Docking arms fractured... thoughts please

David&Joyce · 26 March 2012, 17:12

Bought a new pair of docking arms in Jan and only used three times found this after noticing that the arm was moving about on motorway!

Faulty weld? Opinions please as dealer already suggesting they have been hit by the boat!!!!!!

Photos of the arms leaning against the trailer after removal.

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Hightower · 26 March 2012, 17:42

There's no weld where your finger is in pic 2. Looks like it's not as beefy as is should be and looking at picture 3 it looks like there's not enought weld penetration which is what has started the fracture.

I would have to say that they aren't really fit for purpose as they're going to take the odd knock or two whilst recovery.

Send em back and get them to either beef them up with by welding a fillet in or get your money back and buy some decent ones.

David&Joyce · 26 March 2012, 17:45

Thought they were decent as purchased from a very well known dealer and not cheap!

Taking them to one of their depots tomorrow, will see what they have to say face to face.

Rokraider · 26 March 2012, 18:19

If I am looking at the picture correctly, it looks as though the arms are cracking from the outside, inwards towards the boat, rather than away from it, which would make it unlikely to have been caused by the boat levering on it, whilst getting on the trailer?
Not much thought gone into drilling the hole for the galvanising process, it has weakened it quite badly. Doesn't look very well thought out or constructed.
They haven't even bothered to de burr the box section before galvanising.

Erin · 26 March 2012, 18:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by David&Joyce

Opinions please as dealer already suggesting they have been hit by the boat!!!!!!

They probably have! Why else would anyone fit them? The dealer must be stupid if that's his only argument.

Nos4r2 · 26 March 2012, 19:12

Definitely started by the pigeon shit welding on there.

martini · 26 March 2012, 20:13

The back hasn't been welded and the 2 sides have got a drain/vent hole right where the weld is. End result is nowhere near enough meat to hold it together :roll eyes:

If the manufacturer hadn't been so lazy he would've done it the correct way which in this case would be a 45° mitred joint. That way it'd be welded all round and no need for vent holes as the hot dip galv could vent out the 2 ends of the box section.

Docking arms broke because a boat hit them?? Some people need a slap occasionally...

David&Joyce · 26 March 2012, 22:11

Thank all, just glad I noticed it, dread to think of the consequences of the arm detatching on a motorway.

Nos4r2 · 26 March 2012, 22:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by David&Joyce

Thank all, just glad I noticed it, dread to think of the consequences of the arm detatching on a motorway.

I think I'd be making that point to the dealer too, along with quite how much his liability for selling a faulty product would be if it killed someone.

Trailer Guy · 27 March 2012, 10:47

I think I've a good idea of who built these and the company you bought them from. If you don't get any joy at the depot give me a shout as I've got their national marine sales manager's mobile number...

(who's a particularly top chap btw, keen boater and doubtless will help)

all the best

David&Joyce · 27 March 2012, 12:26

Trailer Guy......

Many thanks for the offer I may need it. I am currently speaking to the head office after driving to the dealer and being told....

The dealer firstly said he would weld it. I pointed out that they would need galvanising. He said he can't do that. He then told me that he would have to send them back to head office for them to assess to see if was a failing on their behalf and that he couldn't make that decision. It would be then that replacements would be despatched. (Found it difficult to understand that they have a welder on site but apparently not able to give expert advice).

I refused (I not letting them out of my sight), pointing out that if you have a vehicle under warranty the dealer does not charge you to order the failed part and that it tends to stay with the vehicle until the said part is in stock!!!!

Apparently with this company it doesn't work like that....

Oh yes... to conclude he told me that the company would probably X Ray the faulty part... hope they do!!!!

As said I am currently E Mailing their 'Head Office' with photo's........

Cookee · 27 March 2012, 13:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by David&Joyce

Trailer Guy......

Many thanks for the offer I may need it. I am currently speaking to the head office after driving to the dealer and being told....

The dealer firstly said he would weld it. I pointed out that they would need galvanising. He said he can't do that. He then told me that he would have to send them back to head office for them to assess to see if was a failing on their behalf and that he couldn't make that decision. It would be then that replacements would be despatched. (Found it difficult to understand that they have a welder on site but apparently not able to give expert advice).

I refused (I not letting them out of my sight), pointing out that if you have a vehicle under warranty the dealer does not charge you to order the failed part and that it tends to stay with the vehicle until the said part is in stock!!!!

Apparently with this company it doesn't work like that....

Oh yes... to conclude he told me that the company would probably X Ray the faulty part... hope they do!!!!

As said I am currently E Mailing their 'Head Office' with photo's........

Your contract is with the dealer not with his supplier - it is up to him to sort it out under the sale of goods act whether he likes it or not.

David&Joyce · 05 April 2012, 22:29

Eventually have replacement docking arm but only after E Mailing the board of directors... Shouldn't really have been necessary for the sake of one docking arm poorly fabricated. Not impressed with the company at all.

Trailer Guy · 06 April 2012, 00:19

Sorry to hear that, but at least you're sorted now

PS. Cookee, reckon they're one and the same!

Cookee · 06 April 2012, 08:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trailer Guy

Sorry to hear that, but at least you're sorted now

PS. Cookee, reckon they're one and the same!

That may be but it can NEVER be used as an excuse!

HUMBER P4VWL · 06 April 2012, 08:52

I assume it's like comet and a camera manufacturer. I found they have the opportunity to return it to the manufacturer to give them an opportunity to assess the product and provide a response within reasonable time. This may be to fix it, replace it or return it stating it was due to the owners treatment. Should they fail to reply in reasonable time the dealer must refund or replace.

Rubbish I know, but the dealer was right in his statement. Yes your contract is with the dealer, but they are given fair time to deal with the manufacturer as part of corporate law.

At least it's sorted.

Dirk Diggler · 06 April 2012, 11:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by David&Joyce

Oh yes... to conclude he told me that the company would probably X Ray the faulty part...

.

biffer · 06 April 2012, 13:03

Total crap. It was badly made and to my eyes. Still is. I bet they move a bit when you're towing the thing about. There should have been gussets welded across them corner. As my dad would say You can't shine shyte

wiLlfish · 06 April 2012, 15:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by David&Joyce

Shouldn't really have been necessary

kwite

wy didunt yew gett joice too welld itt