Lost a hull window today

[JV II]

I was heading from Provincetown to Boston with SSW winds at near 30 mph with stronger gusts and 4-6 foot seas. The wind and waves were hitting the port side and spray was going over us on every wave. My 2-year old was sound asleep below, so I had the boat on autopilot and checked on her about every 10-15 minutes. After an hour into the journey, I went below to see water dripping pretty heavily off the headliner, and all over the cabinets and sofa. My first thought was with these conditions, I've discovered my windshield or wipers were leaking badly. Then, I heard an odd hissing. I looked toward the three starboard windows and noticed the aft most one was missing! What followed was a choreography of duct tape, towels, and pillows while the first mate looked out for lobster pots. Luckily it was in the leeward side. Unluckily, that was the perch for my laptop and my son's homework, which got sucked out of the window. It would have been a huge mess if I had not noticed it and blocked up that hole. If it was the port side, the cabin would have been destroyed.

Back at the dock, she is all cleaned up with the carpets steam cleaned. One GFI was tripped due to the starboard outlet getting wet. I took it apart and dried it out and all was well.

So, tomorrow will involve a discussion about the hull warranty with my Sea Ray dealer, ordering a new window, and retrieving the data from my hard drive at Micro Center.

Be sure to check your fixed windows. Give them a good push from inside at all corners and if there is any play, you have to rebed them in new adhesive. You'd think the outer trim ring would clamp the window into the hull, but the window is glued into the trim ring.

 

[Ididntdoit]

I was heading from Provincetown to Boston with SSW winds at near 30 mph with stronger gusts and 4-6 foot seas. The wind and waves were hitting the port side and spray was going over us on every wave. Miy 2-year old was sound asleep below, so I had the boat on autopilot and checked on her about every 10-15 minutes. After an hour into the journey, I went below to see water dripping pretty heavily off the headliner, and all over the cabinets and sofa. My first thought was with these conditions, I've discovered my windshield or wipers were leaking badly. Then, I heard an odd hissing. I looked toward the three starboard windows and noticed the aft most one was missing! What followed was a choreography of duct tape, towels, and pillows while the first mate looked out for lobster pots. Luckily it was in the leeward side. Unluckily, that was the perch for my laptop and my son's homework, which got sucked out of the window. It would have been a huge mess if I had not noticed it and blocked up that hole. If it was the port side, the cabin would have been destroyed.

Back at the dock, she is all cleaned up with the carpets steam cleaned. One GFI was tripped due to the starboard outlet getting wet. I took it apart and dried it out and all was well.




So, tomorrow will involve a discussion about the hull warranty with my Sea Ray dealer, ordering a new window, and retrieving the data from my hard drive at Micro Center.

Be sure to check your fixed windows. Give them a good push from inside at all corners and if there is any play, you have to rebed them in new adhesive. You'd think the outer trim ring would clamp the window into the hull, but the window is glued into the trim ring.

That happened to another 48da owner on this board - I believe he was crossing the gulf stream at the time!

 

[Pietro]

These hul windows are too large...and getting larger and larger on the new models...:smt021 I never liked them!

 

[WDCboater]

These hul windows are too large...and getting larger and larger on the new models...:smt021 I never liked them!

Window sizes are being driven by customer demand. SeaRay is just responding to the market. Just look at their competitors. A large window is not a problem if installed correctly and with the correct materials.

Even a small window can have a problem. We had an issue with one of the fixed skylights on our 350. Water would pour into the cabin when it rained. Eventually the dealer had to re-seal and re-caulk the windows. Boat is only three years old. Different situation, but water leaks and problems can happen with any sized window.

 

[tdschafer]

That's quite a story just to cover your son for not doing his homework. I would have just gone with the old standby "My dog ate it!".


Just kidding, I'm sorry to hear of your troubles and am glad it wasn't worse. Good luck with the repairs.

Todd

 

[Skuza]

Scary!

 

[JV II]

That's quite a story just to cover your son for not doing his homework. I would have just gone with the old standby "My dog ate it!".


Just kidding, I'm sorry to hear of your troubles and am glad it wasn't worse. Good luck with the repairs.

Todd

I know! His teacher bought it though. We searched all around for the homework and it only made sense that when we cleaned up and put everything on the shelf, it was right on top of the laptop. When I was trying to block the window, I first tried using a plastic bag, but it kept getting sucked out the window. I had to use a heavy piece of canvas and a large Sunbrella pillow.

 

[JV II]

That happened to another 48da owner on this board - I believe he was crossing the gulf stream at the time!

I thought I read that at one time here, but could not find it in a search.

 

[Alex F]

WOW, what a story. Sorry to hear that JV. But, I'm glad everyone was ok.

I guess I missed the thread on the other boat that had this happened. I remember reading a story of a crew going on a long cruise in Mexico region on Azimut (something like 50-60 footer) and after taking few waves on a rough ride one of the large ports popped out as well.

Relatively speaking you got lucky. But, I would say that my mind would be bugged with 3 primary things:
1. Determine the cause of the incident.
2. Properly fixing the missing window and see what could be done to prevent this from happening again.
3. See what can be done to make sure that the other 5 windows don't pup out. Perhaps when/IF SR steps in to the game they should perform intensive review of the other windows.

Good luck on getting this resolved.

Not for nothing, but I remember we had a thread discussing the design of newer models (I think it was new 410DA) where I expressed my opinion on these large windows. I totally understand that SR is reacting to the market demand, but delivering esthetical and cosmetical side with larger space illusion must not be done for the price of the functional side.

 

[Gofirstclass]

That's too bad about the window and the damage the water caused. Please keep us posted on what SR says about the hull warranty.

 

[Dave S]

I think you will be interested in reading this thread especially post number 3 http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/49507-Brunswick-passport-warranty-Stay-away-stay-far-away

 

[fr8dog]

I was heading from Provincetown to Boston with SSW winds at near 30 mph with stronger gusts and 4-6 foot seas. The wind and waves were hitting the port side and spray was going over us on every wave. My 2-year old was sound asleep below, so I had the boat on autopilot and checked on her about every 10-15 minutes. After an hour into the journey, I went below to see water dripping pretty heavily off the headliner, and all over the cabinets and sofa. My first thought was with these conditions, I've discovered my windshield or wipers were leaking badly. Then, I heard an odd hissing. I looked toward the three starboard windows and noticed the aft most one was missing! What followed was a choreography of duct tape, towels, and pillows while the first mate looked out for lobster pots. Luckily it was in the leeward side. Unluckily, that was the perch for my laptop and my son's homework, which got sucked out of the window. It would have been a huge mess if I had not noticed it and blocked up that hole. If it was the port side, the cabin would have been destroyed.

Back at the dock, she is all cleaned up with the carpets steam cleaned. One GFI was tripped due to the starboard outlet getting wet. I took it apart and dried it out and all was well.

So, tomorrow will involve a discussion about the hull warranty with my Sea Ray dealer, ordering a new window, and retrieving the data from my hard drive at Micro Center.

Be sure to check your fixed windows. Give them a good push from inside at all corners and if there is any play, you have to rebed them in new adhesive. You'd think the outer trim ring would clamp the window into the hull, but the window is glued into the trim ring.

We purchased a 2005 460DA this winter. During survey we found the two interior trim rings broken loose from the forward port fixed portlights. Ordered two replacements from Marine Max. When I installed the replacements I found that Sea Ray had used screws that were too long!! This had caused the lexan bases to fracture, and later fail. I inspected the starboard fixed portlights and with very little pressure they failed as well. Two more ordered. This seems to be a common failure, and I am guessing it is caused by improper installation.

"Crew Lounge"

 

[Capt. Rusty Higgins]

JV II,

I drive these boats all over the place and have not had one window fall out. Can you please provide me with a HIN for this boat (via PM if you desire) and your SR dealer's location. I do know most service managers across the country and would be way interested in what they find....and of course will send to everyone in our group too.

I know your boat model and would like to share your findings with our supplier as well for their review.

Standing by,

Rusty

 

[JV II]

JV II,

I drive these boats all over the place and have not had one window fall out. Can you please provide me with a HIN for this boat (via PM if you desire) and your SR dealer's location. I do know most service managers across the country and would be way interested in what they find....and of course will send to everyone in our group too.

I know your boat model and would like to share your findings with our supplier as well for their review.

Standing by,

Rusty

Thanks. PM sent.

 

[katricol]

Sorry for your mishap jv. Wow what a nice response from Rusty!

 

[mistercomputerman]

That's because Rusty is the best damn employee Sea Ray has...

 

[bajturner]

That's because Rusty is the best damn employee Sea Ray has...

I'll second that! Rusty recently called me to see how a Sea Ray acquisition of mine was going. I have purchased a lot of things, ranging from inexpensive to significant financial commitments and never had anyone from any company take the kind of interest Rusty does.

 

[SRMark]

Are those the same side windows used in the 2006-2008 40 sundancer?

 

[JV II]

I'm not sure if they are the exact same part number, but probably the same manufacturer and design. There are a lot of boats out there that have been used for years and years with this window design and you just don't hear of this type of thing happening. I could only find one other incident and that was the one referenced in this string. I believe, in general, it is a durable design.

Are those the same side windows used in the 2006-2008 40 sundancer?

 

[Skuza]

I would be interesested to see the hull structure around those side windows. What if any type of reinforcment is there? Would rafting with a fender in the area of the windows flex the hull side and cause the bond to fail? When your window fell out did the window to glue, glue to hull or glue itself fail?