Thermo Electron recalls
Thermo Electron boats have 1 recall campaign on record across 116 reported units. Below is every campaign, what it covers, and how to confirm a specific hull was fixed before you buy.
Thermo Electron Corp has one recall on record with the U.S. Coast Guard, issued in July 1981 for defective distributors on V6 engines. The campaign affected 116 units fitted with CS CH 165 distributors. For buyers considering a Thermo Electron Corp boat from this era, the age of the recall and the affected component mean that most boats either received the remedy decades ago or have since replaced the ignition system entirely during routine maintenance.
All Thermo Electron recalls
- ⚠ Recall
810083S7/1/1981DEFECTIVE DISTRIBUTOR
What this means before you buy →
What to check before you buy a used Thermo Electron
- Decode the HIN to confirm your boat's manufacturing date and check whether it falls within the 1981 affected period.
- Ask the seller for service records showing distributor replacement or recall remedy completion.
- Have a marine surveyor inspect the ignition system, particularly on boats with original or period correct V6 engines.
- Test start the engine multiple times and verify consistent ignition performance during a sea trial.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls has Thermo Electron Corp had?
Thermo Electron Corp has one recall on record with the U.S. Coast Guard, issued in 1981 for defective distributors affecting 116 units.
What was recalled on Thermo Electron Corp boats?
The July 1981 recall addressed defective V6 distributors (model CS CH 165) that could cause ignition system failures.
Should I be concerned about buying a used Thermo Electron Corp boat?
The single recall from 1981 is over 40 years old and affected a specific distributor component. Most boats from this era have either received the remedy or replaced the ignition system through normal maintenance, but verification of the fix and a current survey are prudent.
How do I check if my Thermo Electron Corp boat was affected by the recall?
Decode the HIN to confirm the manufacturing date matches the 1981 timeframe, then check service records for distributor replacement or recall remedy documentation. A marine surveyor can verify the current ignition system condition.