Winterization Issue -- Cracked Block

[psundling]

I have a friend that recently purchased a boat from a well-known dealer in March. Since the water was still frozen at the time, he had them run the engine through a hose for about 15 minutes to verify that everything ran fine -- which is did. He then had them re-winterize the boat (with anti-freeze) and hauled the boat home from their. Just recently, last week, he took it to a different well-known dealer in his hometown to have them de-winterize the boat and they called a bit later telling him he has a cracked engine block. When buying the boat, he purchased the boat "AS-IS", but the boat when purchased was fine -- no cracks in block according to the service guys at the dealership he purchased it from. But now, after their winterization (which was found out to be done improperly), he has a cracked block. The dealership he purchased it from are throwing their hands up claiming no fault -- what are his options? Has anybody ever dealt with improper winterization through a well-known dealership? Any help or guidance would be fantastic, thank you all.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Winterization Issue -- Cracked Block

It's gonna be hard to prove that the block wasn't already cracked.....they don't always leak on "muffs" but will leak in the lake under power.....

 

[lcmains1]

Re: Winterization Issue -- Cracked Block

Why is it that everyone "has a friend" that has the problem?
Seems to know a ton of info about the "friends" problem

 

[Pete104]

Re: Winterization Issue -- Cracked Block

That's how lesser known places get to be well known!

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: Winterization Issue -- Cracked Block

1. Maybe he is getting his facts straight before posting !!!!!!!
2. Maybe he feels like ! ( DAM WHAT AN IDIOT I AM FOR NOT REWINTERIZING MY NEW BOAT)
3. Just to embaressed to tell us.

I cant blame him for not emitting it !!!!!!

But i think it's NO #1

 

[boat1010]

Re: Winterization Issue -- Cracked Block

Like HT3 said, going to be very hard to prove that it was not cracked before. And when you said it wasn't winterized properly, who told him that? I guess that could be a starting place. If the one that said it wasn't winterized properly and he can prove that then go back to them with that. But going to be a big uphill battle.. Trust me I know. I had a new motor put in my boat and winterized it my self. Been doing it for 15 years and never a problem. I ran it for the first time and the water pump was cracked. called the place that replace the motor and they told me it was winterized improperly. Well I did it myself AND it is kept in a heated garage. I winterize it just in-case the heater goes out. But they still wouldn't stand behind the pump.. Good luck..

 

[90stingray]

Re: Winterization Issue -- Cracked Block

I have a friend that recently purchased a boat from a well-known dealer in March. Since the water was still frozen at the time, he had them run the engine through a hose for about 15 minutes to verify that everything ran fine -- which is did. He then had them re-winterize the boat (with anti-freeze) and hauled the boat home from their. Just recently, last week, he took it to a different well-known dealer in his hometown to have them de-winterize the boat and they called a bit later telling him he has a cracked engine block. When buying the boat, he purchased the boat "AS-IS", but the boat when purchased was fine -- no cracks in block according to the service guys at the dealership he purchased it from. But now, after their winterization (which was found out to be done improperly), he has a cracked block. The dealership he purchased it from are throwing their hands up claiming no fault -- what are his options? Has anybody ever dealt with improper winterization through a well-known dealership? Any help or guidance would be fantastic, thank you all.

Maybe the second dealership is just trying to smoke you for an engine that you don't really need??? Why don't you run it in your own driveway and have a look for yourself? Check the oil, look around, see what's happening! Maybe there's nothing wrong... then it's time to go boating

 

[psundling]

Re: Winterization Issue -- Cracked Block

Boat1010: he bought the boat and had it winterized by dealership A, and had it de-winterized by dealership B...dealership B determined that the winterization was done improperly (dealer A said they did a wet winterization, with anti-freeze, but dealer B said all plugs were out except one, which means they probably did a dry winterization, but forgot a plug)...he is creating a detailed document with pictures for my buddy in case this does go to court...

HT32BSX115: the dealer said they examine and run every used boat before they put them in the showroom...also, if the boat was run through a hose for over 15 minutes wouldn't water be flying everywhere if there was a crack in the block?

Bubba1235: he got a good lawyer -- lawyer said he's gotta great case

 

[Brewman61]

Re: Winterization Issue -- Cracked Block

Simple. Three options. One is for the owner to eat the costs. Two is to try negotiate a settlement with the dealer.
Three is to go to court. Small claims limits are usually under $7000. Larger dollar damage would require a lawyer, who will likely want a few grand retainer with no assurance that he'd win.
Problem with court is that it's easier to get a judgment against someone that to collect it.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Winterization Issue -- Cracked Block

also, if the boat was run through a hose for over 15 minutes wouldn't water be flying everywhere if there was a crack in the block?

It depends on where the crack is, how "big" it is etc. Sometimes engines do not leak on a hose because the block doesn't warm up enough to open the "crack" such that it will leak.

Also, the leaks (cracks) don't always appear on the outside so you do not even see "water flying everywhere".......but when the engine fully warms up, the internal cracks open inside and water starts slowly filling the crankcase.

Having a good lawyer works best if they settle without actually going to court. ...........

A reputable dealer should just cover it....... with a little proof that they actually "cause"