ctag1003
New Member
Hi, i just joined so that i can ask for some opinions. I am not up on the proper terminology but I think you will understand. I purchased a new 260 Sundancer in 2006. From day one I complained to the service department about water in the bilge and rust developing on risers and other parts of the engine. I was told by the dealer that it was normal for risers to "sweat" and cause rust. Cleary, I trusted the dealer and my mechanic. However, during the time that i have owned this boat i have had three alternators, three starters, broken belt pully's, been towed in to port twice, and changed the risers. There have been other repairs as well which appear to be directly related to salt water and corrosion. I have been told that the risers need to be changed again. This past weekend I experienced a stalling engine and non responsive engine (as if flooded). I made it back to the dock and found no significant water in the bilge. I called my new mechanic and we sea trialed the boat with the engine compartment open and discovered LARGE/HUGE amounts of water seaping into the engine compartment starboard forward three feet from the transom then around the transom to about three feet forward port steadily pouring in from the deck/hull joint while at cruise speed flooding the engine compartment. The water was hittig the belt and spraying everywhere. Once the boat slowed the water would stop pouring in and the water would be pumped out. (hence the leak was never found by Sea Ray or my prior mechanic). I have been told that this is a manufacturing defect from Sea Ray. It is my opinion that the boat now has very little re sale value due to the salt water damage caused to the engine. It is also my opinion that the useful life of the engine is significantly reduced. What if any remedy should I be seeking from Sea Ray? Is this defect common? What hidden damage can be cause to the engine from ingesting 5 years of salt water. Thanks for any input...FYI Sea Ray said that are making a claim and have requested repair bills and estimates for repairing the existing condition...I think the estimate should be for a new engine!!! Given the present condition, how would I ever be able to sell my boat?