New boat leads to heartache!

[Billfisher]

I just bought a 1997 Trophy 2352 Hard Top, beautiful (looking) with a 5.7 L Mercruiser LX sterndrive. I paid cash, had it shipped up here from California (I did see it in person, but alas, no survey.) In anticipation of a productive TUNA season even 6 mmonths away, I took the boat in for a good check up and servicing.

They found about $1000 worth of basic stuff, and then a cracked engine block when it came out of the boat. OUCH! Since I don't have $12K left, anybody know a good source for Remanufactured Mercruisers?

[GOT2FISH]

Isnt that a basic 350 chevy lower end I'm Not sure but if they are I think you might want to look around a little bit first.

[salmurai]

I'm with GOT2FISH, I'm pretty sure that it is a 350 chevy. You just have marine exhaust manifolds. I just got done pulling my OMC version and put it back in. The same guy that does my car repairs rebuilt the one for my boat. I found water in #4 and #6, had to have it rebored and yada, yada, yada. It costs me less than $2500.00. I would be checking around forsure. Just my $.02 worth.....

[GOT2FISH]

Made a call and a friend told me the only diffrence was the ring gap he said they set the marine motors loser than auto. I not sure but I had to call him anyway. Some one out there has to know for sure. There are way to many boaters that had to have simmuliar problems. Good Luck

[Boedy]

Saw a nice 454 on ebay for $3900? the other day I will see if I can find the link.

<edited direct link to ebay>

[ 01-17-2004, 03:35 AM: Message edited by: skein ]

[Tilla]

I think you can get an exchange with an outfit in Spokane, just make sure it's marine and the same cam.

[Rippenlips]

I have a 89 small block sitting in my garage that ran fine when I pulled it out of my Suburban. Pretty sure it has a four bolt main and it has bosses to run a factory roller cam. It would be cheaper to rebuild. I would use a set of Vortec heads and you will have a great engine. I'm not trying to sell it but if you need it let me know.
Jon Troiano
cell 503 519 5366

Don't do it any other way!

http://www.sallee-chevrolet.com/sales.html

You can't beat the prices of a BRAND NEW, trouble free crate engine. DON'T get a remanufactured engine for a boat. Too much to chance both mechanicaly and safety wise.

45/70

[tphoneman]

I haven't stayed up on the newer engines but the ones I worked on prior to 1990 DO Have a CAM that is for marine use. If I recall correctly the marine cam is similar to what was also referred to as a RV cam giving the Chevy engine a lower rpm to torque scenerio. A good marine engine shop should be able to confirm if it still holds true. Good luck.

Staff Jennings could probably give you some good advice.

[monoman]

You have got to love a GM 350, even if I'm a Ford man at heart. I think you can buy one at Safeway :smile:

[1pump]

Just about any old '86 and later 350 Chevy will work. Make sure you have the marine cam, though.

[Surething]

:depressed: :depressed: :depressed:

[kayakfisher]

I have no legal expertise...but how could the prior owner of the boat not have known?

You may have a good case for undoing the sale?
Or at least getting some of your money back?

M.

[navigator 1]

I burst an oil line and fried my 350. Replaced it with a Kodiak Vortec. It has 30 more HP than the old engine. Runs sweet in my 27' Seasport.

PM or email for Kodiak contact info.

It's been a couple of years, but I think the engine was around $4300. I went with the carborated model, but you can get EFI if you want.
I too would not go with re-built. Especially going offshore.

Good Luck

[ 01-18-2004, 07:56 AM: Message edited by: crabbait ]

[fishbait]

I think I would at least ratttle the cage of the seller. Who knows, he might just step up. There are some of those types of people left in this world.

[Liquid Asset]

Doug, who did the service?

I'd say a letter from a lawyer would get things jumping.

I've got a 2359 with the same powerplant.

Liquid

[Pyramid]

Originally posted by fishbait:
I think I would at least ratttle the cage of the seller. Who knows, he might just step up. There are some of those types of people left in this world.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">I totally agree with fishbait. If he wont pay all, maybe he'll pay half.

You dont get unless you ask

[Pyramid]

BTW, this happened to me on A Gibbo SG guitar I bought. It came shipped with a crack in it. A quick pic sent to the shipper (postal insurance didn't do squat) and he reply'd "Whatever it takes to make you happy". It ended better than it might have. Send a pic. :smile:

I live in Jetboat manufacturing MECA. Every jet boat builder in the NorthWest buys their motors from Sallee Chevy. Call them and they will tell you what you need to know, FREE. Also, you can get a block only, just for Marine purposes, right cam & everything...your exchangers, intake manifold and all externals should be checked out before you order your motor, that way you can order everything once. By far the cheapest way to get a motor is to go to Milton Freewater and pick it up yourself. Or have someone from Pendlton that's coming your way, anyway, pick it up for you and deliver it...

Side note, 30 day return policy is National and I'm pretty sure applies to private sales as well. It might be worth it to retain a lawyer. $50.00 might be worth it to figure out what you can do. I'd personally sue the guy for full return and then let him counter with 1/2 the cost of the engine (it wasn't advertised as brand new...right?) That should give you full relief from your pains. Also, he'd probably be glad that he didn't have to give a full refund and come and get the boat...I'd hurry and find out what can be done on the legal angle, before too much time elapses.

my .02 cents,

45/70

"I think I would at least ratttle the cage of the seller. Who knows, he might just step up. There are some of those types of people left in this world."


It could have cracked with the cold weather we have had recently and not been the sellers fault.

It should have a heat exchanger installed if it doesn't have one now.

[Salmon Stalker]

A similar thing happened to me. I bought my 1st boat with a cracked block. I went and inspected it and all that. I was just stupid. Had I checked the oil I would have known. Had I made the guy hook up the hose to the flush kit I would have known(the hose didn't reach the boat..yeah, right). Had I....well you get the point. My fault.

Anyway I had to get a new engine before I could use it. Not nearly as expensive a prospect as you, but sucked none the less.

I got my remanufactured Chev 250 from S&S engines out of Spokane, WA. They delivered it right to my front door. It was a long block and I have had no problems with the engine. It started right up and away we went. Still breaking it in, but everything was just fine. Yes it has the Brass freeze plugs, the marine cam and has been built for boats not cars/trucks which I was initially concerned about. It was the best price I could find at $950 Plus a $100 core charge. Since my block was cracked they kept the core charge. Definately the least expensive I found.

Good Luck.

[goodkarma]

Same thing happened to a friend of mine, he took the seller to court and won the judgement for 5K to cover the new motor. It's clearly worth a try to contact the seller, maybe he's an upstanding guy and will give you your money back.

If not, Pacific Power Boats in Portland is the way to go for this sort of thing. They do great work and might even have a used one around.

[Billfisher]

Okay, here's the update. I contacted the dealer I bought it from, and sent pictures of the block, etc. etc. They paid to have the boat shipped back to them ($800 0r so, since they're in Southern California) and say they will re-build the engine on a new block. When they say it's done, I'll probably fly down and bring a boat mechanic to look it over. If all checks out, then we'll Drain the darn thing and send it back North. I'll take any advice you have to give as to what to look for. I'm told they'll be replacing rings, seals, and bearings, but don't know what should make me suspicious.

Thank you all for your input! -Doug

[snit]

Billfisher, maybe ask for the old parts back as evidence/proof? I know they could just throw some junk in a box, but if you ask ahead of time, it may "keep them honest". I'm glad to hear that they're working with you!

[ssteelheadsteve]

Ron Tonkin is the regional distributor for Chevrolet engines.All engines in this region go through Tonkin.Why would you want to go anywhere else ? Unless of course you were building boats in Idaho. Make sure you get the marine version.There is a difference. A BIG difference.

[Pickles]

Sounds like they are stepping up to the plate!

[SHOUGALNITE]

:depressed:

[Chilly one]

Billfish,
Having been a boat broker for several years you might want to check into an out if u are not feeling good 'bout this so far. In Oregon I think you have 10 days on a sales agreement to opt an "out", if you wish. In Calif. it might be a longer period. Check into it. I smell "fish" some how here. Be careful. I have a friend who had the same boat with the 350 and he loved it.
When chasing Tuny offshore you can't afford a "problem" with any engine PERIOD!!! Make sure of all the details, as ALL marine repairs are spendy!!!!!!!
Rots 'O Ruck!
"Happiness is a Bent Rod!"
Chillyone......

[Silver Eagle]

Don't know if anyone mentioned Brass Freeze Plugs had to rebuild ours middle of the season last year and that was one item I would insist on. We still run a car motor with some mod. Ray

[CATCH AND EAT]

Thats a bummer. I bought my trophy via a repo man he in PDX. Sure glad I read the whole contract and warrenty that the bank offered. "We will cover any major mechanical problem up to the first time you put it in the water" :shocked: . I towed it directly over to Staff Jennings and they found a cracked bell housing and a shot impeller but they wanted to flease my pocket book. I pulled it out of there and took it to Pacific Power Boats where the repairs were done. First time out on the water it burns a plug wire. Took it back to them and they charged me for another set of plug wires I asked John over there what the Heck?????? "sorry, just the way it is". I no longer use that store either.

Anyways, The bank paid for the major problems that the boat had which cost them $1500. Had Staff Jennings OR Pacific Power Boats discovered the reason for the continual burning of plug wire #6 on my 4.3 mercruiser it would have save me another $2000. Leaky exhaust manifold and extreme heat to #6 wire kept burning that sucker. That was evident the first time at Pacific and Staff.

You can never be to careful when purchasing a used boat from anyone. A full mechanical checkup is a must. Even then, like what happened to me, you can still get shafted.

Certainly if I were you I would go after the original owner/seller and and see if they would like to pitch in. If no is the anwer then I would have my lawyer make contact with said person and have him/her settle the matter.

Good luck with your project. You will love the boat when you got her up and going.

Bernie

PS when Staff Jennings took my outdrive appart they broke the case and wanted me to purchase a new one. Said the bolts were rusted on. Evidently their mechanic at that time had not heard of penetrating oils marketed to cut through those kind of problems with adiquate soaking. They then confessed they had not done this and just happened to have an old case up in the attic that they would provide for free. GEEEEEE Thanks.

[ 02-06-2004, 09:36 AM: Message edited by: CATCH AND EAT ]