A little background. I bought a new boat and engine. I took it to Advanced Marine for the 20 hours service. Since then, no one else has touched the engine.
A few weeks ago my engine data on my Lowrance started to drop out. Last week I lost all engine data permanently. I began the troubleshooting process by working with Lowrance and narrowed it down to a connection issue between my engine and my Lowrance. I took the boat back to the boat manufacturer for further troubleshooting. They discovered all the zip ties on their NMEA harness bundle inside the engine were cut off (routed next to oil filter). After removal of the lower engine cowlings, a crushed cable and water pressure line were discovered.
The boat manufacturer attached a new cable or from the engine to my Lowrance and verified the crushed cable was the problem.
I calmly explained the issue with Advanced Marine and provided pictures of the damage. I only asked for a replacement cable. Below is how they handled the situation (start at the bottom):
Richard,
I bought a top of the line boat where attention to detail is incorporated in all aspects. If they say and show me how they rig the cables in the engine compartment, then I trust their word. I can only give you the chance to make it right and uphold any reputation and credibility Advance Marine might have.
I can only shake my head at the refusal to replace a $25 cable at the cost of all future business and referrals.
For what it's worth, AFTER Advanced Marine did my 20hr service, they forgot to install or did not properly torque 3 of the lower bolts that hold on the lower side cowlings. Advanced Marine refused to own up to that mistake too, but my boat manufacturer stepped up and replaced the missing bolts for free.
I'm just a normal guy that is tied into the freshwater, nearshore, and offshore industry.
Best of luck with your business,
Jes
-------- Original message --------
From: Richard Kelly richard@advancedmarine.com
Date: 3/16/18 3:18 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: Jes
Subject: RE: Damaged cable
Jes,
We have looked at the pictures and read the work order from when we worked on it in 2016 for the 20 hour service and due the time frame we are not able to assist you with a cable at no charge. From back then no one can remember the circumstances other than it was a 20 hour inspection with oil and filter change and gear lube. It is possible that it was rigged that way when we worked on it but I can not say one way or the other.
Richard Kelly
Advanced Marine
From: Jes
Sent: Friday, March 16, 2018 2:15 PM
To: service@advancedmarine.com
Subject: Damaged cable
Richard,
Thanks again for returning my call. The attached pictures show the smashed NMEA connector and cable and the water line that appears to go to the air intake manifold (?). The cable and water hose were crushed when in between the mounting flange and starboard side cowling.
Jes read more