Need help with damage estimate!

[Tony B]

HelloSailor
Great explanation.

One important thing I need to add to that is if you record the conversation, do not let them know. If you even a hint of a recording everything ends and you will get nowhere. Which leads us to the next no-no. Never ever ever use the word lawyer or any word that even starts with the letter "L". Once you even hint at a lawyer or court or law suit, etc., they now have the right to end all conversations, communications and negotiations with you. Then you can only speak to their attorney and more than likely he will refuse to speak to you directly and so you will really have to hire one. So much for that bluff.
In the past, I have found that no matter how aggrevated you get, just keep your cool. Usually when the insurers client is in the wrong, they want to settle it quickly especially if you did not claim any injuries. If you get nowhere with the claims manager say goodbye. Call the switchboard and ask for his supervisor.
Bottom line - call the state insurance commission and learn more. Then when you call the insurance company you will be speaking at the same level and never tell them you spoke to the insurance commission. If you have to file a claim against them with the insurance commission - JUST DO IT. Don't warn, advise, threaten or otherwise let your intentions be known. Maybe that's just an Italian thing, but it works.

[hellosailor]

Great points, Tony.

[forsailbyowner]

That rubber is going to be tough to replace. There is a guy who makes custom pieces in our area but his costs are high for one offs. These are problem areas on the OI 33s anyway. My boat had leaks at the joint long before I got it and required replacing a lot of wood inside. The rubber had been recaulked badly. The water gets inside the rubber and will travel the length of the boat looking for a way in. I did something Id never recommend anyone to do. I glassed over the joint, finished the glass to look like the rubber(many many hours), and have plans to put a stainless piece over the outside whenever I find some at a price I can stomach. At least it doesnt leak anymore.

[Cheechako]

Yes, In WA state it is easy to fill out a complaint on line with the insurance comissioner. The insurance company has 10 days to respond! or the same is true with the WA State attorney general. I've used both and both got results!

[hellosailor]

"That rubber is going to be tough to replace."
There are a couple of shops that make a LOT of custom extrusions, vinyl, rubber, whatever. A boatyard will have that information, and if the matching part is no longer available, their estimate my very well call for replacing both sides in order to keep them matching. That's simply a normal, ordinary, proper repair. (And all the more reason for a professional estimate.)

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by hellosailor

"Also note that every state has an Insurance Commission that"
Amen.
While some states have worthless commissions

Yup...and in Ca. it was worthless, bordering on useless. I had a trucker bring my previous boat across country. He let the roller furler drum bobble unsupported. Needless to say it was bent and required a foil and some other parts. It was like the commission could not be bothered with such a small claim.

[Hudson Force]

I purchased 90' of this black Morgan rubrail in1992 from a man on Merritt Island, Florida who had the original extrusion. Also, Griffith Rubber Mills in Portland, Oregon sells the black portlight gaskets, (1" to 1/4" H-gasket), and they might be a source for the rubrail too. Send me a PM if you want further details.

[jeff gillette]

Thanks for the advice about the insurance commission . Once I get a quote written, if I hear any more about the weather. As for the hull its just glass, but the other parts are things that are different than a bass boat. I'll PM you CaptForce.