Ugh.. Great way to start the 4th Jul holiday

A

archangel73

Member
Jul 29, 2012
78
Kenosha, WI
Boat Info
2004 Sea Ray 48 MY
Engines
Cummins QSM11; Onan Generator
Unfortunately, this post is a quick vent about the USCG. On the 4th Jul, USCG flagged me to be pulled over for a "Safety Inspection". They wanted to tie up to me which I was wary about as Lake Michigan was kicking up some waves near Milwaukee, however USCG wanted to tie up and board me. Upon doing they were succesful in tying up to my 360, however before they could board a few waves rocked both of our boats which resulted in the cleat on the USCG vessel to rip part of my rub rail off the boat.

After this happened, they quickly untied and ask for me to head to the river where the water was calmer. This time the USCG boarded by dropping two crew members off and they conducted the safety inspection. Safety inspection had no issues, and they left me the SF95 form so I could claim the damage and get reimbursed. They were kinda apologetic about the issue, and said this happens sometimes.

I called my insurance company and started the claim process, and the insurance company said it would be faster to get it repaired if I filed the claim, and pay my deduct and they would file the paperwork with the USCG and once they received a check from the USCG the insurance company would write me a check back for the deduct that I paid for initially.

My questions:

  1. Anyone have experience with USCG damaging their boat?
  2. Should I follow up with the Officer in Charge of the Milwaukee USCG to ensure he/she is aware?

Lessons Learned:

  1. As the capatain of my boat, I can deny USCG tying up to me and offer to go to calmer waters and allow them to board me then.

Pictures:

http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/cstory73/media/20130704_143211_zps74a04334.jpg.html

http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/cstory73/media/20130704_143201_zps53d3fad0.jpg.html
 
Man I would not be happy about that. Any way you can get an estimate & bill the CG?


LK
 
USCG will pay me after I get an estimate, submit a SF 95 form, and then wait for the USCG to process approval and payment. Figure 3 weeks to 6 months later....
 
I've been boarded for safety inspections often but have never experienced any damages. That really sucks what happened to your boat. They should know better.
 
They boarded me earlier this spring and just dropped off three crew members on the transom. No tie up as I was in the middle of Puget Sound.
 
Still makes my blood boil everytime I see the pictures. I have two reputable boat dealers that I do business with coming out so I can get (2) quotes for the USCG. I hope it can be repaired within the month. Hate seeing her damaged. Guess I should be happy that the fiberglass on the hull wasn't scratched.
 
Your photos do not indicate any damage to the "shoebox joint" where the hull and topsides come together. I would suggest that you insist on replacing the entire section of rub rail and rub rail backing (the white plastic part) instead of allowing someone to piece in a few feet. The bad news is that if that piece of backing rail extends around the transom, Sea Ray used some sort of "heat box" to make the plastic pliable enough to bend around the corner of the transom and I'll bet you don't have one.
 
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Correct, no damage to the "shoebox". The port side rub rail backing breaks right near the engine blower exhaust, so I don't have to go all the way to the transom. The stainless rail breaks near the port windshield as well. Little more concerned further where the major damage was, where the rub rail backing and stainless rail wraps around the bow as I have a piece that will be needed to replaced as well.

Fellow Sea Ray owners on my dock suggested, it might be easier to piece it in. Not sure how I feel about that thought.
 
That stinks... I'm sure the 'government' will be very quick in getting you reimbursement....

The USCG has been really patrolling the area around Southport more this season than I have ever seen it. I was out on the boat today, and they were through twice... just up and down each well, looking at the boats....
 
I have been boarded 2x and they are always professional and dropped men off on the boat..I would request a no tie up because of what happened to you, but more importantly, you are restricted in maneuverability .....I would fix and worry about getting paid when it comes. Looking at that would just not allow me to sleep. You have the paperwork and paper papertrail so you should have no problem......This leads me to another point...If you ever need to tow someone, please have the boat being towed sign stating you are not responsible for any tow damage and they are responsible for ALL damage to your boat....If they dont sign, have them call Tow Boat and pay $1500.00.....Stay with the vessel until they are being towed....You could always tell them the 36 is now a 43 and get a new boat.....lol..good luck
 
That really does suck, sorry to hear what happened. The crew of the USCG boat should have known better than do that in such swell and they will be no doubt be reprimanded for causing the damage, the USCG does NOT like bad PR at all. I would certainly follow up with the officer in charge of the particular station involved and keep the lines of communication open to enable your claim to be paid in as timely a manner as possible as we all know how quick government departments are in paying up. Good luck!
 
Well first quote was received today for the repairs. Just shy of $3000. Waiting for the second quote. The the positive side, I spoke with the Office in Charge this morning, and he was briefed on the accident and was very nice on the phone.
 
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