Duchows Problems with the Glastron GT 185 with Volvo-Penta 4.3 Engine purchased January, 2007...and delivery March 31, 2007 to Richard F. Ward, 3711 Hale Lane, Island Lake, Illinois 60042
The bimini top was ordered with the new boat in January, 2007 and was finally installed on 10-24-2007.
However, the straps were never unwrapped, the gel-coat was damaged, and this is how the Duchows service department installed the tilted bimini top.
The installation instructions have been requested, and it appears that the rear support was installed too far to the rear. The gel-coat will have to be professionally repaired.
This is a picture from the Glastron brochure on how the bimini top should have been installed by Duchows (Fox Lake, Illinois Facility).
After the first 15 hours of engine operation, the belt split because a suspected misallignment of the pulleys.
A replacement belt was ordered, and the service department gave assurance that the engine would be run at varying speeds when the belt was replaced to insure that the excessive wear problem would not reoccur.
Because the freezing season was approaching, the boat owners winterized the engine by carefully following all the detailed instructions in the Volvo Manual on pages 97-99.
It is suspected that an inexperienced service technician was assigned to these basic jobs of installing the bimini top (incorrectly) and replacing the belt.
He either ran the engine in the fresh water tank (without proper supervision) or used a hose attached to the flush port to check for the excessive wear problem that caused the original belt to split.
Related evidence that the boat was run for an extended time is the fact that only a half gallon of fuel remained in the 23 gallon tank when the boat was refilled in May, 2008.
Fuel stabilizer had been added to the approx. quarter tank in October, 2007 when the boat was winterized by draining all 9 locations...and 22.5 gallons was added in this Spring. The boat was stored in a garage over the winter.
This is the condition of the engine just after it was started in May, 2008.
A tan foam mixture of oil and water was observed coming from the air intake, and the engine was immediately turned off.
Although Duchow's initially denied all responsibility, we assume that Duchow's will eventually accept full responsibility for not wear-testing the engine in an anti-freeze tank (as the owners were assured), after an inexperienced service technician replaced the prematurely worn belt.
5 Leads to Negative Terminal
4 Leads to Positive Terminal
Click on the "Email Records" for a link to several emails that are available to detail the discussion of the belt wear and splitting problem, and confirming that the engine had been winterized before bringing it in for the belt replacement and testing in the anti-freeze tank. There is even an email from Richard to John (10-24-07) advising that Randy had called and reported that the work was complete, and confirming that the engine was run in the anti-freeze tank to test for excessive wear and proper pulley alignment.
It should be noted that because of the discrepancy between the 1) Volvo Operator's Manual (page 97, "...reinstall the drain plugs") and, the 2) Glastron Owner's and Operator's Manual (page 6.1, "all engine plugs must be removed before storing your boat for winter."), combined with the "run in the antifreeze tank" assurance from Duchow's, the owner's DID NOT store the boat with the plugs removed.
Further, if the Duchow's Service Department recommendation is valid to " always add antifreeze in the low belly of the engine", then this information should be provided to owners by either Glastron, Volvo, or Duchows BEFORE damage occurs...not AFTER the damage occurred.
<--- Gelcoat Cracked by Duchow's installer
<---- Installed on a tilt by Duchows.
One of the previous problems that eroded confidence - exposed terminals of original battery installation without a battery box and incorrect wing-nuts.
The battery was installed by Duchows with all 4 terminals exposed (without a battery box and with wing-nuts.)
We were inspected and received a WARNING by the McHenry County Sheriff, and nearly got a $75 ticket for having exposed battery terminals. (Note Red positive terminal cover could not cover the wing-nut, and deputy stated that both terminals had to be covered, not just the positive as in an auto.)
Page 87 of the Volvo Manual states:
"Use bolts and nuts to secure battery cables to the battery terminals. Do not use wing nuts to secure battery cables, even if they were supplied with the battery."
Click on ---->
Click here -->
Picture of freeze plug (same as John Ward's email attachment) appears to be slightly pushed out. We are attempting to get a closer view of this picture to examine the paint chip at the 7 o'clock position.
Close-up of above picture attached to John Ward's email.
<-------Note, freeze plug appears to be pushed out.
Note paint appears to be broken because of plug movement.-------->
This picture is tilted about 30 degrees to the left, and therefore the drain is BELOW the freeze plug. This would indicate that either water or over-diluted anti-freeze was added to the engine by Duchows on 10-24-07, AFTER the engine was drained from all 9 locations specified in the Volvo Owner's Manual by Richard and John Ward on 10-20-07.
Battery Box was purchased from West Marine to prevent a future violation from the McHenry County Sheriff.
Incorrect Wing Nuts still need to be replaced, as well as installing a terminal board, so that only 2 battery leads (rather than 9) will allow safer removal of the battery for winter storage.
For Reference - Warranty Information
If You Have a Problem
Your satisfaction with our products and dealer services is vital. Volvo Penta takes pride in
producing durable, reliable products, and our efforts are supported by a strong dealer
network. If you have questions about service or your product's performance, your Volvo
Penta dealer will be happy to answer them. There may be times, though, that, in spite of the
best intentions, differences develop between a boat owner and a dealer. If this happens to
you, Volvo Penta and your dealer will work together to pursue a reasonable resolution.
If you experience a problem with your Volvo Penta product:
Maintain a written record of events (the problem, related conversations/with whom, important dates, etc.), as well as any supporting documents (invoices, work orders, etc.).
http://duchows.homestead.com
Then, take the following steps:
1. Discuss the matter with the appropriate department manager at the dealership (e.g.,
Service Manager, Parts Manager, etc.). Explain exactly what caused the problem and ask
what action will be taken. If the matter remains unresolved after a reasonable amount of time:
2. Discuss the matter with the Dealer Principal (usually the owner or co-owner of the
dealership). Explain what occurred in step 1.
If the matter is not resolved within a reasonable amount of time:
3. Contact the Consumer Affairs Department at:
Volvo Penta of the Americas, Inc. Volvo Penta Canada
1300 Volvo Penta Drive 7972 Enterprise Street
Chesapeake, VA 23320 Burnaby, BC V5A 1V7
(757) 436-5100 (604) 872-7511
Email: "Roessler Chris (Consultant)" <christopher.roessler@consultant.volvo.com>
(757) 436-5150 FAX (604) 872-4606 FAX
Please be prepared to provide the following information:
• Your name, address, and daytime telephone number.
Richard F. Ward, 155 N. Harbor Dr. #5101, Chicago, IL 60601 312-938-0884
• The Volvo Penta product model and serial number for each major component in the
power package (engine, transom shield, drive, or transmission). Check your operator’s
manual for the serial number plate location.
Engine: Volvo 4.3 GL-G, Prod. 3869358, Ser. #4012213012
Transom Shield Plate: SX-ALT42, Prod. 3883770
Drive: SX-A, Ratio: 1.79, Prod.3883623, Ser. #4202198497
• Date of purchase.
Boat Delivered March 31, 2007
• Current engine operating hours....27.8 hours total
• Selling and/or Servicing Dealer’s name.....Duchow's Boat Center, Fox Lake, Illinois.
• Description of the problem.....Freeze Damage Caused by Dealer Internal Mis- Communication and Inaccurate statements to boat owners.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE NINETEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
)
)
)
Plaintiff, )
vs. ) Gen No.
)
)
)
Defendant. )
SMALL CLAIMS COMPLAINT
1. I , am the plaintiff.
(Type or print your first and last name in the blank space.)
2. The defendant’s name is .
(Type or print the defendant’s first and last name, or company name in the blank space.)
3. The defendant owes me exactly $ .
(Type or print the exact amount in the blank space. This figure must be $10,000 or less in order for you to use this Small Claims procedure).
4. The reason the defendant owes me this amount of money is because:
(Select only ONE of the reasons listed below that describes the facts of your case.)
❐ Defendant agreed in a written contract to pay me this money, but has not paid me, even though I have demanded payment. (You need to attach a copy of the written contract to this Complaint, or attach a
sworn statement explaining why you are not able to attach a copy).
Date(s) this happened: .
❐ Defendant wrongfully took, destroyed or damaged my personal property.
Date(s) this happened: .
Describe what happened:
❐ Defendant verbally agreed to pay me this money, but has not paid me, even though I have
demanded payment.
Date(s) this happened: .
❐ Defendant agreed to do certain repair work for me but has not done it properly even though I paid
for the work.
Date(s) this happened: .
Describe what happened:
Distribution: Original and 3 copies
171-32 (R06/06)
❐ The Defendant injured me.
Date(s) this happened: .
Describe your injury:
Describe what happened:
❐ Some other reason. (If none of the other reasons above apply, describe here why the defendant owes you the money you claim)
Date(s) this happened: .
VERIFICATION
Under the penalties of perjury as provided by law pursuant to Section 1-109 of the Code of Civil Procedure, the undersigned certifies that the statements set forth in this instrument are true and correct, except as to matters therein stated to be on information and belief and as to such matters the undersigned certifies as aforesaid that the undersigned verily believes the same to be true.
Date:
Plaintiff’s Signature
PLAINTIFF’S Address: DEFENDANT’S Address:
Phone: Phone:
ARDC: ARDC: Distribution: Original and 3 copies
171-32 (R06/06
The format of this form is incorrect, however, the text is accurate.
The .pdf form can be downloaded from the Lake County, Illinois website.
VOLVO-PENTA Dealers in the specified area from zip code 60042 (Island Lake, IL.):
results page 1 of 29 distance (km/mi)Demar Marine Service Inc.2 / 1.21604 JONES STREETMCHENRY, Illinoisdetailed information map driving directions Bomar Marine & RV, Inc.4.6 / 2.91000 N Rand Rd. #204Wauconda, Illinoisdetailed information map driving directions Chicago Sea Ray6.8 / 4.231535 North Highway 12Round Lake, Illinoisdetailed information map driving directions Munson Ski & Marine7 / 4.331695 N. Route 12Round Lake, Illinoisdetailed information map driving directions D's Marine Service Inc.9.1 / 5.73308 W WAUKEGAN ROADMCHENRY, Illinoisdetailed information map driving directions distance (km/mi)Watertower Marina, Inc.9.1 / 5.73112 WEST LINCOLN RDMCHENRY, Illinoisdetailed information map driving directions Ben Watts Marina Inc 10.7 / 6.6116 S RT 12FOX LAKE, Illinoisdetailed information map driving directions Bald Knob Marina 12.6 / 7.8515 Bald Knob RoadMcHenry, Illinoisdetailed information map driving directions Ericson Marine 12.7 / 7.9811 N. HARRISON STREETALGONQUIN, Illinoisdetailed information map driving directions Duchow's Boat Center 13 / 8.1 mi.410 Kings RoadFOX LAKE, Illinoisresults page 3 of 29 distance (km/mi)
distance (km/mi)Dicks Marine Service 14.3 / 8.932 N PISTAKEE LAKE RDFOX LAKE, Illinoisdetailed information map driving directions Fox Lake Harbor 14.3 / 8.9400 E GRAND AVEFOX LAKE, Illinoisdetailed information map driving directions Munson Marine 15.8 / 9.8501 East Grand AveIngleside, Illinoisdetailed information map driving directions Ostrow Marine, Inc. 18.6 / 11.637520 RT 12NSpring Grove, Illinoisdetailed information map driving directions Sequoit Harbor, LLC23.3 / 14.51000 W. IL. Route 173Antioch, Illinoisdetailed information map driving directions results page 4 of 29 distance (km/mi)Larsen Marine Service33.9 / 21.1625 SEAHORSE DRIVEWAUKEGAN, Illinoisdetailed information map driving directions Kunes Majestic Marine, Inc.36.2 / 22.5N1599 Maple Ridge Rd.Lake Geneva, Wisconsindetailed information map driving directions Jerry's Majestic Marine, Inc.39.1 / 24.3N1599 Maple Ridge Rd.Lake Geneva, Wisconsindetailed information map driving directions Skipper Bud's - North Point41.2 / 25.6215 North Point DriveWinthrop Harbor, Illinoisdetailed information map driving directions Ship Shape Marine, Inc.42.2 / 26.2W. 5749 Highway BWALWORTH, Wisconsindetailed information map driving directions results page 5 of 29 distance (km/mi)Gage Marine Corp.43.4 / 274 Liechty Dr.WILLIAMS BAY, Wisconsindetailed information map driving directions Jerry's Marine, Inc.43.6 / 27.1453 Madison St.Walworth, Wisconsindetailed information map driving directions Capt Jim's, Inc.47.7 / 29.65017 Sheridan Rd.Kenosha, Wisconsindetailed information map driving directions Great Lakes Yacht Sales, Inc.48 / 29.8443 50TH STREETKENOSHA, Wisconsindetailed information map driving directions Grand Sport Center, Inc.50 / 31.11530 Industrial Dr.Lake in the Hills, Illinoisresults page 6 of 29 distance (km/mi)
distance (km/mi)Reed's Marine Inc.52 / 32.36140 Mound RoadDelavan, Wisconsindetailed information map driving directions Lauderdale Lakes Marina53.9 / 33.5N7536 Sterlingworth Dr.Elkhorn, Wisconsindetailed information map driving directions Carl Stirn's Marine, Inc.56.4 / 35640 N. BroadwayAurora, Illinoisdetailed information map driving directions Main Marine & Ski62.2 / 38.61101 NORTH MAIN STREETRACINE, Wisconsindetailed information map driving directions Basa's Marine Inc.65.4 / 40.6512 E NORTH FRONTAGE RD.BOLINGBROOK, Illinoisdetailed information map driving directions 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ... »
142 dealers matched your search (within 185 mi.), they are listed here in order of proximity from the specified location.
The belt may have been installed "on the rim of the pulley" by the factory, and finally split after about 15 hours.
This is Duchows Internal Copy of the Work Order prepared 2 days after the boat was returned for servicing on 10/21/07.
1. Install his bimini top (Here)
on contract
2. Install trailer pin recall (parts in the boat in the back port side tray)
3. Replace engine belt and see if the belt is ridding on pullys the right way it likes to come off pully. Belt is here.
RUN ENGINE - BELT TRACKS CORRECTLY.
CUST
WINTERIZED
The words "CUST WINTERIZED" were written on this internal copy, probably by General Manager Dan Robinson sometime AFTER he was advised by John Ward on 11/3 that the engine had already been drained before returning it for service work. Mr. Robinson realized that Randy, the service writer, had neglected to follow his own customer advised policy of writing this information on the work order initially, as a warning to the mechanic (Kevin H.).
Mr. Robinson had apparently not been told previously by either Randy (service writer) or Heather (email account liaison) that the engine had already been drained BEFORE bringing it in for service, so when he was handing the Customer Copy to John Ward, he wrote "CUSTOMER W/Z HIMSELF". John Ward immediately reminded him that the draining had already been accomplished BEFORE bringing it in, and that we were advised by Randy (on 10/24 - see email) that the engine had been run in an antifreeze tank to test the new belt.
DONE 10-24-07
Check the cover on this boat - may have to go with 205GT cover.
We have had below freezing temperatures.
Duchow's Boat Center is not responsible for any Freeze damage.
Initials KH ----->
Note: No Signature because customers were authorized to drop boat off on Sunday evening (10/21/07), and then confirm work required on Tuesday (10/23/07) when Randy (service writer) returned to work. Therefore, the "Freeze Disclaimer" stamp was not seen by customer until boat was picked up on 11/3. However, both phone and emails confirm that Duchows was advised that boat had been completely drained on 10/20 before bringing it in for service.
Notes for Future Options:
Cramar Inc (Duchow's Boat Center)
410 Kings Rd, Fox Lake, IL 60020-1905, United States (Map)
Phone: (847) 973-1100
Also Does Business As:Duchow's Boat Center
URL:padlock icon Activate Links www.duchowsboatcenter.net
SIC:Boat Dealers
Line of Business:Ret Boats Repair Services
Detailed Cramar Inc Company Profile
This company profile is for the private company Cramar Inc, headquarters located in Fox Lake, IL. Duchow's Boat Center's line of business is retail boats repair services.
Company Profile: Cramar Inc
Year Started:1992
State of Incorporation:WI
URL:padlock icon Activate Links www.duchowsboatcenter.net
Location Type:Headquarters
Stock Symbol:N/A
Stock Exchange:N/A
Also Does Business As:Duchow's Boat Center
NAICS:N/A
SIC #Code:5551
Est. Annual Sales:$8,900,000
Est. Employees:53
Est. Employees at Location:27
Contact Name:Mark Duchow
Contact Title:President
Data above provided by D&B.
Full Service and Parts Stocking VOLVO Dealers within range of Island Lake, IL (60042)
distance (km/mi)
Duchow's Boat Center 13 / 8.1410 Kings RoadFOX LAKE, IllinoisGreat Lakes Yacht Sales, Inc.48 / 29.8443 50TH STREETKENOSHA, WisconsinSkipper Bud's Milwaukee/Pewaukee 85.9 / 53.41919 S. Marina Dr.Milwaukee, WisconsinHarborside Yacht Center 87.3 / 54.2700 S. Water St.MILWAUKEE, WisconsinDuchow's Boat Center 97.5 / 60.6400 Sussex St.Pewaukee, WisconsinGrand Sport Center Inc. 99.3 / 61.73755 N. Division StreetMorris, IllinoisMarysville Marine West 131.8 / 81.9282 Progress WaySun Praire, WisconsinSkipper Bud's 198.3 / 123.21351 Egg Harbour LaneOshkosh, WisconsinNo signiture
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Administrative Contact:
duchow, mark mrdmkd@AOL.COM
duchow
W300N1552 TIMBERBROOK RD
PEWAUKEE, WI 53072-4882
US
(262) 367-8878 fax: (262) 367-8876
