Peggy, O'Day built the head system without any vented loops. Many manufacturers are still doing the same thing. I see this from other new boats with the same problems. Groco on it new head did not put hose clamps on the water line and after a year the hose will come off. All this to save a few dollars. With all the concerns with polution from fuel spills it is only a matter of time until the manufacturers find that by saving a vented loop and a few feet of hose a high final price could be the result. Most of us are sailors not plumbers. Thanks again
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You've just made a case for pre-purchase surveys
...whether the boat is new or used. ABYC standards are very clear about how things should be done, and surveyors--at least the good ones--know ABYC standards and will state what needs to be corrected. IMHO, a survey should be required to insure new boats as well as used boats--for just the reasons you described, 'cuz things like missing hose clamps put the boat at risk. Since it's always cheaper and easier to to anything right the first time than it is to go back and do it over, being forced to do these things over enough times will convince boat builders to do it right the first time. However, surveys are not required to buy or insure a new boat...not even a requirement to purchase a used boat--or even to insure one below a certain age. It's up the buyer to make an informed or uninformed purchase. So all I can say is: caveat emptor has always been the first rule of commerce. It's just a shame that so many people ignore that when it comes to buying a boat.
...whether the boat is new or used. ABYC standards are very clear about how things should be done, and surveyors--at least the good ones--know ABYC standards and will state what needs to be corrected. IMHO, a survey should be required to insure new boats as well as used boats--for just the reasons you described, 'cuz things like missing hose clamps put the boat at risk. Since it's always cheaper and easier to to anything right the first time than it is to go back and do it over, being forced to do these things over enough times will convince boat builders to do it right the first time. However, surveys are not required to buy or insure a new boat...not even a requirement to purchase a used boat--or even to insure one below a certain age. It's up the buyer to make an informed or uninformed purchase. So all I can say is: caveat emptor has always been the first rule of commerce. It's just a shame that so many people ignore that when it comes to buying a boat.
An A Few Other Things...
Also include checking for: Electrical items: Marine grade wiring, tinned connectors, properly fused electrical circuits especially near batteries (big fuses and fuse blocks cost a lot). Conductors that travel through engine spaces or are bundled need to be up-sized accordingly. Mechanical Items: Fuel lines that are Coast Guard approved. Many fuel hose lines are automotive type and the Coast Guard approved hose, among other things, has a much thicker wall.
Also include checking for: Electrical items: Marine grade wiring, tinned connectors, properly fused electrical circuits especially near batteries (big fuses and fuse blocks cost a lot). Conductors that travel through engine spaces or are bundled need to be up-sized accordingly. Mechanical Items: Fuel lines that are Coast Guard approved. Many fuel hose lines are automotive type and the Coast Guard approved hose, among other things, has a much thicker wall.
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