Boy lost finger from gate

[5150abf]

Re: Boy lost finger from gate

Sorry to say there is no one to sue, they went out of buisness over a year ago.

Don't know if they have a fund for such things or not, as I said in my earlier post that was a problem on all pontoons, we even had problems with it at Bennington.

It baffled me that it took so long for it to happen, pontoons have been around since the 50s with the same basic design and this problem never came up.

It was adressed quickly by most makers and is no longer a problem on new boats.

 

[lamac]

Re: Boy lost finger from gate

I believe he was talking about sueing the boat owners. I'm so sorry something like this is still happening. One always has to be aware of any doors or gates when on a moving vessel. I've worked on boats and barges in the Gulf of Mexico for over 30 years. I've seen fingers lost on hatchways and regular type doors on vessels due to the movement of the boat. Fingers get pinched and your body weight pulling away at the same time and it just happens, fast. I posted this to help bring awareness to the boat owners as were the ones that are liable, also no one wants their grand kids or anyone getting hurt. This is not a pontoon only problem, but our gate fix is so cheap and easy with the little wedges, Thank God.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Boy lost finger from gate

I believe he was talking about sueing the boat owners...........

I suspect the boat owners didn't know about the hazzard so why should they be sued? If they had removed the guard it would be a different story.

It will be a shame if it comes to the point where people never bring guests on their boats for fear of being sued.

 

[EricJRW]

Re: Boy lost finger from gate

how terrible, never read anything about it. SHOULD BE A STICKY at top of page

I agree. I was not aware of this danger either.

 

[Mr Crabbs]

Re: Boy lost finger from gate

x3. I went out and looked at my new 2010 suntracker. It has the ball guards but I can still get my short fat fingers into the gap when the gate is open . Looks like I'll replace those next season.

 

[lamac]

Re: Boy lost finger from gate

I have a suntracker 21' and will contact Tracker Marine in writing to make sure they are aware that the balls on the gates do not work well enough. I hope everyone that has the ball type safety devices will contact the manufacturer to help solve this problem. I've already paid for my wedges but they are back ordered. I hope that if the correct people are contacted that the balls will be replaced like a recall. Replacing the balls are a cheap fix but this should be paid for by the manufacturer in my opinion. At the very least they should be installing wedges on the new boats.

 

[fastback4]

Re: Boy lost finger from gate

Just ordered two sets of these...Thank You X 10

Here are the "improved" pinch guards,

You can get these from Overtons, West Marine, Amazon and ebay, here is a direct link to Overton's

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/pro...ontoon_Pinch_Guard_Kit&aID=601D4&merchID=4006

About $15.00 per door, more than what 5150 quoted but I am sure he was talking the price his company pays at bulk and wholesale. The company Rick gave a link to makes it about $10 a door, where ever you can find the best price, it is worth it.

 

[lamac]

Re: Boy lost finger from gate

Sorry thought the last reply did not go.