Marine Recalls

[Scott B]

Who initiates recalls on marine products. I know the manufacturers will do recalls if they feel a product is not performing / not safe or too many returns. But, in a case where they do not put out a recall is there another avenue for consumers to report issues that they feel should be a recall.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

yanmar?

Assuming it is your engine, did you ask for support on the yanmarhelp web site?

 

[Scott B]

Yes Yanmar

Sent an e-mail to Yanmar customer support in the US and no reply after a week. From all the research I've done so far, I believe this should be a recall and not just a quiet "only fix those that complain"I didn't try Yanmarhelp because I thought it was a UK site and not apply to North America, or am I wrong in my assumptions.Another H33 owner posted on my other thread on the Yanmar overheating that he is having problems as well. I wonder how many more are out there that will discover problems, but hopefully not in a bad situation. In both of our cases we cruise in areas where you need to stay within the marked channels or end up on the rocks. In many areas the marked channel is wide open to Georgian Bay and could be very rough. If the engine overheats you have no time or room for any other options and could end up on rocks, either above or below water.

 

[Pete]

Try Yanmar dealers technical bulletin

Yanmar had some technical bulletins out about some models overheating try them (a dealer) or have you looked here in archives ??? I seam to remember this issue being talked about before. As far as an actual "boat" (manufactures) recall you can check the web site or contact the U.S.Coast Guard, they have a link on manufacturers recalls. I believe the Coast Guard has the ability to make a manufacturer recall if necessary and the manufacture will not do it voluntarily.

 

[Scott B]

Thanks Pete

I actually have copies of the two Yanmar Marine Service Advisories that deal with this problem. My issue is I spent $400 last summer diagnosing an overheating problem that I knew nothing about. It wasn't until I started searching that I discovered the MANY previous issues. Several had their heat exchanger flushed and cleaned on Yanmar, many others had a new exchanger installed on Yanmar. They want to charge me for the flush and clean and then go to Yanmar for e new exchanger if that doesn't work. I really don't think I should have to spend any more of my money on this.Biggest issue is the area I cruise in there are lots of channels that are wide open to Georgian Bay, Ontario that you need to stay within the channel or end up on rocks above or below the water. If the engine overheats there wouldn't be enough time or space to hoist a sail or drop an anchor. There is also another H33 with the same problem that cruises in my area and has had this happen to him when the alarm came on in a very busy, narrow channel.This is my previous post with more details. http://www.sailboatowners.com/forums/pviewall.tpl?sku=2008018083427.82&fno=4