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Started By
Message
New boat - major fiberglass work
Posted on 10/18/24 at 7:41 am
Posted on 10/18/24 at 7:41 am
Nightmare of a situation- looking for advice from those more knowledgeable in fiberglass repair.
Purchased a Skeeter sx230 new in 2023. 40hrs on the boat and since delivery it doesn’t accept fuel properly. Long story short, after multiple unsuccessful repair attempts, it is back at the factory for warranty repair.
Factory is telling me they need to replace the fuel tank.
To do this, they’re giving me the option to cut a hole in the deck (non skid diamond pattern) and re-glass over it. Or they can separate the cap from the hull to access it. Both seem like terrible options.
The good folks at Toledo Fiberglass strongly suggested against separating the cap from the hull. And my concern with that approach is irreversible wear/tear to the structural materials when placed under the forces necessary to separate the two pieces. Not to mention the difficulty in putting it back together and maintaining the integrity of the rigging, structural components, etc.
My concern with cutting a hole in the deck is the cosmetics of the repair job.
Those more knowledgeable in fiberglass repair- if the factory has the non skid pattern and gel coat to match the original deck, what are the chances they achieve a seamless cosmetic result that will weather and age identically to the rest of the boat?
I am arguing for a new boat….shocker- they’re not very receptive….
Purchased a Skeeter sx230 new in 2023. 40hrs on the boat and since delivery it doesn’t accept fuel properly. Long story short, after multiple unsuccessful repair attempts, it is back at the factory for warranty repair.
Factory is telling me they need to replace the fuel tank.
To do this, they’re giving me the option to cut a hole in the deck (non skid diamond pattern) and re-glass over it. Or they can separate the cap from the hull to access it. Both seem like terrible options.
The good folks at Toledo Fiberglass strongly suggested against separating the cap from the hull. And my concern with that approach is irreversible wear/tear to the structural materials when placed under the forces necessary to separate the two pieces. Not to mention the difficulty in putting it back together and maintaining the integrity of the rigging, structural components, etc.
My concern with cutting a hole in the deck is the cosmetics of the repair job.
Those more knowledgeable in fiberglass repair- if the factory has the non skid pattern and gel coat to match the original deck, what are the chances they achieve a seamless cosmetic result that will weather and age identically to the rest of the boat?
I am arguing for a new boat….shocker- they’re not very receptive….
This post was edited on 10/18/24 at 7:43 am
17
Posted on 10/18/24 at 7:47 am to honkymagic62
Curious as to why separating would be better. I do not know the answer but I know many fuel tanks have been replaced by cutting a hole and reglassing.
Posted on 10/18/24 at 7:57 am to honkymagic62
Are there lemon laws that cover this?
Posted on 10/18/24 at 7:59 am to honkymagic62
Most fiberglass boats are not glassed together at that seam. The cap is set on top of the hull then a sealer is spread across it and screwed then the rub rail covers it. If it were mine I would rather them separate than cut holes in it. Especially since it is so new.
Posted on 10/18/24 at 8:01 am to honkymagic62
Is the goal just to access the fuel tank? Separating the cap seems excessive and if the deck is bonded to the stringers you are right to be concerned about the amount force needed to pull them apart.
Why have they tasked you with figuring this out?
I have seen diamond pattern non skid repairs that look perfect. You’d think they’d be able to do it perfectly
Why have they tasked you with figuring this out?
I have seen diamond pattern non skid repairs that look perfect. You’d think they’d be able to do it perfectly
Posted on 10/18/24 at 8:06 am to honkymagic62
quote:
Those more knowledgeable in fiberglass repair- if the factory has the non skid pattern and gel coat to match the original deck, what are the chances they achieve a seamless cosmetic result that will weather and age identically to the rest of the boat?
What did Toledo fiberglass say about this?
If it were me, I would definitely prefer to cut the deck. I would also be interested to hear what your rights are in this though. Surely they would have to provide some sort of compensation to make you whole, unless they can make it look like it never happened.
Posted on 10/18/24 at 8:07 am to bigbuckdj
The goal is to replace the tank, per their assessment of the problem.
Very concerned about separating the deck from the stringers and hull, and I believe the deck is bonded to the stringers, although not positive. Toledo Fiberglass strongly advised against that option at all costs.
Definitely looking into my legal options.
But my big concern is the repair of the deck if they were to approach the replacement of the tank via cutting a hole. Namely with matching the rest of the deck and how it will age from a cosmetic standpoint. Toledo said being that they’re the factory, they should be able to get it looking good with factory gel coat and pattern. They were hesitant to say how it will age, as I guess that’s to be determined. But mainly wondering how these repair jobs age and if anyone has any experience watching a repair like this age over time.
Very concerned about separating the deck from the stringers and hull, and I believe the deck is bonded to the stringers, although not positive. Toledo Fiberglass strongly advised against that option at all costs.
Definitely looking into my legal options.
But my big concern is the repair of the deck if they were to approach the replacement of the tank via cutting a hole. Namely with matching the rest of the deck and how it will age from a cosmetic standpoint. Toledo said being that they’re the factory, they should be able to get it looking good with factory gel coat and pattern. They were hesitant to say how it will age, as I guess that’s to be determined. But mainly wondering how these repair jobs age and if anyone has any experience watching a repair like this age over time.
This post was edited on 10/18/24 at 8:10 am
Posted on 10/18/24 at 8:08 am to honkymagic62
I had to have the fuel tank replaced in an 8 mo old boat. They came and got it from my driveway, took it to the factory, and brought me a brand new boat…including re rigging my outboard, electronics and top
I’d fight a little harder or ask for my money back
I’d fight a little harder or ask for my money back
Posted on 10/18/24 at 8:13 am to honkymagic62
They wont be able to match the diamond plate perfectly, that pattern is made from when the pull the liner from the mold.
I would tell them to cut out the tank, make all the repairs and install sea deck to cover the repairs. Also, when the sea deck wears our or needs repair I want the sea deck replaced at no cost to me, as long as I own the boat.
I would tell them to cut out the tank, make all the repairs and install sea deck to cover the repairs. Also, when the sea deck wears our or needs repair I want the sea deck replaced at no cost to me, as long as I own the boat.
Posted on 10/18/24 at 8:23 am to CHEDBALLZ
quote:
I would tell them to cut out the tank, make all the repairs and install sea deck to cover the repairs. Also, when the sea deck wears our or needs repair I want the sea deck replaced at no cost to me, as long as I own the boat.
This is a great idea if they would agree to it. Seadeck is AWESOME in a bay boat… until it starts coming up.
Posted on 10/18/24 at 8:24 am to Theduckhunter
That was actually part of their proposal- to cover the area with sea dek/eva. Never had it in a boat, but seems like something else to have to maintain/replace as it wears. Which is why i didn't put it in this build to begin with...
Posted on 10/18/24 at 8:26 am to cgrand
quote:
I had to have the fuel tank replaced in an 8 mo old boat. They came and got it from my driveway, took it to the factory, and brought me a brand new boat…including re rigging my outboard, electronics and top
I’d fight a little harder or ask for my money back
Was this Skeeter or another manufacturer?
Posted on 10/18/24 at 8:27 am to honkymagic62
If you can get them to agree to replace it when it needs to be replaced, for as long as you own the boat, I would take that deal.
Edit: Seadek really is great due to the comfort factor, but it’s starting to come up in some spots after 6-7 years (boat was used). It looks like they didn’t cut it to completely seal over the diamond plated non-skid, or the foam shrank, so water can get under it in some spots. The previous owner also used a pressure washer regularly, so that probably didn’t help. I wouldn’t be afraid to use a pressure washer on tough spots, but I wouldn’t get carried away.
Edit: Seadek really is great due to the comfort factor, but it’s starting to come up in some spots after 6-7 years (boat was used). It looks like they didn’t cut it to completely seal over the diamond plated non-skid, or the foam shrank, so water can get under it in some spots. The previous owner also used a pressure washer regularly, so that probably didn’t help. I wouldn’t be afraid to use a pressure washer on tough spots, but I wouldn’t get carried away.
This post was edited on 10/18/24 at 8:34 am
Posted on 10/18/24 at 8:30 am to honkymagic62
I definitely wouldn't split it for a fuel tank job. I'd rather have a cosmetic defect than a structural one if I had to chose.
Id vastly prefer a brand new hull to either one though.
Id vastly prefer a brand new hull to either one though.
Posted on 10/18/24 at 8:30 am to honkymagic62
I’d argue new boat or money back. Have a lawyer friend write them a letter stating this. Your time, troubles and however long you will be without a boat is unacceptable. Thats why you bought new to begin with was because you didn’t want to deal with issues.
So glad I didn’t buy a mass produced Skeeter!
So glad I didn’t buy a mass produced Skeeter!
Posted on 10/18/24 at 8:54 am to honkymagic62
Give them a formal demand to give you a new boat. There is no good option here. If you separate the cap from the hull, you risk compromising the structural integrity of the boat and you have a fiberglass shop who has offered you this opinion. If you cut a hole in the deck and repair, you will have a large cosmetic defect.
In either case, there was a hidden defect in the boat and you should push them to replace it. I say all this without looking at the sale contract/warranty provisions, but I would be threatening Skeeter with legal action at this point.
In either case, there was a hidden defect in the boat and you should push them to replace it. I say all this without looking at the sale contract/warranty provisions, but I would be threatening Skeeter with legal action at this point.
Posted on 10/18/24 at 9:02 am to bluemoons
quote:
Give them a formal demand to give you a new boat. There is no good option here. If you separate the cap from the hull, you risk compromising the structural integrity of the boat and you have a fiberglass shop who has offered you this opinion. If you cut a hole in the deck and repair, you will have a large cosmetic defect.
In either case, there was a hidden defect in the boat and you should push them to replace it. I say all this without looking at the sale contract/warranty provisions, but I would be threatening Skeeter with legal action at this point.
This is about where I currently sit on the matter. I've already been in contact with an attorney. Warranty documents states the following:
During the period of warranty, Skeeter or its authorized representative, or any authorized Skeeter Boat dealer will, free of charge, repair or replace, at Skeeter's sole option and discretion, any part adjudged defective due to faulty workmanship or material from the factory provided the original owner returns the Skeeter Boat, with transportation prepaid, to an authorized Skeeter Boat dealer or, if necessary, to the Skeeter factory or any other reasonable place designated by Skeeter.
So they will likely argue it is their option and discretion to take this approach. But there are other options to argue...
Posted on 10/18/24 at 9:13 am to honkymagic62
I would not separate the cap. I don’t know why I say that, but I just feel like it could open you up to other issues.
If it was my boat and MFR wouldn’t replace the boat entirely, I would cut it out the deck to replace. It’s done ALL the time on contenders and other larger CCs. Did it on ours a few years ago. If you have a good fiberglass shop doing the work, you’ll never know the deck was cut out. Although ours was spray on non skid…that diamond non skid kinda sucks to repair I imagine.
If it was my boat and MFR wouldn’t replace the boat entirely, I would cut it out the deck to replace. It’s done ALL the time on contenders and other larger CCs. Did it on ours a few years ago. If you have a good fiberglass shop doing the work, you’ll never know the deck was cut out. Although ours was spray on non skid…that diamond non skid kinda sucks to repair I imagine.
Posted on 10/18/24 at 9:16 am to CP3
Also, what do you mean doesn’t “take fuel”?
Outside of a leak, I don’t see how the tank would need to be replaced. I assume it’s a poly tank and not aluminum for a boat that size. Seems like it would be more a vent or fill line issue which should be able to fix without removing tank.
Outside of a leak, I don’t see how the tank would need to be replaced. I assume it’s a poly tank and not aluminum for a boat that size. Seems like it would be more a vent or fill line issue which should be able to fix without removing tank.
Posted on 10/18/24 at 9:21 am to honkymagic62
Without some further warranty waiver language, that doesn't alleviate any redhibition claim. This is a redhibitory defect and as the manufacturer, Skeeter is deemed to have knowledge. Per law, Skeeter has the opportunity to repair the defect, but an acceptable repair is not one that either (a) compromises the structural integrity of the boat, or (b) creates a significant cosmetic defect. If either issue would've existed at the time of the sale, you would not have purchased the boat.
It's been a long time since I dealt with any of this, but "Lemon" laws typically do not apply to boats absent some very specific circumstances. I also don't know where Skeeter is located these days/am assuming the boat was purchased in Louisiana. All of those things would affect your claims here.
Disclaimer: I am an attorney. I am not your attorney. This is not legal advice.
It's been a long time since I dealt with any of this, but "Lemon" laws typically do not apply to boats absent some very specific circumstances. I also don't know where Skeeter is located these days/am assuming the boat was purchased in Louisiana. All of those things would affect your claims here.
Disclaimer: I am an attorney. I am not your attorney. This is not legal advice.
This post was edited on 10/18/24 at 9:27 am
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