400 DA exaust pod

[Progress]

I arrived at the marina yesterday to be informed by the diver that one of the underwater exaust pods was missing. He said that it appears to have just fallen out. There is no sign of damage or broken stub. The bilge is dry and I don't see any damage or stress in the tubes that extend out to the engine.

It looks like I'm headed to the yard next week instead of going south to FL. I'm about due for bottom paint anyway.

Any experience with replacing the pod and or opinions on the safety of operating without this diverter would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[dicor]

There was a needlessly heated debate on CSR a few years ago about those exhaust ports. Some say they were held on by 3 or 4 sheet metal screws to save SR money. However others believe they were held on that way to protect your hull from major damage in case you hit an object. It makes sense if it was held in place with thru bolts and you hit a submerged 53 Buick Roadmaster you could end up with substantial hull damage. Instead hopefully you are looking at a new exhaust port and maybe some cosmetic repair. Thats my $0.02.

 

[Sea Ray Mark]

I lost one last year when I hit a piece of 2x8 floating in the river. It was held on by 1/4" dia thru bolts that broke away at impact as I believe they were designed to do. Check in your bilge to see if you see the four bolts sticking up around the fiberglass exhaust tube that goes thru the bottom of the boat. If they're there don't monkey around with them until you get the boat out of the water. I think I spent around $375 for a new "pod". Good luck, Mark