My Sundowner's encounter with a SeaDoo

NickH · **Joined:** Sat Aug 02, 2014 7:55 pm **Posts:** 67

So last weekend our 96 Sundowner had a close encounter with a rogue SeaDoo. Here are some pics of the damage. Insurance claim process is underway, but I was wondering how extensive (Expensive?) this damage might be to repair. Being my first boat, I have little to no reference of what repair work like this costs. I have to assume it's not cheap, and that there is probably more than meets the eye when it comes to damage. What is hard to see in the pics is the red gel coat all spider'd where it's dented below the belt line. On the bright side, the transom is the only spot on the boat with faded gel coat, so at least I can get that all fixed up at the same time :lol:

ric · **Posted:** Tue Oct 07, 2014 8:46 pm

How the heck does that happen??

NickH · **Joined:** Sat Aug 02, 2014 7:55 pm **Posts:** 67

I'm not positive and wasn't there but my guess is went forward when they meant to backup.

NiagaraChillin · **Posted:** Wed Oct 08, 2014 12:25 am

Ohh damn, is that a crack in the fiberglass that runs along the swim platform?? Luckily it is ABOVE the waterline. Have you poked your head inside to see if anything else is damaged? I imagine that can be repaired, but I'm no fiberglass expert.

ric · **Posted:** Wed Oct 08, 2014 8:14 am

NiagaraChillin wrote:

Ohh damn, is that a crack in the fiberglass that runs along the swim platform?? Luckily it is ABOVE the waterline. Have you poked your head inside to see if anything else is damaged? I imagine that can be repaired, but I'm no fiberglass expert.

Anything fiberglass can be repaired, that's the beauty of it

Jdpber · **Posted:** Wed Oct 08, 2014 8:29 am

that all can be fixed. be prepared for a few thousand dollar bill if the red gel cot is damaged. BUT YES IT CAN BE REPAIRED

rpengr · **Posted:** Wed Oct 08, 2014 8:32 am

Yes that can be repaired, but they will most likely have to repair from the inside and the outside.

That was quite a hit. I would think the PWC was doing 15-20 mph at the time of that hit. The fiberglass would have pushed in a lot farther (maybe 3 inches), then sprung back out to where it is now. That is how it would make that the long crack at the back corner. The front end of the PWC must have ended up with a hole or two in it (made by your ladder and stern eye).

There is likely some cracking/weakening of the fiberglass in the area, so they would add some fiberglass/resin on the inside.

It will be an expensive repair, but that's what insurance is for. Hopefully you won't be able to tell it's repaired afterward without crawling up under the inside. (I would agree with the "a few thousand" comment, or at least more than $1000).

ric · **Posted:** Wed Oct 08, 2014 9:24 am

I would be careful with the insurance company. A 1996 Sundowner 205 has an insurance value of around 6k, they might end up trying to total it.

NickH · **Joined:** Sat Aug 02, 2014 7:55 pm **Posts:** 67

ric wrote:

I would be careful with the insurance company. A 1996 Sundowner 205 has an insurance value of around 6k, they might end up trying to total it.

This was my biggest fear, but I actually met with the adjuster this morning. I pulled out the rear seat and engine cover before he got there so we could get a better look at things. The estimate was about $2k, and they cut me a check right there for that amount. He advised that if the body guy got into it further and there were more issues, then no problem, they'd take care of it. The shop they like use happens to be about half a mile from my house and they do fantastic work. From the inside one of the supports is cracked, but overall doesn't look too bad. We'll see I guess!

-Nick

ric · **Posted:** Wed Oct 08, 2014 11:17 am

I wouldn't have got a check until I got a written estimate from that shop of what it's going to cost

JeffLW · **Posted:** Thu Oct 09, 2014 1:38 pm

rpengr wrote:

The front end of the PWC must have ended up with a hole or two in it (made by your ladder and stern eye).

And the PWC operator with a black eye or two.(made by your fists) :lol:

NickH · **Joined:** Sat Aug 02, 2014 7:55 pm **Posts:** 67

Well it's been a couple months but I just got the ol' girl back from the fiberglass shop. The final tally on the damage was $3700. Once the boat was out of the water it was evident that the damage was a little more severe than originally thought. It was still all 'glass work though, so no sweat. They fixed it all up better than new, they also refinished the red stripe on the entire boat, so she literally looks like brand new. Our local Progressive insurance people were super easy to deal with and the shop even shrink-wrapped her up for us after final inspection so we're good to go until spring. Stupid me didn't take "after" pictures, oh well... All in all, we made the best of a crappy accident and have a new and improved looking boat to show for it. I have heard horror stories about Progressive, but I honestly have no complaints. Now we just need SPRING to Come!

-Nick

www.iFourWinns.com

My Sundowner's encounter with a SeaDoo

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