I have a FourWinns with a 280hp Volvo Penta with Stainless Steel DuoProp outdrive
Boat delivered in June 2020 … used first season, no issues other than needing prop changed to alternate pitch set.
Did first full season in 2021 … very pleased with the DuoProp it provides a massive increase in torque, over single prop, and many other benefits.
The first problem
…. Towards end of last season I noticed some bubbles in the paint immediately after the prop (bearing carrier)
Reported it to dealer … no worries we will record it and can be dealt with end of season.
OK in Oct booked the boat in for annual service & sorting out of corrosion.
They examined and found significant corrosion on drive, near the props.
At end of week, told service complete, just waiting on VP response on Corrosion issue.
Each week I phoned in to be told same story …
Then end of Nov I get a call ….. “we have ceased trading, come collect your boat, or it will be locked in by Administrators”
Wow … not expected.
OK … fair enough, these things happen … “can you give me the reference for warranty claim with VP?” …. To be dumbfounded when told “ We have not reported it”
Each week you said you were waiting on VP ? … so you deliberately misled me ?
Collected my boat, Contacted another VP dealer … this time 100 miles away …. Take boat in, they examine, confirm corrosion … plus additional corrosion on transom shield & particularly around hydraulic rams … assumed to be some issue with Earth bonding allowing electrolytic corrosion … Bonding especially important due to significant amount of stainless props …
but as never moored unsure why it’s having this impact.
VP wanted full examination .. and to be 100% clear they stated this is fully covered by warranty, and they have decided to swap out the complete drive including the transom shield, as this also needs engine out …. a significant job.
No arguments at all from VP that they will fund all of this.
Now the 2nd part of the problem …
In Dec told all was approved, but parts out of stock .. will take up to 3 months to get parts.
In Jan … same answer up to 3 months.
Same in Feb & Mar.
I get a report from a US forum that VP drive castings manufacturer in Mexico is no more (factory fire) and VP have no new drives … and cannot even advise when they will have them in stock.
So having thought this would all be fixed for start of this season, looks like repair will not be until after this season at the earliest.
VP have said use boat as normal, no impact to the warranty claim.
VP have stated they will put this right, and as standard warranty runs out in June .. they will honour this work after that date.
Final comment though …. Would I buy the same again .. YES.