Shop damaged my 200 Merc xri

**jdmitchell** · 03-02-2015, 11:39 AM

The shop that I had do my outboard swap dropped my motor due to a faulty clamp on their hoist. It broke the bottom inch or so off the skeg and the lower most portion (inch or two) is very slightly bent. They also dinged up the case in one spot and left a dime sized crush mark on the fiberglass. They offered to have the skeg repaired by a shop they have used before. I think I would rather take it to a place of my own choosing and have them pay the bill. How much of an issue is the skeg being broken on the tip? Needless to say I don't think I will be paying for them to swap my motor. That motor was as close to showroom as it gets for a 1995. Perfect in every way now I have to take care of this. Pretty agitated. Should I just get a quote from a Merc dealer and ask them to pay it? Will I need lawyers involved? Thanks for any input.

**petehubbell** · 03-02-2015, 11:43 AM

I think they owe you a new gear case!

**Raceman** · 03-02-2015, 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by petehubbell

I think they owe you a new gear case!

I agree 100%. I wouldn't allow a shop to repair a previously pristine gearcase.

You might refer him to this: http://www.screamandfly.com/showthre...-sale-here-***

**BOB LIPTON** · 03-02-2015, 11:56 AM

hello I can fix.Bob Lipton. 636-949-3121. St.Charles Mo. Not a big deal.

**mikeylarge** · 03-02-2015, 01:05 PM

If its fixed by someone who knows what they are doing like RONNIE then i wouldn't worry about it. Speed would also be in the back of my mind as well, but judging by the motor itself i wouldnt worry too much about that.

**Erine** · 03-02-2015, 01:18 PM

If you end up having to fix Bob Lipton will do a nice job and close

**jdmitchell** · 03-02-2015, 02:53 PM

If I choose to go the repair route I was thinking about contacting Bob's and have them repair it while doing a Bigfoot nose cone kit at the same time. Maybe Bob Lipton could do the install on a nose cone also and save me from shipping a lower unit. If you are interested Bob, just send me a pm and we can work out some details.

Also what would be a good place to start for the cosmetic damage to the lower cowling? I don't want to try and bleed this small outboard shop dry but I also would like to have my very nice outboard continue to look nice.

**hometown45** · 03-02-2015, 03:47 PM

Any GOOD body shop should be able to get it looking pretty again.

**Dave Strong** · 03-02-2015, 05:58 PM

If your going to cone it and run at high hight would not run a welded skeg. JMO

Dave

**John S** · 03-02-2015, 06:17 PM

You are owed a new case, assurance the shaft/ internals are okay, and repair of whatever cosmetic damages there are. I would also give the powerhead a good look over to make sure nothing got damaged in the fall. I would write this up in a letter, and if they don't sign it on what happened and that they vow to correct it, lawyer up or head to small claims court. Any reputable shop shouldn't sweat a few grand over their blatant mistake. you didn't bring a repaired case in... shouldn't have to take one out. Good luck

**specboatops** · 03-02-2015, 07:16 PM

^ what he said ! Not your fault they damaged it, if it were mine, they would be replacing it, remember a tea spoon of honey in a case like this.

Also like John stated, ENSURE thet inspect the entire powerhead and the rest of the motor, you want to make damn sure there isn't anything else wrong.

**jdmitchell** · 03-02-2015, 07:25 PM

I will definitely treat them with respect but I will be firm with my requests. Hopefully they play friendly also, so there is no nastiness. I will get everything in writing and hopefully they will sign it to own up to their mistake.

**Dave Strong** · 03-02-2015, 07:36 PM

Things happen at shops, no one is perfect. We have had things happen at our shop, what ever it takes to make the customer happy we do. If the shop can't fork out for a new gearcase housing they better have insurance, we have insurance but knock on wood have never had to use it. WHAT EVER you do go in with a good attitude and don't loose it, should work for your benifit. Way easier to deal with a calm cutomer than one thats freaking out and unreasonable.

Dave

**jdmitchell** · 03-07-2015, 01:10 AM

I am going to have it checked out by an authorized mercury mechanic. Hopefully there is no hidden damage. Thanks for all good suggestions in how to handle this.

**4Speed** · 03-07-2015, 08:33 AM

Perhaps ask for the shop that dropped it for their insurance carrier information and go in that direction as opposed to dealing with the shop itself. Like was mentioned above, I wouldn't accept a welded skeg on anything even though there are some great S&Flyers who could do the repair. You also may have issues if you try to resell the motor... who will buy it?

User Tag List

Thread: Shop damaged my 200 Merc xri

Thread Tools

Display

Shop damaged my 200 Merc xri

Posting Permissions