Damaged stern drive Hit submerged object Questions

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chaparral442

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Hit a sub merged object and tore the stern drive away from the transom! Destroyed the housing that attaches the drive to the transom. Not a pretty picture- pulled boat out of the water and the drive was dangling! Called Insurance company and will take the Chap into the dealer!

One concern was the bilge pump came on and started pumping water-- no damage to hull I guess the water came in through the transom boot-- the bellows was exposed though - all the fluid hoses pulled loose.

What things do I want to make sure the dealer checks and does not overlook?
 
wire2

wire2

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Re: Damaged stern drive Hit submerged object Questions

"...the stern drive..." doesn't tell us much.
Whaddya got?
 
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chaparral442

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Re: Damaged stern drive Hit submerged object Questions

mec alpha one 4.3 it looks like it was just broken away from the bracket it attaches to the transom the lower and upper unit looks in tack maybe some damage to the steering arms but another concern is I took on water and the bellows were exposed to water
 
Bondo

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Re: Damaged stern drive Hit submerged object Questions

Ayuh,......

You're no doubt looking at Replacing the Complete Outdrive,+ the Complete Transom Assembley.......
And,.......
Probably More..........
 
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chaparral442

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Re: Damaged stern drive Hit submerged object Questions

DON- What is the link mean? are you wanting more information??
 
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chaparral442

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Re: Damaged stern drive Hit submerged object Questions

190 CHAP 2006 4.3 carb Mercruiser alpha one drive

Engine runs-, drive unit is hanging by cables, etc inside the boot, completely ripped away from the bracket that attaches the upper and lower gear drive -

Evidently I hit a submerged object with the front edge of the drive unit and it kicked it up so hard it broke it away from the bracket that is screwed to the transom.

Don't know how to explain it any better
 
Bondo

Bondo

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Re: Damaged stern drive Hit submerged object Questions

You're no doubt looking at Replacing the Complete Outdrive,+ the Complete Transom Assembley.......
And,.......
Probably More..........
Click to expand...
Don't know how to explain it any better
Click to expand...

Nor do I,..........

The ferocity of your Impact has torned the drive Completely Off the boat.......
Everything that Is still attached is no doubt Torqued,+ Twisted,.....
I gotta believe that All of it is going to need Replacement......
Seeing that this is an "Insurance Job",......... I wouldn't accept Any Less......
Even if by chance Some of the pieces that are left might Possibly be reusable,....
I'd want a New replacement of Everything on the Outside of the Boat,+ a complete examination of Everything on the Inside of the boat........

As for the fact that the boat is taking on Water,.....
Of Course it is,....... You've Knocked the outdrive Completely Off the Hull.....
It's the Outdrive,+ it's related components that hold the Water Out of the boat........

I'm posting this here in response to your PM to me......
Btw,..........
If you look at the progression of this thread,.......
Don made his request for More Info, Before you included the fact that you have a Mercruiser.........
 
Don S

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Re: Damaged stern drive Hit submerged object Questions

chaparral442 said:
DON- What is the link mean? are you wanting more information??
Click to expand...

If you notice, my link was posted BEFORE you gave the information of what the drive and engine was.


On to your problem. I have seen drives broken of the back of many boats, and the transom shield always ends up being replaced. Either cracked, or damaged by the ujoint spinning before the clear the shaft, studs pulled out of the transom shield etc. Never had an insurance company not pay for one either.
 
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chaparral442

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Re: Damaged stern drive Hit submerged object Questions

What exactly is the transom shield?
 
Haut Medoc

Haut Medoc

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Re: Damaged stern drive Hit submerged object Questions

chaparral442 said:
What exactly is the transom shield?
Click to expand...
It's real name is gimbal housing.....;)
I have been guilty in the past of misnaming it.....:redface:
It's what the gimbal ring is mounted to......:)
 
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chaparral442

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Re: Damaged stern drive Hit submerged object Questions

As I research I am finding the correct names- It appears the piece that took the brunt of the damage is the Bell housing
 
Don S

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Re: Damaged stern drive Hit submerged object Questions

MercTerminology-1.png
 
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chaparral442

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Re: Damaged stern drive Hit submerged object Questions

That helps a lot DON! I damaged the Bell housing, Gimbal housing and Gimbal Ring-- the outdrive is undamaged but hanging by whatever is in the large flexible cover that holds cables, wires etc

What should I be expecting or negotiating with the insurance company to replace? I had 4 of the 6 years of warranty left on the unit--I have Boat US insurance
 
Don S

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Re: Damaged stern drive Hit submerged object Questions

What should I be expecting or negotiating with the insurance company to replace?
Click to expand...

You want anything that is damaged either repaired or replace by a certified Mercruiser dealer. I have seen insurance agents actually look on ebay for cheap used junk and the cheapest backyard mechanic with a sign to replace it.
 
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chaparral442

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Re: Damaged stern drive Hit submerged object Questions

Boat US Insurance told me I could choose where to have it repaired- I told them I would take it to my dealer- They said to have them prepare an estimate and fax it to them-- an adjuster is supposed to contact me in 3 working days.

I have the drive cinched up with ratchet straps and plan to trailer it to my dealer in the next couple of days-- the dealer is an hour away
 
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chaparral442

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Re: Damaged stern drive Hit submerged object Questions

Took the boat into the dealer today- it will be torn down and inspected- may have an estimate as early as Tuesday afternoon. Adjuster called today and will wait for the inspection of the dealer.
 
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chaparral442

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Re: Damaged stern drive Hit submerged object UPDATE

Re: Damaged stern drive Hit submerged object UPDATE

Dealer has informed insurance company that the complete Gimbal Housing (Transom) assembly should be replaced.

Anything else I should make sure they inspect?

How much should this cost -labor and parts?
 
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chaparral442

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UPDATE Re: Damaged stern drive Hit submerged object Questions

UPDATE Re: Damaged stern drive Hit submerged object Questions

Adjuster took a look, is verifying prices, wants the engine pulled so he can inspect the coupler, he also is requiring a sea trial after the repair to check the stern drive.

So far, so good, BOAT US has been responsive, dealer is looking out for my interest and sounds like I have a knowlegeable adjuster!
 
Haut Medoc

Haut Medoc

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Re: Damaged stern drive Hit submerged object Questions


Sounds good!.......:)​
 
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