Warranty Info

[kavanaughmark]

Hi, I purchased my 2019 Cutwater 30 earlier this summer, with the original owner purchasing the boat in 2020. I have a warranty question related to the stern thruster and shaft seal. It appears the thruster motor itself has failed (bow thruster works, and aft solenoid switch works too), and a shaft seal where the bolts come loose after each use (local technician report an issue with threads) resulting a significant leakage. The boat only had 65 hours on it when I purchased it, so wasn’t even broken in yet. How do the Cutwater and parts manufacturer warranties work in this case? Thanks.

 

[dclagett]

I purchased a relatively new Ranger Tug that had a serious build problem and was told by Mr. Cutis that the warrenty from RT only supports the original purchaser. I would guess the Cutwarter line is the same. If you purchased the boat from a Cutwarter dealer have them look into this for you. If you don't get any help from them I would call the manufacture of the thruster directly. I had my steering pump fail and the manufacture sold me one a half price because of the early failure.

Good luck

 

[knotflying]

Usually the components are manufacturer specific. I would call the manufacturer of the thruster, but I doubt it is still under warranty. What type of shaft seal do you have that has bolts? Is it a dripless? The usual one that comes with the boat is uses a stuffing and compression type large nut, no bolts.

 

[kavanaughmark]

It is not the modern dripless type. it is the old technology. I shouldn't have said bolts, but it has two threaded studs on each side of the shaft. Each stud has two nuts that apply pressure on the packing. The second nut on each stud is supposed to keep the first nut from backing off, but in my case it appears the threads on the studs appear damaged/bent. The studs look like they are pressed into the flange. Short of replacing an almost brand new shaft seal, dont know what else to.

 

[knotflying]

The setup you mention is not what I have seen as a typical installation on the boats from Ranger that I have seen. Are you sure that the threaded "studs" are pressed in? I have seen it where they are threaded in and a lock nut holding them in place with a nut behind the forward side of the rear plate and one behind the forward plate with two on the outside for locking. If you can't manage to replace the studs then you may have to bite the bullet and replace it. If you have the room I would go dripless. It is not excessively expensive and requires much less maintenance.

 

[BB marine]

I believe Fluid Motion uses a 1 3/4 " Marine hardware Gland style stuffing box on the C30. This uses two Brass studs and nuts are used for adjusting the gland. I have seen studs used and bolts used. If the threads are damaged from a improper thread engagement "cross threaded" they will need to be removed and replaced. Confirm which style you have The studs should be threaded into the gland and removable. The bolts will be removable. I would call Marine hardware to confirm removal and order the correct replacement studs or bolts. 425-883-0651 WA, 386-677-0687 FL.

If you do one at a time this can be done in the water. It could probably be done removing both because the packing will still be in place. I don't want to tel you to do that though!

 

[kavanaughmark]

Thanks. I reached out to Marine Hardware and the sales rep was very helpful. He was on vacation and still was able to figure it out. I have the removable studs (not the bolts) and will first try and replace them. Hopefully that will solve the problem. If not will have the boat hauled and replace the whole fitting.