I don't believe it......!!

[Genie]

I don\'t believe it......!!

I just don't believe my luck - bought an ex-demonstrator boat from a reputable well established dealer, only 20 hrs on the clock, and a lovely 22 ftfisher cruiser with some nice little extras to make life comfortable. Took her out for a spin at the dealers and she behaved wonderfully, perfect for our first boat after years of reading, investigating and yearning.
Powered by a Volvo Penta 4.3gxi V8 petrol with duoprop, I was really pleased, especially with such a decent engine on board. Boat arrived end of March, and it was a wonderful moment for us - at last, our own little boat!!
All was peachy until the first time we took her out she refused to re-start and we were kindly towed in by another boat (thanks Purple Haze!). Boat went to local Volvo dealer and they diagnosed a faulty electrical connection, which was sorted pronto under warranty and she was tested.
Took her out again (gingerly, staying near coast) and same thing happened! Got towed in by the boatyard manager who did the work (on his day off bless him) after the out of hours emergency number was not on.
Finally, after a week diagnosed water in no.3 cylinder and also in number 2 on opposite bank (engineer not sure how it got there but suspects crack in exhaust or faulty exhaust valve). A further week and also looks like a badly seated valve on no.2 cylinder as well!
Now they tell me they are going to ask Volvo for advice on what to do next - the engineers (who have been very good) will suggest a new engine but say that's up to Volvo. I have told them that I would also wish for a replacement engine as I've sort of lost faith in it and would always be worried about travelling more than a few miles offshore, especially amongst the other channel islands with our fierce tides - I don't want to be drifting out there without power!
Is there any obligation for Volvo to replace?
Obviously that is what we will be pushing for, but if they say they wuill repair is there much I can do?
Any advice gladly accepted, especially from anyone who has had a similar experience.
I'm not moaning - I know I'm lucky to have the boat in the first place, but I am a little crestfallen, especially with the great weather we've had and seeing all the other boats skimming out to enjoy the weather - an unlucky start to baoting or what! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
Rob

 

[Peterduck]

Re: I don\'t believe it......!!

With a boat so close to new, the dealer should have provided a warranty, which you should be exercising now. He has clearly sold an article which is not merchantable, or in this case, seaworthy. The dealer has the option of how he goes about making good the deficiency, but there comes a time when replacement is a more efficient option than repeated and ongoing repairs. The water in the combustion chamber is a very serious affair, and could indicate that the engine is not as young as has been advertised. I say this because marine engines tend to rust out from the water jacket before they wear out, and I had a BMC diesel to which this had happened. I replaced the diesel. This is potentially the worst problem that this engine is facing, because if it is corrosion from the water jacket, it will be widespread throughout the engine. The real cause of this problem needs to be identified, and you need to be shown what the cause is if it not corrosion. If the dealer is less than frank about the repairs I would look to getting some legal advice. You cannot afford to be fobbed off with some "It'll be alright" attitude.
Peter.

 

[Genie]

Re: I don\'t believe it......!!

Thanks for the advice Pete
The engine was registered new to me so is only 1 month old in the eyes of Volvo, so they are sorting this out.
The engine is brand new, as confirmed by the Volvo penta computer, so i guess I'm just unlucky.
I just hope they replace not repair!
Rob