Big Bear Legal Eagle
08-18-2011, 02:23 PM
I have a 21' 1992 Howard Whaler (Center console) with a 502/Bravo that I keep up at a marina in Big Bear. My son went up there a couple of weeks ago and found it sinking in its slip with only the stern dock lines keeping it from sinking entirely. The Marina has insisted the cause was "rain." How does 1" of rain sink a boat covered with a canvas cover that seats 10 -12 you might ask? I sure did.
I'm pretty sure it was a failed bellow since a failed bellow has been found to be the cause of 75% of boats with Mercruiser I/O boats that have sunk in a slip. The bellow was allegedly inspected annually, but it had not been replaced during the six years it had been serviced at Big Bear. I'm pretty sure that in the rush to get all of the boats launched this spring, the mechanic's "comprehensive" servicing did not include a thorough inspection of the bellow with the outdrive removed. Based on my review of the literature, the bellow should be replaced on an I/O at least every 5 years, particularly if the boat is kept in a slip during the season.
Upon discovery the boat was pumped and pulled and the engine is up and running without any apparent problems. Because the console is mid-boat and elevated, those electronics remained dry. The issue is that there is at least $2700 in electrons replacement including the batteries, starter motor and solenoid, main breaker, blower, trim tab pump, trim motor, alternator, bilge pump, battery switch, tilt motor and alternator.
My question is whether anyone has any experience with restoring a boat which had been submerged and whether corrosion eventually wins the battle? Before submersion it was worth $11,000 according to NADA, but I don't need to throw good money after bad.... Your thoughts?
I'm pretty sure it was a failed bellow since a failed bellow has been found to be the cause of 75% of boats with Mercruiser I/O boats that have sunk in a slip. The bellow was allegedly inspected annually, but it had not been replaced during the six years it had been serviced at Big Bear. I'm pretty sure that in the rush to get all of the boats launched this spring, the mechanic's "comprehensive" servicing did not include a thorough inspection of the bellow with the outdrive removed. Based on my review of the literature, the bellow should be replaced on an I/O at least every 5 years, particularly if the boat is kept in a slip during the season.
Upon discovery the boat was pumped and pulled and the engine is up and running without any apparent problems. Because the console is mid-boat and elevated, those electronics remained dry. The issue is that there is at least $2700 in electrons replacement including the batteries, starter motor and solenoid, main breaker, blower, trim tab pump, trim motor, alternator, bilge pump, battery switch, tilt motor and alternator.
My question is whether anyone has any experience with restoring a boat which had been submerged and whether corrosion eventually wins the battle? Before submersion it was worth $11,000 according to NADA, but I don't need to throw good money after bad.... Your thoughts?