Recently my boat was damaged while the fork lift was putting it back up on the rack at a dry dock storage marina. It’s a quite new 2013 Sea Hunt Triton 177 CC, 115 Yamaha. The stainless steel tube rack ( probably 3/4"-7/8" diameter)is attached to the sides of the console and goes up and around the top of the windshield. It was bent backwards (towards the stern) at about a 45 degree angle when it hit something because they had it too high. The marina I inspected the console, both inside and out and said that it looks ok, so they put a new rack on for me, at their expense. Of course this is how it should be. The first time I used the boat after the damage was done (but before the rack was replaced), while idling at the dock as I was loading gear, I heard and felt a vibration which I’d never noticed since I bought it last November. Only have 35 to 40 hours on it. I did not purchase it from the marina where it is kept in dry dock storage. Let me say that I understand and accept that it was an accident, caused by human mistake. The Lord knows I’ve made plenty, so I’m not angry and looking to get every thing I can or sue them, etc. But I need to be smart about this and not naive or foolish either. So I have some questions:
Has anyone else ever experienced something similar?
Should I request/demand the marina to either have a service person from the business where I bought it come and inspect it thoroughly, or have the marina take it there to be checked out?
It is marina’s responsibility to make it right. I’ve worked at several dry stack marinas and they always repaired or took care of repairs. Fork lifts damage a lot of boats and they have insurance for this.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
CL,
Thanks for the response. I know it is their responsibility but I’m wondering if I should just accept their opinion re what damage was actually done, or insist on an impartial inspection and opinion.
You have every right to have it inspected at their expense. Don’t take their word for it! Insist on having it inspected by a reputable or outside source, not of their choosing! Unless there is something in the rental agreement fine print:question: Contact your insurance company and see what they say!
And if they wont pay for a second opinion, I think it is definitely worth your money to pay for one - BEFORE you put any more hours on it. Documenting the issue with a 3rd party’s involvement may mean the difference in your reimbursement for damages.
Thanks for all of the responses and advice. I stopped by and asked the marina manager “are you totally confident” that there was not any other damage other than the bent rail? He said yes, he was. But I am going to have it inspected by an experienced and knowledgeable, independent 3rd party just to be absolutely safe and, as suggested by one of you, to document everything for any repairs which might need to be done in the future, should any damage be discovered. Thanks again guys.
The problem with a marina manager’s opinion is that he probably has a degree in business management and not boat damage assessment. His job is to make the bottom line good to the owners, not marine surveying.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
before this gets ugly, get the manager to come down to the boat while its in the water and show him your concern. most places have somebody that does repairs for them on site. get his opinion. if you still don’t feel comfortable with the outcome, then you will need to get an outside opinion. this could all be done in a day or 2, so it shouldn’t drag out for a long time. and I wouldn’t put any more time on the engine until you are satisfied.
check your PM’s