310 Sundancer vs Toyota Tundra

[stephenm27]

First, a disclaimer: everyone involved in this accident walked away without major injury. A half-second earlier or later could have proved very different outcomes (truck passenger compartment or 100 gallon boat fuel tank).

Second: if you have ever doubted the utility of bow safety chains or transom tie down straps, please reconsider. Both of these safety elements proved critical in keeping the boat upright and the trailer under it.

The Tundra (at-fault, ran red light) hit our 310 Sundancer just in front of the trailer axles at 35 MPH with no emergency braking (no skid marks). From there, we were nearly jack-knifed by the energy of the impact.

I post these pictures to hopefully help someone assess their towing rig and to attest to Sea Ray build quality. The trailer is clearly totaled. In my opinion, the boat will be close. There is interior damage (e.g. countertop cracked due to torsional forces, microwave damaged,, unknown ER damages). The port drive is clearly damaged. The hydraulic arch is bent. The list goes on. I am extremely concerned about hull structural damage.

The truck will be headed to the dealer for frame analysis. The hitch pin (and drawbar) cannot be removed due to deformation that occurred. Rear suspension airbags were torn and will require replacement.

In short, this stinks but we are insured (BoatUS) as is the other driver. It can all be replaced. But when you've spent 4 or 5 years getting her tweaked to being "just right", the thought of starting over is daunting.

Stay safe out there.

 

[ocgrant]

Wow thank god no one was hurt. But you are right that stinks you had the rig all dialed in. Let's hope they can get you back "whole" soon.

 

[Henry Boyd]

I must say I am impressed. Over the years I have reviewed and analyzed more than a few commercial vehicle accidents. I really am surprised how little visible damage there is. I know it’s a massive loss to Stephen, but the physical damage is quite contained. It definitely is a testament to how well Sea Rays are built.

 

[stephenm27]

I must say I am impressed. Over the years I have reviewed and analyzed more than a few commercial vehicle accidents. I really am surprised how little visible damage there is. I know it’s a massive loss to Stephen, but the physical damage is quite contained. It definitely is a testament to how well Sea Rays are built.

For reference, the Tundra was totaled...almost unrecognizable up to the windshield.

The bow eye is bent nearly at 45+ degrees, but it did not pull through the fiberglass. Likewise, the two transom tie downs showed no fracture despite the lateral forces applied. The front keel impacted the aluminum I-beam flange and the keel won. I couldn't have asked for more integrity from Sea Ray construction.

That said, my primary concern (now) remains with unseen stress fracturing and damage in areas that aren't easily inspected without interior disassembly (behind the point of impact). I am certainly hoping to be made "whole" again but these things usually don't go smoothly...

 

[Henry Boyd]

I don’t disagree with you, the boat suffered significant damage, quite possibly a total loss on an economic basis. But, it appears the boat will still float despite being hit by a 5000-6000 pound moving object. That’s not much different than hitting a log at planing speed.

 

[glenncal1]

Stephen-obvious good news no one was hurt. I would consider hiring an independant expert (surveyor or similar) to examine the boat. This person's allegiance will be with you. Of course if the insurance company decides to total it from the get go this may not be needed. Like you I would be very concerned with hidden damage.

 

[stephenm27]

Stephen-obvious good news no one was hurt. I would consider hiring an independant expert (surveyor or similar) to examine the boat. This person's allegiance will be with you. Of course if the insurance company decides to total it from the get go this may not be needed. Like you I would be very concerned with hidden damage.

This will probably be an avenue I have to pursue, like you said, depending on initial insurance company interactions.

It's not my nature to "sit around and wait" but I can't do much until the police report is made available in a few day days. I've made my carrier aware of the situation in the event I elect to make the claim with them. I do have an agreed value policy but that only matters in the event of a total loss, as I understand it.

I'm certain it will be an interesting journey...2020 certainly has been thus far .

 

[Take Five]

Holy batman! I’m glad no one got hurt. So sad to see nice boat get damaged. I know that feeling when you spend few years working on it and it get damaged. All the man hours gone.

keep us posted if the boat will be saved or “totaled”.

 

[wyrman]

I'm glad everyone's ok, but that really sucks. Sorry that happened.

 

[stephenm27]

Closure of this chapter: I was notified by my insurer today that my claim has now been transferred to the “total loss department” for review.

We’ll be headed over to the tow yard to pickup some remaining personal items and say goodbye to a great vessel. I suspect someone will purchase it at auction and restore her.

Next chapter: could it be a worse time to enter the resale boat market as a buyer? Unbelievably low inventory in most places.

 

[Henry Boyd]

Sad news but no one was hurt and life goes on. Actually it might be better than you think, a friend is closing on a Sabre 48 next week and the dealer took is 09 34 as a trade. It was a sale they had been working on before Covid hit. The boat came off the market and then came back on for a lower price. I think the smaller weekend/day boats are moving at crazy numbers as folks decide this year will be staycations. But Larger boats may be priced rationally.

 

[wyrman]

Sorry to hear that. Best of luck finding a new one.

 

[330DA]

Stephenm27,
Many years ago, GoFirstClass (Mike), was struck by a drunk boater while anchored. I remember him posting (maybe on another board) about his fight with the insurance company. He’s really fought them hard. You may want to PM him, if he doesn’t chime in here to pick his brain.

 

[stephenm27]

Stephenm27,
Many years ago, GoFirstClass (Mike), was struck by a drunk boater while anchored. I remember him posting (maybe on another board) about his fight with the insurance company. He’s really fought them hard. You may want to PM him, if he doesn’t chime in here to pick his brain.

I think I actually remember reading his thread as it unfolded. Sad.

I, too, was prepared for a protracted struggle but it seems I will be made whole according to my policy terms (agreed value for boat and trailer) and in a relatively timely manner. My insurance policy was used due to the values involved—it easily exceeded the other party’s policy limits.

It will be up to my carrier to subrogate the claim at their discretion to recoup their deficit.

 

[stephenm27]

Sorry to hear that. Best of luck finding a new one.

Sorry to hear that. Best of luck finding a new one.

Thanks—I’m on the hunt now but the resale market is not helping. Hoping that supply will improve later in the season.

 

[wyrman]

There's three 310's in that year range in the Seattle area, but they're kind of priced high.
Are you trying to stay with the same boat?

 

[stephenm27]

There's three 310's in that year range in the Seattle area, but they're kind of priced high.
Are you trying to stay with the same boat?

I've seen the ones you're probably referring to...they are certainly optimistically priced, but boats are selling. I've noticed yachtworld shows many "pending sale" that isn't yet reflected on boattrader or event the dealer/broker site. I can't explain why this would be, but it's certainly suggesting a sellers market right now.

Our boat was a 2009 310. Ideally, the replacement will be 2010+ 330 (same boat, just rebadged).

The 2010+ has the updated Axius (Gen II) and that brings some significant design improvements with less costly components if replacement is required. On the downside, exhaust emissions became a thing starting in 2010 so there is more complexity/costs associated with that.

 

[Moondoggie]

Was this the one that happened by Lake Lanier a few weeks ago?

 

[stephenm27]

Was this the one that happened by Lake Lanier a few weeks ago?

Yes, the traffic collision occurred in Cumming, GA, as we were heading home from the Lake (Lanier).

 

[wyrman]

Make sure you take your coffee carafe with you.
Your new boat may have the same thing but without one.
Keep us posted on your hunt for the next one.
It's good noone got hurt, but sucks you'll probably be without a boat this summer.