Help- Hit a log and ripped the motor and mount off the boat.

[Red5]

Hit a submerged log in the river the other night. It's a 2004 Zodiac YL420 with a 50 HP Yamaha on the stern (or at least it used to be there ). No injuries. But the mount on the stern that sticks out about 10 inches broke off. I don't think it is something that should be repaired.

What options do I have?

Where can I buy a replacement mount?

Do they make aftermarket mounts for this boat? Got any links?

[Poly]

That’s quite impressive. I’ve no idea if those are available as a repair - but zodiac have a network of dealers who should be able to help? Was it insured?
It looks almost like a jack plate arrangement so you might be able to substitute it for something like that if the parts are not available. How’s the engine?

[jwalker]

Originally Posted by Poly

That’s quite impressive.

And a bit worrying. The engine should have kicked up before the boat failed!

However, it does look as though there has been a failure long ago of the ply engine plate to the mount and it was only holding by the top edge.

I'm sure it's possible to repair that or, possibly better, have an alternative, stronger one, made to fit over a larger area of the stern to spread the load.

[Red5]

Originally Posted by Poly

That’s quite impressive. I’ve no idea if those are available as a repair - but zodiac have a network of dealers who should be able to help? Was it insured?
It looks almost like a jack plate arrangement so you might be able to substitute it for something like that if the parts are not available. How’s the engine?

Got anyone that you would suggest in the USA?


I agree that it appears to be a jack plate. Not sure on the engine as i remained submerged overnight. Waiting to hear from insurance adjuster now but I like the idea of saving this boat as it was a good one.

The motor is a 50HP Yamaha 4 stroke with low hours. Hate that this has happened but not much I can do about it. You can't miss what you don't see.

[Red5]

Originally Posted by jwalker

And a bit worrying. The engine should have kicked up before the boat failed!

However, it does look as though there has been a failure long ago of the ply engine plate to the mount and it was only holding by the top edge.

I'm sure it's possible to repair that or, possibly better, have an alternative, stronger one, made to fit over a larger area of the stern to spread the load.

The engine did kick up. And I was a bit shocked to watch it then come off.

Before this happened there were no signs of damage in this area.


I'd prefer to go with a stronger set up next time. Certainly there is something out there that fits this application.

[jwalker]

Originally Posted by Red5

Before this happened there were no signs of damage in this area.

Looking carefully at your photo it looks as though the sides and bottom of the mount were not properly attached to the fibreglass and had possibly only been glued into place, it looks as though there has been water penetration of the join area. The top has stayed attached and been levered up and snapped clean.

..I'd prefer to go with a stronger set up next time. Certainly there is something out there that fits this application.

The engine mounting plate appears not to be plywood and has split across the lower bolt holes, the lower part is missing.

If you find a good fibreglass shop they should be able to repair the mount and glass a good, solid ply transom into place. Moulding glass over the whole of the set-back and plywood, inside as well as outside, would give sufficient strength.

However, I be checking to test the integrity of the mounting of the set-back to the rear of the boat too.

Good luck with it!

[Red5]

Originally Posted by jwalker

Looking carefully at your photo it looks as though the sides and bottom of the mount were not properly attached to the fibreglass and had possibly only been glued into place, it looks as though there has been water penetration of the join area. The top has stayed attached and been levered up and snapped clean.


The engine mounting plate appears not to be plywood and has split across the lower bolt holes, the lower part is missing.

If you find a good fibreglass shop they should be able to repair the mount and glass a good, solid ply transom into place. Moulding glass over the whole of the set-back and plywood, inside as well as outside, would give sufficient strength.

However, I be checking to test the integrity of the mounting of the set-back to the rear of the boat too.

Good luck with it!

It's a 50HP. Do you think that molding glass would suffice?

[jwalker]

Originally Posted by Red5

It's a 50HP. Do you think that molding glass would suffice?

Absolutely it would if done properly, that's how your boat is made. Fibreglass, plywood, fibreglass is pretty much how most rib transoms are made.

[beamishken]

Id imagine all the talk of repairs is pretty much hypothetical as I'd very much doubt the insurance will elect to repair that boat. Most sunk engines are usually written off and the repair isnt a straightforward repair so maybe struggle to find a shop willing to repair and warrant the integrity of the repair afterwards
I'd imagine they will settle you with current market value.
You may be able to purchase the salvage and look at repairs but id doubt the insurance will do it

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Red5

Got anyone that you would suggest in the USA?.

If it were me, I’d be making that my insurers problem to find someone they trust to fix it because they have to carry the risk on it going back to sea again. I’d expect them to go to the nearest Zodiac Dealer (or if they have specialist repair centres the nearest one of them). office888 of these parts might (?) be able to comment via PM on the reputation of any individual place in the US.

If the Yam dealer or insurer claim the engine will be fine ask them how long that promise is warrantied for. I suspect Beamish is right and it will be a financial right off, but the possibility of repair is then not a purely hypothetical one - and you could look at going to a really good boat yard rather than zodiac agent, as JW suggests. If it is just a jack plate then it may be easier to buy something steel that just bolts on. You are then looking for someone who can work a socket set and silicone gun which will be easier to find...