Common parts failures at the end of the third year

[Tevfik]

Hi. Does anyone know or have come across a list of possible failures of the boat's parts or systems at the end if the first three years? I have a Beneteau Oceanis 43. Thanks

 

[Mike B]

Hi. Does anyone know or have come across a list of possible failures of the boat's parts or systems at the end if the first three years? I have a Beneteau Oceanis 43. Thanks

I can share some of the failures we've had on our 43 if that's what you're looking for.

 

[Tevfik]

I can share some of the failures we've had on our 43 if that's what you're looking for.

That would be great Mike if that is not too much trouble. I just want to pre-empt any likely failures or breakdowns and be ready with some spares. Thanks much.

 

[Mike B]

OK here's what I've seen so far.
Joker valves

Bilge pump - actually it was the water sensor in the pump. I replaced the pump and wired in a parallel switch. Works fine now and has redundancy.

300 amp house battery fuse - it didn't blow instead it was causing a voltage drop. Replaced it and now batteries charge up to specs.

Shackle for mainsheet - it failed breaking at the pin on the threaded side. It appears as though this was a unique event.

That's about it for part failures. I've done some other things to be proactive.

Installed air vents above the fridge and freezer compessors for better cooling efficiency. Keep the coils dust free. Make sure you get the inner coils which are harder to see and clean.

Replaced most of the interior lights with "warm color" LED bulbs.

Installed Bora 3 speed fans in both berths and galley.

Installed a florescent light above galley sink.

Took light from above galley stove and installed it above sink in forward head.

Replaced cockpit speakers with Polk brand for much better sound.

Added satellite radio.

Added AIS receive only. Absolutely love it.

Installed fresh water flush on both toilets. No more sea water stench.

For the moment that's all I can think of. She's a great boat that's sails like a dream.
Mike

 

[Tevfik]

Thank you very much. Very useful stuff. In case it helps you and others here is what I have had so far:

Failures
- water pump failed the first year
- fuel gauge not showing the true level (had been replaced as part of the guarantee and still not reliable). I keep track of the engine hours and calculate the fuel use myself...much more reliable results.
- bow thruster's fuse (450 amp) failed following heavy usage once. Replaced and so far it had been working properly. I suspect bad fuse .

Additions:
- installed a waeco fridge kit into the coolbox as the original fridge was insufficient for food and drinks.
- installed a 68watt solar panel, works great and eliminates the need to run the engine to recharge batteries even though I use both fridges in very hot weather (in Turkey).
- changed all lights to warm White LED as well. Recently came across a new type of LED that has 12 LEDs in one unit and provides immensely bright warm light. Might change all to those new ones.
- Installed LED strip (recessed) lights to both sides of the saloon that provides nice illumination and adds a feeling of a wider width for the boat.

Thanks again for taking the time to respond. Best regards.

 

[Mike B]

I too had the bow thrusters fuse kick out on me during heavy use but it was fine after it cooled. I believe they use a thermal fuse.

Interesting how you're using a single 68w solar panel to keep the batteries full. I'm thinking I'll need two if them to do the job.

BTW check out a site called seaknots.com. There's a B40/43 forum that has a lot of owners and exchanges very good info.

 

[Tevfik]

I too had the bow thrusters fuse kick out on me during heavy use but it was fine after it cooled. I believe they use a thermal fuse.

Interesting how you're using a single 68w solar panel to keep the batteries full. I'm thinking I'll need two if them to do the job.

BTW check out a site called seaknots.com. There's a B40/43 forum that has a lot of owners and exchanges very good info.

Thanks much for telling me about seaknots.com. Looks like a great source. My membership is pending approval. Regarding the solar panel, bear in mind that I use in Turkey and in the middle of summer. And the fuse for the bow thruster completely broke (not the thermal fuse) which concerned me but since I replaced it, it had been fine. So it might be a good idea to keep a spare 450amp fuse on board.

 

[Mike B]

Thanks I didn't take your location Turkey into account. No doubt you get much more sunshine than I see here on the east coast of the US. Glad you like seaknots.