive, and labour can easily double it, unless you do it yourself.... sometimes it's cheaper/faster to find a good whole lower unit from a blown motor.<br /><br />I rebuilt the lower unit on my V6 merc when it broke the driveshaft a couple years ago... took a while, parts/bearings were pricey and I was lucky to find a good used driveshaft and for ~$600 I got it together and it's still working well. Taking it in likely would've been more like $2000.<br /><br />good luck!

 

[BF]

Re: New boat, and I broke something on the motor

oh, and if you hit something... even if you didn't purchase insurance espcially for the boat, you might want to check with your homeowner's policy, some include coverage for boats up to some max (I think on mine it's up to $3000), without you needing a separate rider.

 

[supermgl]

Re: New boat, and I broke something on the motor

I had just bought this boat the day before. I didn' hit anything cause I never left the dock. I simply put it into reverse and this happened. The engine wasn't rev'd up when I put it into reverse, it just happened as soon as I shifted into gear. <br /><br />I've talked to a few poeple in my area and they mentioned an "Implied Warranty" law. I'm really hopeful that the marina will fix this at no cost to me. It really should not have happened, but I hate to see them get screwed with a high cost repair as well. They took the boat in as a trade, 2 days before I put a deposit on it. I guess they should have checked it out a little more extensively before selling it.<br /><br />I'll let ya'll know how this turns out, thanx for your comments.

 

[Motor Boater Bill]

Re: New boat, and I broke something on the motor

My guess would be that water got into the lower unit and froze last winter, cracking parts (like the bearing carrier) that finally gave way. But that is just a wild guess.

 

[supermgl]

Re: New boat, and I broke something on the motor

Just talked with the Marina about the motor. They said the "Clutch something or other" blew apart. They did not know what caused it, but they said it clearly wasn't that I hit something. They are making a list of parts. Good to know the believe me now!

 

[KCLOST]

Re: New boat, and I broke something on the motor

Is it just me, or does that lower unit look like it's not the one that originally came with that motor?

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: New boat, and I broke something on the motor

supermgl, from the smiley face it appears you're happy - is the Marina fixing it for you under warranty? I hope you re-post (do a follow up to this same thread) when you figure this out. I'm interested in what exactly they think happened and if they cover it for you. I'm voting for the "froze last winter and was not checked out by the marina" theory.<br /><br />I do feel that any boat business of any sort owes it to a customer to make a good faith check of basic components of any used engine- compression, spark, fuel and lower unit. Things that are very easy for them to check, but not for the casual first time boat owner. Now, a private sale, that's a different story - I pretty much adhere to buyer beware and the buyer shoul dd these checks him/herself or pay a mechanic to do it.

 

[supermgl]

Re: New boat, and I broke something on the motor

I hate to assume they are fixing it at no cost to me, however this Marina does have a good reputation. He said they were getting a parts list together as I spoke to him. I will update this thread no matter what happens.

 

[supermgl]

Re: New boat, and I broke something on the motor

Talked with the Marina today. They estimated that it will cost at least $1300 parts and labor to fix this problem. I expressed my concerns that even though I bought this boat "as is", "as is" was working when I put a deposit on it. I took it out on the water and it did not work "as it was" which was the agreement. The person I talked with was going to talk with the boss and get back to me. I'm still waiting to hear back.

 

[supermgl]

Re: New boat, and I broke something on the motor

It's been two days and I have not heard from the Marina. I hate to be the one calling them, when they said they would get back to me. Getting a bit off topic here, but any thoughts about what I should do now? I have a feeling that they were aware something like this might happen, but they probably thought it wouldn't happen so soon.

 

[BF]

Re: New boat, and I broke something on the motor

well... maybe things go differently for you, but for me when they say "we'll call" they don't. There's something to be said for the squeaky wheel getting the grease. If it were me, I'd be down there in person talking to the manager, you want them to know this is a big deal to you. I'd be getting more vocal if it looked things weren't going my way (within earshot of other potential buyers), that might get some desire on their part to do something to make it right. Not having a hissy fit, but definately showin' that I was not happy. I'd also point out that not only did you pay for a boat that broke the first time you turned the key on it (which has already happened, so they can't change that), but you're losing the season by the minute (which they can do something about). You might also mention how "the folks down at the marina can't believe you wouldn't make it right." It's not just you, but their reputation as a good marina to other potential customers that they should be thinking about. <br /><br />Did they break down parts vs. labour? Would you be satisfied if you pd for parts, and they ate the labour? If so, maybe that could be your "fall back" position. Given you had no warranty, they might be willing to do something along those lines to make you happy. If they think you're still gonna be PO'd and bad mouth 'em anyway, they might not wanna give you anything (they've probably already lost your repeat business). If they agree to fix it for free or for reduced $$$, I'd still want to know that it is a top priority, not just drop it off and we'll call you in a few weeks kinda thing. <br /><br />Anyway, that's my $.02... <br /><br />good luck.

 

[pegleg319]

Re: New boat, and I broke something on the motor

It also look's like a different lower unit to me,a lot cleaner than the upper part

 

[supermgl]

Re: New boat, and I broke something on the motor

The marina did finally call me a litte while ago. They offered to waive the labor fee's if I payed for parts. Not getting to excited I asked how much that would be, they said around $930. Sounds to me like they are jacking up the price for parts to cover their labor costs. I did not ask about getting a list of parts, I just told them I would think about it and get back to them. I'm now getting in touch with a lawyer to see what my options are, before I call them back.

 

[BF]

Re: New boat, and I broke something on the motor

Well that's something anyway. You might want to clarify with them that the cost of the parts should be their cost, not what you'd pay walking up the parts counter (which would include markup). You might also point out that from their original $1300 estimate, they have you footing >70% of the cost! If you paid their cost for parts, you might be closer to 50/50.<br /><br />Let us know how it goes... I'd be impressed if they coughed up for the whole repair (I think it's more likely you'd share the pain)...

 

[Wellcraft 89]

Re: New boat, and I broke something on the motor

Now lets think about this!<br />I'm not siding with anybody here.<br />If you buy a boat not tested and the sale is stated on the recpiet as "as is" Then you have made the mistake not the marina.<br />I can see your point also,but parts for a lower unit add up fast.<br />I would request a parts list before going any further.<br />As soon as you mention Lawyer to this place you will be shooting yourself in the foot<br /><br />Rich

 

[BF]

Re: New boat, and I broke something on the motor

I think the situation is that he had the boat out for test session, and it worked great. He bought it and 2 days later launched for first time, started motor, motor broke when put in reverse. Never left dock. I also think he knows he didn't have a warranty... I agree that if he mentions "lawyer", any good will would probably evaporate... but talking to a lawyer himself might not be bad if it makes him feel better. If it turns out he has no recourse, then getting a break on labour starts to look better.<br /><br />If the place is reputable, they should have some desire to not leave someone holding this bag alone (that appears to be the case)... In my mind, if he had used it a couple days, then it would be tough luck, used motors break, probably did something stupid, etc etc. Like I said already, maybe he could do a bit better than their first offer, but I'd be surprised if the marina would agree to cough up for parts (which really do cost quite a bit) and the labour.