IIMS has been contacted directly by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) to alert us to potential issues surrounding Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410, 440 and 490 models, which are equipped with Sleipner-Sidepower retractable bow thruster modules. These models were built in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
The advice from Jeanneau is to immediately stop sailing. The company has issued a product recall amid safety concerns about seepage around the retractable bow thruster. This recall comes in the wake of the sinking of a Sun Odyssey 410 yacht off the coast of Germany last year.
In June 2024 the European Commission published a safety alert for the Sun Odyssey 410, 440 and 490 yacht constructed between 2020 and 2022, warning of a ‘risk of drowning’ as the boats ‘may sink’ due to a glueing problem with the underwater bow thrusters.
In the Safety Gate Alert statement by the European Commission, they say, ‘Due to a glueing problem, the bow thruster flange may detach and generate a waterway. The boat may sink, increasing the risk of drowning for users.’
Jeanneau had launched a recall campaign in March 2023 as a precautionary measure to reinforce the bonding of Sleipner-Sidepower retractable bow thruster modules in the hulls of the three models mentioned. This advice was updated in May this year.
‘Because the safety of our boats is an absolute priority, we have decided to reinforce the thruster flange on these hulls to prevent the occurrence of seepage,’ Jeanneau said on its website. The statement went on to say, ‘As a precautionary measure, we would also like to advise you that you must stop using the boat until this reinforcement has been carried out.’
Jeanneau said it was necessary, as soon as possible, to:
– Inspect the thruster area for water or signs of water ingress.
– Check for the presence of water when the thruster is retracted. In case of detection, it is essential to make sure that the thruster is closed and then to disconnect the thruster.
– ‘In any case, it is necessary to stop using the boat and to contact your dealer to carry out this reinforcement as soon as possible. We thank you for your cooperation and apologise for any inconvenience caused. Please be assured that your safety is our top priority,’ Jeanneau said.
To check if your boat is affected, you are advised to contact the dealer from whom you bought the boat, or contact Jeanneau Customer Service by e-mail at info@jeanneau.fr.
Download the Sun Odyssey 410 alert
