Cracked Engine Block

[lakeeriemonster]

Looking for some input and advice.

Have a 2016 230 with roughly 185 hours on it. 343 PCM engine. Apparently, the dealership made a mistake with their winterization process (admitted from the dealer) and ended up popping one of the expansion plugs in the engine. I discovered this at the start of the season when I started getting water in the bilge and an overheat indication on the engine. Awesome. The dealership was apologetic and loaned me a boat to use for the rest of the weekend.

I just got in touch with the dealership with an update. They've replaced the expansion plug and ran the engine for an hour. Looked good. They did discover what they called a small, superficial crack on the exterior block. They have pulled the motor and are having the crack welded / repaired and plan to reinstall the engine. They are going to warranty the engine for the duration of time I own the boat.

I have concerns over the longevity of this fix as well as the effect on potential resale value. I have no plans to sell or trade up now or in the future, but you never know. Thoughts?

[charlesml3]

Not really anything to be concerned about. Welding a hairline crack is pretty common and usually results in a permanent fix. If they're going to warranty it then it's their risk to assume.

-Charles

[Rockymtnsurfer]

Mine was welded...knock on wood....don't want to jinx it...probably already did.....10 years running since

[DocPhil]

Seems like the dealer is doing everything they can short of a new motor. Your issue is going to be whether you disclose to your buyer what happened when you sell. We all know what the right thing to do is. However, there is no question it will affect resale if you disclose it.

[Rockymtnsurfer]

Agree 100% with Doc.....I redid my entire boat...looks brand new with all new upgrades......listed it way below value....and included the price of a new engine.......no one wanted it after they new the block was welded. So we kept it. But it is no doubt a game stopper. If you can get a new motor out of it, you will be in a WAY better position in the long run.

[lakeeriemonster]

My thoughts exactly. They've fully disclosed the issue and accepted fault. They were nice enough to offer a loaner boat for the time it's in the shop. I just don't see that I'm being compensated for the loss of resale for a fault that was not mine.

Anyone have any insight on cost of new engine?

Agreed - I couldn't NOT disclose the engine issue with a private transaction. I'd fear same scenario - no one would want to touch the boat.

[GMLIII]

My thoughts exactly. They've fully disclosed the issue and accepted fault. They were nice enough to offer a loaner boat for the time it's in the shop. I just don't see that I'm being compensated for the loss of resale for a fault that was not mine.

Anyone have any insight on cost of new engine?

Agreed - I couldn't NOT disclose the engine issue with a private transaction. I'd fear same scenario - no one would want to touch the boat.

Doesn't the dealer have some kind of winterization insurance coverage, to deal with situations like you have encountered? I would think they could get a replacement engine for your boat under their coverage since the dealer was at fault. I would at least ask the dealer this question.

[scottb7]

Yep they should give you a new engine, or your re-sale gonna suck. Not fair to you. The only additional thought would be if they warranty it - block only - for lifetime of boat. They might do it, and then you could provide that warranty to next owner. But still kind of sucks for you...

Maybe they don't have insurance to cover that kind of thing or a super high deductible and don't want to make a claim.

So many dealers are so bad...

Two stories:
Few years ago...Buddy of mine, his guy sucks in antifreeze by the thermostat at top of motor on his malibu. They didn't tighten the hose clamp and boat almost sunk after filling bottom of boat with water. Beginning of season, right after ice off. I really did think we were going to have to jump in the water...It was a bit scary.

This year, friend of mine with axis with perko fresh water thing. His guy sucked in rv antifreeze to winterize but didn't empty the strainer so water never flowed out from one side of the perko thing, so the perko froze and broke in half. He almost overheated his engine, when he went out on lake.

Not that I am brilliant...but no matter what I always start my boat in driveway each season before dropping in the water...

[DocPhil]

To me a logical next step would be to bring this issue up with the dealer. Let them know you appreciate all that they have done but you have fears about resale. They seem like pretty stand up people. Maybe they can make an offer that makes sense.

[lakeeriemonster]

To me a logical next step would be to bring this issue up with the dealer. Let them know you appreciate all that they have done but you have fears about resale. They seem like pretty stand up people. Maybe they can make an offer that makes sense.

That's the plan. Appreciate the input and I"ll make sure to provide an update when all is said and done.

[Bevostein]

I would accept nothing less than a new block. They damaged your boat and you should be returned to the position you were in prior to them causing the damage. Plain and simple. You shouldn’t have to deal with the headache of resale, disclosure or even coordinating a warranty transfer. Personally I wouldn’t be a fan of buying a boat that was “warrantied” even for lifetime by the dealer.

[Evening Shade]

My thoughts exactly. They've fully disclosed the issue and accepted fault. They were nice enough to offer a loaner boat for the time it's in the shop. I just don't see that I'm being compensated for the loss of resale for a fault that was not mine.

Anyone have any insight on cost of new engine?

Agreed - I couldn't NOT disclose the engine issue with a private transaction. I'd fear same scenario - no one would want to touch the boat.

A new complete engine is easily $10,000 before factoring in labor.

Your dealer is trying to make you happy with a repair that costs them $25, but potentially costs you thousands of dollars.

I would be concerned about a dealer warranty on your engine. What if the dealer goes out of business or gets bought by another dealer like MarineMax or comes under new ownership and changes names? Your warranty is gone if that happens.

If I were you, I would press the dealer really hard to give you a SMOKIN deal on a 2019 230 and a great trade in on your boat. You want that cracked/welded block out of your hands! I supose you could press them to replace just the block, but you will lose precious time on the water if you do that and don't have a loaner boat.

Just my 2 cents.

[Rockymtnsurfer]

Evening Shade is hitting about the price I figured out.....I knocked what I believe was a 28k-30k boat to 20k and NO bites. Not trying to bum you out, but just getting across the severity a of trying to sell a cracked welded boat.

[lakeeriemonster]

Thanks. Anyone have a decent strategy for computing trade in value? Sure I can look at comps but I have no clue what most dealers’ markup is. I’d like to be as informed as possible before my next conversation.


Sent from my iPhone using PLT Nautique

[Evening Shade]

Evening Shade is hitting about the price I figured out.....I knocked what I believe was a 28k-30k boat to 20k and NO bites. Not trying to bum you out, but just getting across the severity a of trying to sell a cracked welded boat.

You are exactly right. This is no small deal!!!!