Plastic Cowling Latches on Yamaha are Junk

Gator4Life

Took my 2017 150hp Yamaha in to have oil changed and ironically have cleaned/sprayed for any corrosion. Well the two rear latches are frozen up. If they pull too hard these plastic latches will snap off and to fix they will have to cut a hole in the cowling to get to the inside locking device. My old Yamaha had metal latches. Never had a problem with sticking but if i did you werent breaking them off. Guess someone had a bright idea to use plastic to save a few pennies. We have the expensive Progressive insurance policy that says it will cover "wear and tear" so they are going to take a look at it but told me they probably wont cover it. A new cowling and latches will be $1400+. Yamaha says they dont cover corrosion on Warrenty. So i guess im screwed. Haven't owned this boat for a year and a half and already breaking out another thousand. If any fiberglass repair guy needs a cheap Yamaha 150  cowling let me know.

Slacker

Yikes, that is bad at one year old.

ANUMBER1

My 2016 115 rear cowling latch froze up also, my mech broke off the latch and used a small die grinder to cut thru the pin, then replaced the latch. labor plus parts was around 250.00, 

Gator4Life

ANUMBER1 said:

My 2016 115 rear cowling latch froze up also, my mech broke off the latch and used a small die grinder to cut thru the pin, then replaced the latch. labor plus parts was around 250.00, 

I have it at Miller's in Ocala right now. They haven't tried to break the latch yet till my insurance guy looks at it. If I end up having to pay for repair i may just go pick it up before they cut into cowling. Do you think your guy could take care of it?  I'll take it to him. Is you're mechanic in Crystal River? I know we have disagreed in the past but ive seen how a lot of guys on here respect your opinion on stuff and i appreciate the advice. Thanks.

ANUMBER1

Gator4Life said:

ANUMBER1 said:

My 2016 115 rear cowling latch froze up also, my mech broke off the latch and used a small die grinder to cut thru the pin, then replaced the latch. labor plus parts was around 250.00, 

I have it at Miller's in Ocala right now. They haven't tried to break the latch yet till my insurance guy looks at it. If I end up having to pay for repair i may just go pick it up before they cut into cowling. Do you think your guy could take care of it?  I'll take it to him. Is you're mechanic in Crystal River? I know we have disagreed in the past but ive seen how a lot of guys on here respect your opinion on stuff and i appreciate the advice. Thanks.

 Dane Leech, yes in Crystal River.
Dane's Mobile Tech 352- 257- 0101
Good mech and fabricator, best way to get ahold of him is text.
He stays busy.

Gator4Life

Ok. Thanks. Jeff Miller at Miller's  in Ocala is going to talk to Yamaha first and see if they'll help out.

Gator4Life

Yamaha is going to cover the cost to have it fixed.

4WARD

Gator4Life said:

Yamaha is going to cover the cost to have it fixed.

As they should, good to hear!

Predator257

I read this and went and sprayed my latches down with some PB Corrosion Protectant. Mine is also a 2017. Thanks for the heads up!

ANUMBER1

spray them often, when I put my skiff up last Oct, I did all the usual stuff wash, flush, lube and I sprayed the latches.

Come March rear latch was seized.     I spray them once a week now.