F-Rib 360 Filling with Water...

[SVJoBeth34]

Hello,

We were out and about this past Friday in our Frib, a 2017 360 model, when we noticed a significant amount of water entering the aft most section. The water seemed to diminish as we ran, but quickly returned when we slowed or stopped. I presumed the transom plug had worked loose, but that wasn't the case. Closer inspection revealed a separation of the PVC material and the hull at the aft most hull joint/hinge on the port side. With the weight of my wife and myself in the boat, we had a small torrent of water rushing in. The same thing is happening on the starboard side of the same hinge, but not as severely.

This adds to other very recent problems we've had with the boat. A couple of months back, the boat was out of the water on a wash rack to repair damage done to a tube from an interaction with a barnacled piling. While the boat was out, we removed the outboard for servicing at a local dealer. During this time, with the F-Rib sitting on the wash rack, the internal seam on the port side spontaneously tube 'blew out.' I had consulted with rick at F-Rib on the prior tube repair, and he had little to add, save, 'that's an unusual failure on a F-Rib.' Well, yeah...

We are full time live aboard cruisers and depend on the use of the dinghy. While it sees regular use, it has not been 'used and abused.' I've sent another note to Rick, along with a video of the water ingress at the aft hull hinge/joint, so we'll see what the response is.

[SVJoBeth34]

UPDATE

We heard from Rick at F-rib today, and all indications are they are going to replace our boat. This is how it's done folks, super customer service at every turn.

He also asked for, and gave directions for, obtaining a tube section sample so they can examine it and determine why we were experiencing failures of the structures.

Good on F-rib!!

[SVJoBeth34]

That’s good customer service there! I’m glad they are sorting it out for you.

[SVJoBeth34]

That’s good customer service there! I’m glad they are sorting it out for you.

Thank you! F-rib dealt with the issues as a responsible and professional company and have likely gained a few customers here in the US because of it.

[Martin]

That's great news guys, Glad you're getting sorted. Good to see F-Ribs warranty is solid !!!!
We're slowly getting a few more members from over the pond now, PLEASE share the forum url around you're boating buddies

Martin