Near sinking/damage assement -advice?

[thejonesey]

Hi,
My Merry Fisher 805 nearly sank two days ago as a result of an incorrectly fitted stern gland seal (volvo type) -it literally came off! Fortunately I was able to motor back to a lift and get pulled out.
The stern lazerette (with the gland) and the exhaust filled up and then started filling forward. The water may have just touched the bottom of the engine but no more, as the bulkhead kept it at bay. The instrument panel is now dead and there was a buzzing sound after I had turned off the engine and ignition. Strangely the engine battery seems to work although the engine will not start.
Does anyone suggest what I should do next. The guy who did the stern gland will sort that out but what else should I get replaced/insist on being fixed? Should I get an engineer to look at it?

Thanks
Rob

 

[JohnRob]

I would be concerned about how much of the electrics loom could have been submerged. Anything that has had a good old soaking in seawater will be problematical in the long term. This sounds to me like an insurance job so I would not take any shortcuts. I would definitely get a survey done.

 

[thejonesey]

I would be concerned about how much of the electrics loom could have been submerged. Anything that has had a good old soaking in seawater will be problematical in the long term. This sounds to me like an insurance job so I would not take any shortcuts. I would definitely get a survey done.

Thanks
What kind of survey would you suggest? Engineer or boat surveyor

 

[omega2]

The man who misfitted the stern gland should carry the candle, hope he is insured.

 

[Philiz]

Definitely sounds like you need to get an independant inspection carried out by a Consultant Marine Engineer. It appears that liability will ultimately lie with the Repairer who carried out the stern gland work if this proves to be at fault. I'd suggest he notifies his defective workmanship Insurers and notify them of a the claim as soon as possible. You will also neen to know the insurers details. Alternatively you could get your own insurers involved but let them know who you think is at fault and why.

 

[hlb]

As a bit of an expert on sinking, heres what you do.

First contact your insurance, tell them nothing, except you were sinking and you want a claim form. There next move they will make is to send round a surveyor. Now it depends on your policy, but also the surrvey, how you get on.

Every thing that has been touched by sea water, needs replacing. Yep it might work for a week or two, batteries will even work for a while under water, as will starter motors.

Slowly every thing will fail.

Last time I sunk was a couple of years ago. To be honest I think an engine fell off it's mountings and tore the stern gland and prop shaft out. Luckily the surveyor gave me the benifit of doubt. £23,000 from the Insurers. But watch the menders, they take the money, but still only do half the job.

 

[bobgoode]

Agree with HlB...do nothing other than mitigate furtherdamage. Contact insurance company and claim.

Keep notes of all conversations, letters etc.
Leave nothing to chance and take a close personal interest in all that the company and it's surveyor do "on your behalf."

 

[bobgoode]

Oh yeah...photograh everything now before anyone touches the boat.

 

[thejonesey]

Thanks

Thanks for the advice. I have now had the boat looked over by an electronics engineer and marine engineer. It would seem that that most of the water stayed behind the stern bulkhead and only went forward when it was lifted out so the engine bay and electronics got splashed but no more! Phew! The guy who fitted the stern gland has already hosed and sprayed the engine and greased batteries etc so things are looking up! Should be agreeing further work this week.