www.iFourWinns.com

KSJ08

Hopefully we can all learn something from this. More and more people tell me that a simple 'hit something in the water" that can be significant and costly on its own can come back later to be even more expensive from damaged parts that were not detected at the time of the first problem.

Something else I learned in the last few minutes from the previous owner. He said when he "hit something in the water" he knew something was wrong but drove the boat another 10 miles to the landing. Thats could be the contributing factor there. The repair shop probably fixed what was wrong with the lower drive but didn't realize he kept driving the boat causing wear on other parts like the upper drive. Just hypothesizing but likely in my mind.

We will see and thanks for the encouragement!

Ben

Friend of mine bought a used boat a few years ago & the lower unit went out on the 1st ride - he was able to claim it on his insurance & have the repair covered. Good luck

Good information. Some of the other guys mentioned insurance. I will call them back and push the issue. I like a good fight over insurance stuff. Thanks

I really wouldn't expect insurance to pay for it either - I sure wouldn't bust an artery over it if they decline. But it can't hurt to check it out. As always, you also have to weigh the risk & cost of increased premiums resulting from the claim against the 1-time cost of the repairs. On the other hand - that's what insurance is for!

It just really blows that something this major would happen on your maiden voyage with a 70 hour boat. I'm looking forward to knowing what really happened here.

Does the previous owner have any inclination to help? (Yeah I know, my naive nature again, thinking people are interested in doing the right thing and all that.)

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

How would the insurance companie know if you hit something or it happened to the previous owner.
Think i'd just tell you were out & hit something - end of story. Kind of crappy on that the seller hit something
& didn't have it properly repaired. Hope you are bringing it to a diferent repair place than the seller did.

Well, the insurance company would send out an adjuster who would take a look at the boat and see the undamaged prop - wouldn't be too much of a leap to conclude prior damage. Even so, I'd wait to see what broke before calling the insurance company. At that point, you might also talk to the Dealer's Service Manager about his thoughts on insurance coverage - they could be of tremendous help in that area, then with your ducks in a row call in a claim.

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2007 Horizon 200
4.3L GXi/ SX 225 HP

Well darn't anyway...the bent prop fell to the lake bottom when i was changing it over to my spare.

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2005 Horizon 210, 5.7L Volvo

Dang I wish I had been thinking!!!!!!!!!!! I should have waited to hear from all you guys before running it down to the marina.

The Mechanic determined today the the entire outdrive needs replaced. Merc has no COP (certified preowned from Merc) units or rebuilds on the shelf, 6-8 weeks lead time. They haven't priced a new one for me yet. The insurance guy is going to look at it Wednesday. I'm going tomorrow to brief the mechanic. Whatever he tells the adjuster is critical. The mechanic says its very possible the props got bumped by something under water. SS props don't always bend or give. Thats my story and I'm sticking to it.

In the mean time I have located a new unit (2009 in the crate w/factory warranty) for the same price as a COP ($4000.00). I may buy it tomorrow and have it shipped. I'm not waiting 6-8 weeks for one from Merc. I will pay the Marina to install it.

More to follow

I assume this means the engine is fine?

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2005 Horizon 210, 5.7L Volvo

Yes he said the engine is fine. I will take a pic of the internals tomorrow when I go to the shop. Should be interesting.

Did you check out dougrussell.com ??

I'm very sorry to hear about your troubles. One thing that comes to mind from previous discussions on here is to make sure they check the postion of the engine (motor mounts) before or while installing the new drive. I believe the manual says to have this done anyway as part of your 40 hour (or whatever it is) service, not withstanding a hit to the prop or lower unit. From what I understand and it makes sense, even a tiny misalignment between the engine and drive can cause big problems with drive between the engine and lower unit. Just something else to ponder. I hope all goes well for you and your back on the water soon. Good Luck!

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2008 H210SS VP 5.7 Gi/SX
2011 Ford F150 FX4 EB

I visited the repair shop today. The outdrive was still all together. The top gear cover was loose so I looked in to find a mess of pieces. The mechanic said there was no need to look at the lower end. With the extend of this damage it is cheaper to replace the whole unit versus trying to repair it. The insurance agent will be there tomorrow morning. The mech says its possible it was caused by impact but most likely it was incomplete repairs in the past (he's keeping that to himself). The mechanic said we can probably work out a trade for his time to inspect the old unit and labor to install the new one for my old outdrive.

I bought a new unit from Doug Russell. It cost a little more but they have been in business a long time and I felt it was the right thing to do. Thanks captkevin. New in crate, Merc warranty, in-stock, quick transaction, and fast freight. The new unit will be here hopefully Friday. No core charge.

Thanks and I will let everyone know what the insurance man says. I'm not holding my breath but if its covered I will be dancing in the street. Warning - may not be a pretty site!!!

A practically unused boat, a 70 hour engine, and a brand-new drive. Pretty hard to beat a deal like that.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

This post brings us a good point…. As some people remember that our 260 got a contact with the earth and causing a major damage to our lower unit last fall. Luckily to us that it happened on the last day of our boat season that the dealer had all winter to repair it correctly. Also thanks to our insurance they covered everything other than deductibles.
I did not have to inform my dealer (Winnisquam) but they went thru every part of drive and couplers that the repair was 100% done right. Interesting thing is our boat had a slight hint of vibration at very low speed as well as minor whine and noise since day one (brand new). After this repair our boat runs much smoother throughout any speed as well as no more whine or noise….. I am amazed that how good this boat runs now… I feel it is up to who service/repair the boat…. I was all smiling as I see my GPS hit 56.2 MPH (and yes my 8 years old boy was sitting on bow again) few weekends ago…. Too bad I did not have a camera with us …..

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08 H260 VP 8.1Gi DP.....Previous
2013 Crownline E6 Merc 8.2MAG BIIIX, DTS/SC