Complaint Review: Mercruiser Marine Carver Yachts - Oklahoma

I purchased a 1999 Sea Ray in 2007 with its 3rd set of 7.4 380 HP motors installed and assumed I would not have any problems since Sea Ray and Mercruiser apparently figured out a Lift Muffler design that increased the angle from the riser to eliminate water intrusion.

I just blew one of the motors (Sept. 2009) which had only approximately 200 hours on it.  The risers and manifolds were replaced in 2007.  The cause of failure was written up as water intrusion due to failed surfaces of between the risers/manifold, and my insurance surveyor called out dissimilar manufacturers which is ridiculous - If the surfaces are machined flat and torqued to specs, there d**n gaskets and surfaces should outlast the life expectancy of the steel risers and manifolds.

This is obviously a poorly designed system, and while Riser and Manifolds should last up to 7 or 8 years, I have been told by several established marine mechanics, that the gaskets and mating surfaces have to be inspected and possibly changed or "flat filed" every 3 -4 years,  This is insane and should be unacceptable industry wide.  I am sure it has created a great aftermarket revenue stream for Merc as well.  It was this kind of planned obsolescence that opened the door to the Japanese manufactures to steel the US automotive market overnight.

So many of these same stories that I read are motors of the same time period.  Again in my case these were Mercruiser rebuilt motors that were replaced for a second time under warranty in 2001.

I would be happy to jump on the Class Action Suit Bandwagon and have Mercury Marine, step up and at least be forced to provide a redesign that permanently fixes the problem.  I have heard stories or Mercruiser owners adapting Crusader exhausts to solve the problem.  Is that proof of a problem and Merc's ignorance of a problem?

Let me tell you, If the Japanese Manufacturers decide to get into the inboard gas new and aftermarket, Merc is done.

Hello
I also have a 2001 Carver 396 with twin Mercuriser Horizon 7.4s. I was informed today that I have the dreaded water injestion problem again. Both engines were replaced after 30 hrs and here I am again with only 65 hrs and will problably have to replace them again only this time I am out of warrantee. I have been searching the web about this problem and find that I am not alone and there are others with the same problem an they are not getting any resolution from Carver, Mercury or the dealers in my case Staten Island MArine. From what I have read they others are not getting anywhere. I would like to hear from anyone with any knowlege of this problem and especially from owners as I am not going to let them get away with it. Someone needs to step up and resolve this situation.

Please call me
John Vitti
(((ROR redacted)))

I was ripped off by Staten Island Boat Sales too! The service guy (John Dwyer) at Freeport assaulted my wife when I sent her to ask if he could fix my boat as we had broken down just a few blocks from the dealership - this was a recurring problem that he was not able to rectify. This assault came after months of a healthy relationship between Staten Island and myself, and was VERY uncalled for - I'm going to go as far as to say it was mentally unstable! I was even invited to the Staten Island Annual Regatta by my salesman, 1 week after this assault... further proof that the assault was uncalled for and insane. The salesman (Christian Brabender) falsified information, did not ensure things were installed, and delivered the boat to me with raw sewage in the bilges (not mine!) that I later cleaned up myself (don't know why I did it). This was a Brand New Boat! Staten Island falsified documents saying that all systems were checked and functioning 100% (in a pre-delivery contract sent to the manufacturer), when in fact, just about every system was malfunctioning at delivery, the engines were leaking into the bilges, and the generator was pumping saltwater cooling water into the bilge as well. I was drenched in saltwater when I first ran the generator and looked at it... There is no way the technician at Staten Island would have missed it if it was actually inspected! The owner, Frank Bongiorno has NEVER replied to any of my calls, emails, etc... he doesn't give a d**n about his customers! Not even 1 attempt to ask me for any documentation to prove that I still have outstanding items that need to be installed. They are hiding behind the hopes that no one takes them to court! Frank Bongiorno is a leech - and this is from my direct experience! BEWARE!!! Kevin Zebrowski at Silverton handled my issue very poorly, and finally admitted that he cannot do anything for my issues - I was shocked at how powerless Silverton is concerning how their products are delivered. I too am in the process of suing, we should get in touch Captain Queens.

Queens Captain, I have had a similar experience as yourself. You are certainly not alone. Can you confirm the propeller shaft configuration - Down Angle or V-Drive?

I feel your pain with Mercury. THEY WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS AT ALL. We lost our stern drive after only approximately 200 hrs and less on our boat. We had only taken out the boat approximately 5 times. We have a JC tritoon with a 350 magnum mercruiser. I faithfully had full service done every year. One day on the lake with no warning what so ever the stern drive blew up. We were left stranded on the lake for many hours. We took it to a Mercury dealer where we were told it was a manufacture defect and that I should call Mercury to send a Representitive to look at it But was also told by this AUTHORIZED MERCURY REPAIR CENTER that I would probably get NO WHERE with Mercury and guess what HE WAS RIGHT. Mercury did not send anyone out said they wouldn't and oh well, but I could buy another stern drive from them but it would only be covered for one year and the price would range from $3,000.00 to $6,000.00. I know this does not compare to the amount for your repair but I do feel your pain and I hope you sue the pants off Mercury. I found a place in Florida that makes Sterndrives and I ordered the complete Upper & lower from them. They offer a 3 year fault free warranty and the total cost including shipping was only $1,600.00 We figure if this one breaks in one year and they don't honor the warranty oh well. We figure we can purchase at least 3 of their stern drives for the price of 1 Mercury. Besides I will NEVER give my business to a company that will not stand behind their product. Try Sterndrive in Florida maybe they can help or no of someone who can. Good luck MERCURY / MERCRUISER SUCKS !!! BUYERS PLEASE BE WARE...............