Almanac
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2020
- Messages
- 48
- Fluid Motion Model
- R-21 EC
- Vessel Name
- Fool's Mate
Hi,
I own a 2021 Cutwater C-28, which I received new last August. After taking delivery, one thing that I noticed soon was a loud banging noise coming from around the helm area when hitting any chop or waves. The noise came from below the helm area somewhat between the head and helm.
I complained about the noise to the dealer who was familiar with similar problems, and told me there's an area there with different pieces of fiberglass that come together which can rub and cause loud creaking or banging noise. I wouldn't be surprised if every boat has squeaks, but this noise was a much louder banging. Their maintenance guy came out and made some adjustments by adding spacers or something to help shore up that area and fixed at least 1/2 the problem. It was at least a significant improvement. He said he eliminated most of the problem, but to fix more of it he may need to cut a hole in the fiberglass in the head to get access to the affected area (he was able to access the other area from mid-berth). That seemed a bit extreme at the time, so I decided to see how well the fix was and he said he would have to speak to cutwater to authorize further action.
A week ago I was out on the boat in some waves/chop again and continued to hear more of the banging noise. There can be squeaks from between the dash and side-window, but that is not a huge issue, this is much louder. A friend of mine with me agreed that he would complain about that noise. The issue is annoying and I'm concerned that if I were to sell the boat in the future, a buyer could also complain about the banging during a sea trial.
I would like to know what Cutwater suggests with regards to the situation? I know I can contact the dealer and complain, but I'm concerned about the option of cutting a hole and patching it in the head to get to the affected area. It sounds a little extreme, but I don't know if it can be patched well enough to be not noticeable. The problem sounded common on the Cutwater as he knew exactly where to address the issue.
Can you help illuminate what the issue is? Is there a way to address it without cutting into fiberglass? Do you have a picture that shows where the pieces come together? What are the expectations you have?
I own a 2021 Cutwater C-28, which I received new last August. After taking delivery, one thing that I noticed soon was a loud banging noise coming from around the helm area when hitting any chop or waves. The noise came from below the helm area somewhat between the head and helm.
I complained about the noise to the dealer who was familiar with similar problems, and told me there's an area there with different pieces of fiberglass that come together which can rub and cause loud creaking or banging noise. I wouldn't be surprised if every boat has squeaks, but this noise was a much louder banging. Their maintenance guy came out and made some adjustments by adding spacers or something to help shore up that area and fixed at least 1/2 the problem. It was at least a significant improvement. He said he eliminated most of the problem, but to fix more of it he may need to cut a hole in the fiberglass in the head to get access to the affected area (he was able to access the other area from mid-berth). That seemed a bit extreme at the time, so I decided to see how well the fix was and he said he would have to speak to cutwater to authorize further action.
A week ago I was out on the boat in some waves/chop again and continued to hear more of the banging noise. There can be squeaks from between the dash and side-window, but that is not a huge issue, this is much louder. A friend of mine with me agreed that he would complain about that noise. The issue is annoying and I'm concerned that if I were to sell the boat in the future, a buyer could also complain about the banging during a sea trial.
I would like to know what Cutwater suggests with regards to the situation? I know I can contact the dealer and complain, but I'm concerned about the option of cutting a hole and patching it in the head to get to the affected area. It sounds a little extreme, but I don't know if it can be patched well enough to be not noticeable. The problem sounded common on the Cutwater as he knew exactly where to address the issue.
Can you help illuminate what the issue is? Is there a way to address it without cutting into fiberglass? Do you have a picture that shows where the pieces come together? What are the expectations you have?