Steering seized / Extended warranty

[cdefreit]

2007 - 185 Sport - 3.0L

So, my boat has been unused on the trailer for a few months and my steering is completely seized, with only a little springy play at the helm. I took the boat into marine max because I had purchased the Passport extended warranty when I bought the boat.

The dealer called me today telling me that the extended warranty company wants digital photos of the parts before they will approve or deny the claim, however, they can't get the pictures without pulling the parts out of the boat, which is most of the labor right there. So essentially they are saying that if want to see if it's covered I have to take a chance. If they deny the claim for whatever reason, I'm stuck paying marine max about $600.00 to replace the steering cable and helm steering rack. They said the parts were $285.00.

Anyone have a similar experience? suggestions? advice?

 

[cdefreit]

By the way, this is the 2nd time this has happened to this boat. The first time was during the 1st year of ownership so it was completely covered under manufacturer warranty. At that time they also replaced the steering cable and helm.

 

[hack4alivin]

Well you have to get it fixed… so have them do it and HOPE like hell Passport will pay their share. It would be my guess some will be covered but not all, especially if it had failed before. I am not real fond of the Passport warranty thing and do not buy it. They seem to try and find a way out of paying for things that are supposed to be covered under their “everything covered” warranty. I did get the extended warranty from Mercruiser and they have been VERY GOOD about the few claims I have had.

 

[electricaldoctor]

You have history here with the same problem. They should have made the repair correct the first time + you have insurance, so why not go for it? Either way, it has to be done.

 

[cdefreit]

Thanks for the advice, I authorized them to pull the parts and the warranty was honored. I kind of felt like I was between a rock and hard place, but it's true it had to be fixed anyway. I haven't had a chance to take it out yet but I should be good to go.

Thanks again.

-Collin

 

[fwebster]

Unless you can figure out how to keep the salt water away from the cable or how to grease it, you will have the same problem again.

As far as photos showing the bad parts are concerned, most warranty companies require that now.....some even want video. You can chalk that one up to the dealers aggressive posture in trying to stretch warranty coverage further than is intended.