Wet Foam - New Hull? Tell Me How to Handle It

[Mr. Demeanor]

A few more pictures to show the surrounding area.

The boat has a "Rub Rail to Rub Rail" one year warranty *edit*, which I just read and its as thin as the sheet of paper its written on*. Planning for the worst, how could they deny fixing this? Is this not a problem that will not go away unless addressed?

The service manager did call me an hour ago. I asked if he had seen the pictures that I sent the GM, to which he had not. While explaining it over the phone, I asked if he would be satisfied with a 3 month old boat that had exposed foam ground down and water is able to seep in between the outer hull and inner shell? He couldn't answer.....

He did say that he and the GM will look over the pictures and discuss tomorrow. Most likely they will have to involve "Tom" the plant manager who absolutely states this is not a warranty issue. I'm forwarding these pics to him now.

I'm preparing for the worst. Please continue to provide your valued feedback.
Jr.

If I am seeing this right:
While they are at it, that livewell pump is a sunk boat waiting to happen. There should be, by industry standards, a shutoff valve between the pump and the through hull fitting. Should that plastic pump crack it will sink your boat faster than you can pump.

Should be something like this:

[Mr. Demeanor]

Livewell pump hose and fuel hoses on the filter should be double clamped. I see other hoses double clamped but not these which are critical.

[XstreamVking]

That boat evidently does not meet BIA standards. And the factory may not have a knowledgeable person in charge of QC to correct these faults. This is just what you can see in the very limited area of the boat shown in the pics.

[RobF]

If I am seeing this right:
While they are at it, that livewell pump is a sunk boat waiting to happen. There should be, by industry standards, a shutoff valve between the pump and the through hull fitting. Should that plastic pump crack it will sink your boat faster than you can pump.

Should be something like this:

I would say it should actually have a flanged seacock on the fitting mounted right to the transom, but a valve is better than none

[Mr. Demeanor]

I would say it should actually have a flanged seacock on the fitting mounted right to the transom, but a valve is better than none

I agree just a pic I had handy. That livewell pump is IMO a very dangerous installation. These are the kinds of things we look at during boat shows.

I know of people hiring surveyors to inspect NEW boats prior to taking delivery and finding many problems. For about $300 it is probably a very good idea and if the manufacturer/dealer knows your going to do it keeps them from cutting corners.

Just a an idea for all boaters. I keep a NERF BALL on all my boats. You can plug just about any hole by ripping off a chunk of a Nerf ball and shoving it into a hole.

[RobF]

abyc code has specific ratings for those valves, i dont know the exact wordage but its basically saying it can withstand a person standing on the lever and not shear from the hull

[Stoker1]

It's been with the dealer since Saturday. Usually fairly patient when it comes to these things, but my sixth sense is getting suspicious. Might give a buzz tomorrow and follow up. Probably why the dealer told us to go ahead and use it like normal till they hear from the manufacturer.

Btw, told the wife lets just sell it and be done. I'd rather take a $2K loss (if we're lucky) on the deal and get rid of the headache.

This experience has definitely taught us... both. Ask my wife what wet foam in a boat is

[flabum1017]

abyc code has specific ratings for those valves, i dont know the exact wordage but its basically saying it can withstand a person standing on the lever and not shear from the hull

500 pound load

[powerabout]

that expanding foam has always been a downside of owning a US made boat.
Was having a beer with an insulation guy the other day and asked about portable unit to make closed cell foam, when he explained how they make closed cell blocks/sheets it was pretty clear we are not going to ever get that in a can.

[Stoker1]

Not overly crazy about the job, but they used enough 5200 to kill a horse. At least my feelings (yes feelings) are a tad pampered now.

Thanks for the assistance from all of you and I want to personally extend the offer that if you're passing through the Gulf Shores area, please hit me up. I've learned a tremendous amount over the years from this site.

Jr.

[Mr. Demeanor]

Yea I wouldnt be overly crazy about that either. Sloppy lazy repair.
Did they address the livewell pump, clamps, etc.

[XstreamVking]

From what I am seeing coming from some of the boat mfg's these days, I feel confident that I could start a pre-purchase boat inspection business and be busy 7 days a week. Not the over priced survey programs that are already out there, just a quick inspection/plant tour to be able to say,"Steer clear of this mfg entirely". Or a make sure they do this and that BEFORE delivery...Jeez, it isn't that hard or overly costly to do at least the minimum of quality control to adhere to some standard of certification.