I Miss My Boat

D

Darkmann

Member
Joined
Sep 13, 2007
RO Number
28565
Messages
64
As some may recall, first time boater, I got mine in September 07, MY02 29 foot Sundancer, loaded, Eastern Shore of MD, USA. We got out a few times last year and it was a blast with the kids. Probably spent every weekend on the boat!!!!! She was out for storage after thanksgiving. And,...,bammmmmm. My tech calls me with the bad news - cracked manifold. I had no idea what he was talking about, but I have since learned. In summary, all 4 manifolds and risers will be replaced. Here's a piece of good news: he told me it wasn't my fault, and that previous winterizing efforts were probably not done correctly, hence the cracked manifold - some of you may recall my posts about wetness in the bilge!!!! He recommended both engines be done!!!

That's the boat in the middle:
IMGP0944.jpg


and here's my problem:
IMGP0940.jpg


The best news: My mech spoke with the dealer who sold me the boat - Full-Tilt Marine in Grasonville, MD - and they agreed to cover the parts 100% - this could have been the cause of water in the bilge!!!! I wonder how my boat inspector missed this. Honestly though, being new to boating, I'm coming in with a used car mentality and I was supremely impressed at how Full-Tilt Marine handled this. If you're in the area and need a truly honest sales person, talk to Paul at Full-Tilt.

In any case, I'm looking forward to a couple of months when the boat comes out and the fun starts, screw gas prices.....for now!!!!!!
 
Is the motor closed cooled? If it is raw water cooled, let's hope they drained the motor right. It's pretty basic to drain a manifold, you remove a plug and shove a long screw up in the hole to make sure it drains!
 
Just curious if you would share who your surveyor was? I am looking a a few for a boat that I am purchasing. Jusy want to ne sure I don't select the one you did.

Thanks,

Lumpsum
 
Was a mechanical survey done or a survey for general condition and value? Mechanical survey includes sea trial, compression testing and oil analysis etc. Much more involved and not included in a routine "survey".
For the marina to stand up and do the right thing, I suspect they were the one's doing the improper winterization that caused the manifolds to crack and they would be liable.
 
Darkmann,
I am in the process of purchasing a new 4460 Regal from Full Tilt Marine. They have been great to me I am glad to hear that they are treating you right. Where are you keeping your boat? I live in Grasonville and am keeping mine rb2@gr5t Oyster Cove Condos in Kent Narrows
 
those are normal maintainance items. just be sure no water got into the engines.
 
quote:
Originally posted by LouC

Is the motor closed cooled? If it is raw water cooled, let's hope they drained the motor right. It's pretty basic to drain a manifold, you remove a plug and shove a long screw up in the hole to make sure it drains!

Click to expand...


It's raw water cooled and yes, everything looks good - no water got to the pistons, thank goodness. The manifolds (in the pics) don't look that bad at all, but there's a crack.
 
quote:
Originally posted by lumpsum

Just curious if you would share who your surveyor was? I am looking a a few for a boat that I am purchasing. Jusy want to ne sure I don't select the one you did.

Thanks,

Lumpsum

Click to expand...


I would, but I'm in the process of working out some kind of deal because he should have caught this since we had the boat for a long time under various conditions, and he seemed to have gone through every nook and cranny. To make matters worse, this particular inspector is rated on these motors. I guess one is entitled to miss something, but I think this was a bad miss.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Gregory Saracco

Was a mechanical survey done or a survey for general condition and value? Mechanical survey includes sea trial, compression testing and oil analysis etc. Much more involved and not included in a routine "survey".
For the marina to stand up and do the right thing, I suspect they were the one's doing the improper winterization that caused the manifolds to crack and they would be liable.

Click to expand...


I don't know who was doing the winterizing before I got the boat. But as a first timer in boating, I took no chances. I got a licensed surveyor and he did a two tire inspection. The first on I wasn't there, but he went and inspected the boat while it was out of water. The second involved sea trials and I was quite impressed at what looked to me to be a thorough inspection. How he missed this is a mystery to me, now that I know. Also, keep in mind that the techs at the selling shop also missed it. Being new to this, I can only depend on experienced owners like folks here to guide me, and I'm learning plenty. Thanks.
 
quote:
Originally posted by van lafermine

Darkmann,
I am in the process of purchasing a new 4460 Regal from Full Tilt Marine. They have been great to me I am glad to hear that they are treating you right. Where are you keeping your boat? I live in Grasonville and am keeping mine rb2rb2@gr5tgr5t Oyster Cove Condos in Kent Narrows

Click to expand...


Oh yeah, they're nice people and Paul is a very honest person to work with. Mine's currently at Deal Island (Eastern Shore).
 
quote:
Originally posted by pdecat

those are normal maintainance items. just be sure no water got into the engines.

Click to expand...


Yep, my tech did mention that the manifolds were due for replacement anyway. That's one reason he insisted that both be done. He also wouldn't do them without doing the risers also. I think once this is done, I'll be good 'till me next boat. The SD is a really good boat from what I've seen.
 
quote:
Originally posted by lumpsum

Just curious if you would share who your surveyor was? I am looking a a few for a boat that I am purchasing. Jusy want to ne sure I don't select the one you did.

Thanks,

Lumpsum

Click to expand...


lumpsum, I tried to PM and e-mail you via the forum but ran into a wall. Hopefully it's not too late. But if you still need the info, E-mail me at darkfellowwrb2@gr5tyahoo.com.
 
This is why it is a good idea to take off the risers (or elbows) at the end of every season and inspect them and down inside the manifolds they sit on very carefully. It only takes a few minutes to remove them and the gaskets are cheap. Well worth the time and effort. A very easy DIY project.
 
If you are in salt water, I'd recommend doing them every 5 - 7 years.
 
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