Cracks on Deck Vent Covers (port & stbd)

[240da]

Has anyone had experience with vertical hairline cracks forming in the plastic deck vent covers that cover the vent screens for the engine area. These vent covers (about 40" long) are on the outside of the hull and run fore & aft. They are held in place by a sealant similar to 3M5200. The cracks eminate from the top edge (bonded edge) and are from 1-2.5" long approx.

I suspect thermal movement but am not sure; I don't think it is a vibration issue. One cracked in the last 2 months (with the boat hanging on a lift)! We had a some temps down to about 20F and I think that might have caused that one and the other 2 last year by low temps.

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[Kurt]

I have not experienced any cracks but I have had to reseal them with silicone after one year of use. This is clearly the poorest stuctural design on the entire boat. I wonder what they were thinking when they designed a flexible Mickey Mouse piece of plastic to cover such a large area directly under a cleat. When rafted up next to bigger boats I have to pay close attention to where fenders are placed so they do no come in contact with these vents as I believe they would break easily. I saw them flex significantly the first couple times I used the boat so I always pay close attention to them. My guess you broke them tying up to something and just did not know it. Poor design, If mine break I am going to complain to SR.

 

[240da]

Kurt:

Thanks for the reply. I agree; a bad design. However, mine are not cracked because of tying up -- I know this because the first one to crack was the port side (with 2 cracks) and I Have never tied the boat on the port side.

Thanks for your input!

 

[Kurt]

Sorry about the assumption. It would have happened to me if I had not been paying attention. My guess is they could repaired with some sanding, filling and recoating. I have a feeling this may eventually happen to me.

 

[240da]

Kurt:

My MarineMax dealer contacted SeaRay and they are going to provide me replacement covers (port & stbd) for around $200 total cost to me. I will have to install, but I don't have a problem with that. The covers would normally sell for around $575 for a set (port & stbd).

I guess that is pretty fair considering deck items (not hull) are only warranted for 12 months and the very tough times at Brunswick.

I could try to repair, but, my experience with fatigue cracks or material flaws has been that any repair is usually short lived in its effectiveness.

You might want to keep a close eye on yours.

Take care.

 

[summertime]

Can someone tell me how the deck vents are fastened to the boat. I have one that looks like it is a little loose, and the starboard side has a small vent that is broken that I would like to fix.

 

[Kurt]

I am not certain of this but I imagine they have an attached stud that goes into the gunwale. If you were to get down into the bildge I bet you could could see them while standing on your head with a flashlight.

 

[osborne]

Where is the cheapest please to get these Sea Ray 280 Cover DECKVENT PORT 1473735. I think I can get one ea for $200 shipped? Is that good or is there a better modification for both sides without spending $500 ?? Ridiculous!

 

[MarkCrusei]

Can someone tell me how the deck vents are fastened to the boat. I have one that looks like it is a little loose, and the starboard side has a small vent that is broken that I would like to fix.

They are just glued on with 3M 5200 and silicone around the edges.

 

[rcmafgny]

That is a great cost concession, as they are expensive pieces of plastic! Yea, i know its a boat!

Kurt:

My MarineMax dealer contacted SeaRay and they are going to provide me replacement covers (port & stbd) for around $200 total cost to me. I will have to install, but I don't have a problem with that. The covers would normally sell for around $575 for a set (port & stbd).

I guess that is pretty fair considering deck items (not hull) are only warranted for 12 months and the very tough times at Brunswick.

I could try to repair, but, my experience with fatigue cracks or material flaws has been that any repair is usually short lived in its effectiveness.

You might want to keep a close eye on yours.

Take care.