PSA. I called Maverick. All model years HPX-S (maybe other models also) from 2014-current are under recall. They have to add a flotation block under each gunnel, one block on each side in the bilge area, and also add a little foam by the compartments. Apparently it's because the boat has to be able to float above water level for 16 hours after being swamped. The company that the CG has do the testing use to only require calculations without real testing but is now physically testing the boats. I guess the mavericks didn’t pass the test. They said the recall will add about 10lbs of weight to the boat. Im not sure, but i am curious how it affects insurance if you don’t get it remedied. Here’s the recall notice below.
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Makomyday171
Maverick HPX-S Recall
1 reading
PSA. I called Maverick. All model years HPX-S (maybe other models also) from 2014-current are under recall. They have to add a flotation block under each gunnel, one block on each side in the bilge area, and also add a little foam by the compartments. Apparently it's because the boat has to be able to float above water level for 16 hours after being swamped. The company that the CG has do the testing use to only require calculations without real testing but is now physically testing the boats. I guess the mavericks didn’t pass the test. They said the recall will add about 10lbs of weight to the boat. Im not sure, but i am curious how it affects insurance if you don’t get it remedied. Here’s the recall notice below.
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Adding it under the gunnels will be a pain i'd imagine. I can't see how they can do that and keep it clean looking.
I also get the impression that they expect dealers to take care of it, which I’m sure will create more issues.
This is based on what I was able to find, but if you have a maverick I recommend you contact your dealer yourself. Foam will be added under the storage compartments and live well under rear deck as well as under the deck below the console. They will install foam blocks under gunnels above rod storage. This is what I have been able to gather but not alot of info out there.
The coast guard NOW requires boats float level at least 6" above the water for 18 hours. The mavericks will sink with their bow up so more flotation needs to be added. Doesn't sound like a huge deal but I imagine the foam would be in the way, not the cleanest install as it's done at the dealer and make accessing some rigging difficult. At the same time I could see some insurance issues if you choose to not have the work done and something happens.
The coast guard NOW requires boats float level at least 6" above the water for 18 hours. The mavericks will sink with their bow up so more flotation needs to be added. Doesn't sound like a huge deal but I imagine the foam would be in the way, not the cleanest install as it's done at the dealer and make accessing some rigging difficult. At the same time I could see some insurance issues if you choose to not have the work done and something happens.
My understanding is the CG reg changed AFTER these boats were built. I’m okay with adding under the gunnels but hesitant to have flotation added where holes will need to be drilled. I take exception to them blasting emails to us whose boats are impacted on a single thread. WTF??? Also, I live in TN my dealership is in Charleston. Pretty tough sell for me to drive to Charleston for something that is now not compliant that was. Please correct me if I’m misinformed…
I could definitely be wrong but, I can't imagine they would require retrofits for boats built prior to a new regulation or floatation requirement.
I called Maverick and asked "What if I decide not to do it?" I was asked to please send them an email that basically said that I opted out. I assume this would relieve them of some liability. I'm not a fan of adding weight or drilling holes. I'll just put on my PFD and let the ole girl sink.
Insurance is my big concern. It seems like you’re practically forced to remedy the recall just to make sure that you’re covered if the boat sunk. Is it worth the risk hoping that the insurance company isn’t aware of the recall?
I would also like to know how much room the under the funnel blocks take up? I don’t see dealerships doing a very good job installing them either. Some fiberglass jobs will be better than others for sure.
I would also like to know how much room the under the funnel blocks take up? I don’t see dealerships doing a very good job installing them either. Some fiberglass jobs will be better than others for sure.
Any educated buyer in the used market will want to be reassured the modification has been completed.
The requirement for power boats under 20' to remain level after swamping is not new and the Coast Guard's authority to test level flotation and their test method have been detailed in the Coast Guard's boat builder's handbook for decades. Any boater can read the regulation as well as a detailed, layman's terms description of the requirements and test methods in that handbook. I don't know the specifics of the recall or what Maverick is telling their affected owners, but these regulations were on the books long before the HPX-S was even designed and they're there for a good reason. If your skiff capsizes or swamps you are significantly more likely to survive if you can stay with the boat and it's much easier to stay with the boat when there's more than just the tip of the bow sticking out of the water.
Lol Maverick owners are used to rigging their boats when things fail. Surprised at how many older 17' master anglers have portable gas tanks.
Looks like Scott Deal sold the company just in time, before the ship might have to be scuttled. Pun intended 
The real strange thing is that the HPX 18 has been pretty much the same since the re-design in 2009. I had a 2010 HPX18, I crawled all over that thing, including being on my head in the bilge, and never remember seeing any foam, anywhere.
That's what the letter states in the first post. Now that I read it again, the letter from MBG doesn't specify model years, just the OP's post stated "2014-current".
Does anyone have any photos of the recall remedied? I’ve called a few dealers and they each said they have done a few already. I’d really like to see what the finished product looks like. Apparently the “kits” that MBG is sending to dealers also contains new rod holders to go with the under the gunnel blocks
My understanding (and it could be wrong, some here may know more…) is that the USCG uses a formula for flotation that must be met. Historically same with ABYC. These boats met that.
A new change has required a loaded tank test where the vessel must remain upright/float level after swamped. It was found these models do not.
Not sure if this will end up affecting other manufacturers once tested as well.
A new change has required a loaded tank test where the vessel must remain upright/float level after swamped. It was found these models do not.
Not sure if this will end up affecting other manufacturers once tested as well.
The most recent USCG change to floatation requirements was made in 2018 based on ABYC standards. It was meant to account for increasing outboard weights on smaller boats. They did a whole cost analysis to retrofit a boat, but it was ridiculously simplified. Not sure on the details why MBG is just now addressing this.
www.federalregister.gov
Federal Register :: Request Access
www.federalregister.gov
As far as drilling holes that sounds like they are going to use pour foam. Does anyone know if that is the case? It seems some blocks of foam sealed in glass could be 5200 into various places. Like the underside of the deck, sides, back corners, ect.
If they are pouring foam that can be a disaster. Having experience with this in small cavities. Things can be get outta hand fast. Stuff will get blown apart and warped. I know this because I have unfortunately experienced it first hand. I would not want anyone but the builder to do this. Instead of some mechanic at a dealer with zero experience. That is not a normal repair for a dealer.
The CG will literally pick your boat up. Take it to the test facility. Test it, tell what you need if failed and and bring it back all for free. Absolutely no reason for a manufacturer to not meet standards.
I have said in the past and I think some other well known designers have commented on these skiffs being over powered for ratings. The math just never added up before you even got to level floatation. Some of these skiffs have very low transoms. With just a small riser for the engine.
You can submit to CG for an increase in power rating. But you have to actually do stuff to meet those requirements. Like add additional flotation and transom reinforcements.
I’m just a nobody but I understood this in the CG handbook. And built my skiff to be tested by the CG. If I was going to fail tell me now. Not ten years and hundreds of boats later. Not to mention liability if someone got drowned because of manufacture didn’t bother. I have two large rectangular foam filled boxes on each side of the rear. Two large foam filled sealed areas under the floor outboard of the stringers. And I reinforced transom with full width Bluewater Coosa doubled up in the center. I feel very confident my skiff will pass any of the standards for a 60/70hp outboard. Just don’t get how a company with the people and resources MBG has not to do the same.
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HpXs for comparison notice the narrow low transom with riser. Just going off the basic CG formula before even getting to floatation. I don’t think it would rate for 40hp unless they got an exemption. With my height and width I came in at just 40hp.
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If they are pouring foam that can be a disaster. Having experience with this in small cavities. Things can be get outta hand fast. Stuff will get blown apart and warped. I know this because I have unfortunately experienced it first hand. I would not want anyone but the builder to do this. Instead of some mechanic at a dealer with zero experience. That is not a normal repair for a dealer.
The CG will literally pick your boat up. Take it to the test facility. Test it, tell what you need if failed and and bring it back all for free. Absolutely no reason for a manufacturer to not meet standards.
I have said in the past and I think some other well known designers have commented on these skiffs being over powered for ratings. The math just never added up before you even got to level floatation. Some of these skiffs have very low transoms. With just a small riser for the engine.
You can submit to CG for an increase in power rating. But you have to actually do stuff to meet those requirements. Like add additional flotation and transom reinforcements.
I’m just a nobody but I understood this in the CG handbook. And built my skiff to be tested by the CG. If I was going to fail tell me now. Not ten years and hundreds of boats later. Not to mention liability if someone got drowned because of manufacture didn’t bother. I have two large rectangular foam filled boxes on each side of the rear. Two large foam filled sealed areas under the floor outboard of the stringers. And I reinforced transom with full width Bluewater Coosa doubled up in the center. I feel very confident my skiff will pass any of the standards for a 60/70hp outboard. Just don’t get how a company with the people and resources MBG has not to do the same.
HpXs for comparison notice the narrow low transom with riser. Just going off the basic CG formula before even getting to floatation. I don’t think it would rate for 40hp unless they got an exemption. With my height and width I came in at just 40hp.
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