I’m trying to find a really good yamaha mechanic or shop in Charleston. Also trying to see if anyone has had something similar happened to them before so I can kinda know what to look out for. On Friday I was trailering my boat home after filling it up for the weekend. I came to a complete stop on riverland when I heard tires and brakes locked up and bam. I put my hazards on and get out to see a cop car that is totaled. It hit the skeg of the motor when the motor was trimmed up all the way. The motor will trim down but when it’s almost all the way down there is a high pitch noise, and it takes forever for it to trim back up. The transom has a hairline crack on each side of the motor mount. Also the boat got pushed up on the trailer over a 14"s. The welds for the winch on the trailer are broken and the boat is resting on the winch hook and the safety chain. He broke my transducer and a brake light. Was wondering if anyone has ever had a similar accident and if so could you tell me what happened to the motor/ boat/trailer. I’m also looking for a good shop to take the boat to. I haven’t had a insurance estimate on the boat yet because there office was closed. If anyone has any advice I would appreciate it.
I’m no professional on this kind of thing but I would consult with several marine dealers and get several quotes.
The fact that you have cracks on your transom is what would concern me the most. I’d seek a total loss depending on cost of repair. As for the engine hanging during tilting… bent trim rod or more likely steering tube (not sure if that is right name)…
Chris… What you think? You are the boat advise dude on this section!
Consider the damage you can’t see! I am sure there is a dealer that would take it on as a project. Definitely something that a boat is not designed for so I would do may best to total it and settle with the police department.
Sounds like a totaled police car and boat. I hit a tree floating just under the surface with one of my boats. Only the motor hit it. It put a 3" crack on the transom. Insurance totaled it out.
“I am constantly amazed at the stupidity of the general public.”
~my dad
Equipment:
2007 Grady White 222 Fisherman / 250 Yamaha
Simrad NSS evo2 and G4
1- 22 boy that won’t move out)
1 - 18 year old (fishing maniac)
1 - wife (The Warden)
I was on Riverland Dr. friday afternoon and saw the aftermath of the accident. Looked pretty bad for the cop car he must’ve seen you at the last second. Hopefully all your brake lights were working and the cop was completely at fault. Boat looked to be a little older so I would have to agree with taking it to several shops and a dealer if there is one around for repair quotes. Good luck.
Does anyone know how they come up with the price of the boat if they declare it as totaled? KBB, NADA? Or do they just make a number up for what they think the boat is worth?
I’d be really concerned about structural transom and keel/stringer damage. Fiberglass can flex until it breaks and then rebound back to nearly original shape. If the coring in the transom is sheared/fractured, it is toast and you may not be able to tell from the outside of the boat.
I’d get my insurance co. to do a very thorough survey.
17’ Henry O Hornet w/ Johnson 88 spl
26’ Palmer Scott project hull
14’ Bentz-Craft w/ Yamaha 25
Sorry for your incident and glad nobody was hurt. It is likely your boat/motor/trailer is totaled. You may not have checked the market lately, but used boats are expensive. I believe the most important thing you should “look out for” is accepting inadequate compensation to replace the vessel. You should absolutely contact your insurance agent/co. as soon as possible. I would not agree to any settlements from the police dept without a clear understanding of the offer.
