My experience with repairing the turbos on my Fairline Squadron 50, equipped with Volvo Penta engines, was a journey filled with frustration, delays, and ultimately, disappointment. Here's the story of how my interaction with Prento Yacht went from promising to disastrous.

I noticed a significant drop in engine performance during a routine check-up before setting sail for a Mediterranean adventure. The once smooth and powerful Volvo Penta engines seemed to struggle, emitting unusual noises and producing less power than usual. My onboard diagnostics pointed towards an issue with the turbochargers, a critical component for maintaining engine efficiency and power.

Given the importance of the engines and the complexity of turbocharger repairs, I decided to seek professional help. After some research and recommendations, I opted to contact Prento Yacht, a company that boasted expertise in marine engine repairs and had a seemingly good reputation.

My initial contact with Prento Yacht was encouraging. Their representative was prompt and professional and seemed knowledgeable about the specifics of Volvo Penta engines and turbochargers. They assured me they had extensive experience with similar issues and could get my yacht back to peak performance in no time. Confident in their capabilities, I scheduled an appointment for a comprehensive inspection and repair.

The technicians arrived on time, carrying various of diagnostic tools and equipment. They thoroughly inspected the engines, confirming my suspicion that the turbochargers were indeed the source of the problem. The lead technician explained that the turbochargers needed to be removed, cleaned, and possibly replaced some parts. They estimated the job would take about two weeks, considering the need to order some specific parts.

The first sign that things might not go as smoothly as promised came when I received a call from Prento Yacht two days later. They informed me that they were facing delays in sourcing the necessary parts. While this was understandable, given the specificity of marine engine components, it was a minor red flag. They assured me they were working diligently to expedite the process and that the parts would arrive within the next few days.

However, days turned into a week, and then two weeks, with no clear update on the status of the parts. My calls and emails seeking updates were often met with vague responses or outright silence. When I finally managed to get a hold of the technician, he admitted that there had been an oversight in ordering the parts, and the process had to be restarted. It was frustrating, but I hoped that the repair would soon be underway.

After nearly a month of delays, the parts finally arrived, and the Prento Yacht team began the repair work. They removed the turbochargers and took them to their workshop for cleaning and reconditioning. The lead technician reassured me that once the turbos were serviced and reinstalled, my engines would run as well as new. This brief period of activity gave me hope that we were finally making progress.

Unfortunately, this hope was short-lived. Once the turbochargers were reinstalled, it became apparent that something was still not right. The engines continued to underperform, and the strange noises persisted. Prento Yacht's solution was to tweak and adjust various settings, but these "fixes" were temporary and ineffective.

The technicians seemed increasingly unsure of their assessments, often contradicting themselves about what was causing the issues. They suggested that other components might fail, leading to more unnecessary inspections and delays. Each visit ended with promises of improvement, but my yacht's performance remained subpar.

Throughout this ordeal, one of the most frustrating aspects was Prento Yacht's poor communication and inability to meet deadlines. What was initially promised as a two-week repair turned into months of waiting, with the yacht effectively out of commission. My planned Mediterranean voyage had to be postponed indefinitely, and the summer sailing season was slipping away.

Repeated requests for updates were met with evasive answers. The once professional and responsive team became increasingly challenging to reach. When I did manage to get in touch, I was often given conflicting information about the progress and the next steps. It became clear that Prento Yacht was either overwhelmed or not prioritizing my repair.

After several months of this frustrating back-and-forth, I decided to bring in a third-party expert to evaluate the situation. The independent marine engineer conducted a thorough inspection of the work done by Prento Yacht and provided a detailed report. The findings were shocking and revealed a series of critical errors and oversights:

1. Improper Cleaning and Reconditioning: The turbochargers had not been properly cleaned or reconditioned. There were signs of residual debris and corrosion, indicating a lack of thoroughness in their work.
2. Incorrect Installation: The turbochargers had been improperly reinstalled, leading to misalignment and poor performance. This was a fundamental mistake that any competent technician should have avoided.
3. Overlooked Diagnostics: Prento Yacht had failed to conduct comprehensive diagnostics after reinstalling the turbochargers. As a result, they missed other potential issues that could have been addressed earlier.
4. Lack of Expertise: It became evident that despite their claims, the Prento Yacht technicians lacked the necessary expertise and experience to handle such a complex repair. Their approach was more trial and error than methodical and informed.

Armed with the independent engineer's report, I confronted Prento Yacht about their subpar work. Their response was defensive, and they refused to acknowledge the extent of their mistakes. Realizing that further engagement with them would be futile, I decided to cut my losses and seek help elsewhere.

I eventually found a reputable marine repair company with certified Volvo Penta technicians. They reassured me of their ability to rectify the situation and provided a detailed repair plan. True to their word, they conducted a thorough inspection, ordered the necessary parts, and completed the repairs within the promised timeframe. The difference in professionalism and expertise was night and day.

The experience with Prento Yacht was a harsh lesson in the importance of choosing the right service provider. What started as a seemingly simple repair turned into a prolonged and costly ordeal due to their incompetence and lack of communication. The delays and poor workmanship cost me time, money and the enjoyment of a sailing season.

From now on, I will be more cautious when selecting service providers and ensure they have the necessary credentials and a proven track record. The independent marine engineer's role was crucial in uncovering the truth and steering me towards a successful resolution. It is a reminder that when dealing with complex and expensive machinery like a yacht, the quality of service is paramount.

While the experience with Prento Yacht was unfortunate, it ultimately led to a deeper understanding of my yacht and its needs. The Ocean Dreamer is now back to its former glory, ready to embark on new adventures with the reliability and performance I have come to expect from a Fairline Squadron 50.

Fair winds and following seas,

Captain Jack Thompson