Out drive was hit by a car and snapped!

[mariah_1995]

While trailering home this afternoon, was hit from behind. The boat was pushed forward on the trailer about 2 feet. The bow rest on the trailer snapped and the out drive is just barely hanging on. there doesn't seem to be any damage to the hull and the engine inside is still on its mounts and looks ok.

Is this worth fixing or should I let the insurance write it off?
Its a 1994 Mariah bow rider with a 4.3L merc.

 

[Don S]

Re: Out drive was hit by a car and snapped!

Call your insurance man. We can't see it or give estimates.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Out drive was hit by a car and snapped!

While trailering home this afternoon, was hit from behind. The boat was pushed forward on the trailer about 2 feet. The bow rest on the trailer snapped and the out drive is just barely hanging on. there doesn't seem to be any damage to the hull and the engine inside is still on its mounts and looks ok.

Is this worth fixing or should I let the insurance write it off?
Its a 1994 Mariah bow rider with a 4.3L merc.

Howdy, Welcome aboard!

That boat is 16 years old. The insurance company is probably going to have an adjuster look at and he'll decide.

If there's structural damage to the transom I would willing to bet they'll "total" it because the estimated cost to fix it and replace the drive and possibly the gimbal mount might exceed the market value of the boat.

Even if I saw a picture I wouldn't even begin to guess....... That's for the insurance adjuster to do! I hope the guy that whacked you has insurance!! and I hope you have "Under Insured Motorist" if he doesn't!!!!


Good luck!


Rick

 

[Silverbullet555]

Re: Out drive was hit by a car and snapped!

Go to your insurance first. Get an estimate for repairs. They might total it out, they might not. If they total it out, ask how much to buy it back. Then decide if you want to buy it back and do the repairs or if you are going to buy a new boat.

Don't forget the trailer has damage as well so it should be inspected and included in the thought process.

 

[Doernuth]

Re: Out drive was hit by a car and snapped!

Agreed and make sure the estimate is done by a person qualified to do marine estimations not some auto repair guy who knows nothing about boats.

Also have the tow vehicle looked at closely as it could also be damaged, especially the hitch and receiver.

 

[weareallnuts]

Re: Out drive was hit by a car and snapped!

SEI makes/sells Merc outdrives, has a good rep for quality and reasonable prices compared to oem. If it was my boat, I'd pull the motor and have the transom and stringers checked; possible damage to the bell housing and gimbal. But I wouldn't walk away from the boat even if it needs repair. They don't make 'em like they used to, that's why we buy the old ones! Fair winds and following seas!

Peter in SC