Warning: Murray chair can eject you without warning

Viking Yacht Company has taken the unusual decision to circulate a Voluntary Recall Notification for the Murray Helm Chair Assembly installed on its game boats from 2005 to 2013 because — "the defect in the fabrication of the bushing linking the chair to the pedestal may result in the bushing breaking off completely, cause the occupant of the chair to be ejected.”

Thankfully, this is NOT a fighting chair issue and you’re not going to be suddenly ejected overboard while fighting that 1000-pound black marlin on 130lb heavy tackle on the Great Barrier Reef this season due to a pedestal failure.

But if the problematic Murray chairs have been installed in the helm, the ejection may cause the occupant to fall onto the deck below. Because of the nature of the installation, in which the chair base covers the bushing, damage or deflection to the bushing will not be visible, the recall notice states.

Viking does warn that the breakage can occur suddenly without notice. If the breaking occurs while the boat is underway, additional serious injury may occur. The Murray pedestals were installed on Viking Yachts from 2005 to 2013.

The recall notice states that the Murray chairs should not be used until they have been inspected and repaired. If you notice any wobble in the chair or if the pedestal seems curved, these are indicators that the bushing may be weakening.

Viking Yacht Company says it will replace repair the part or any defective components at no cost to the owner. The faulty Viking part numbers are VP#624558, VP#624639 and VP#624641.

The American boatbuilder also makes the point that the Murray Helm Chairs are not limited to Viking boats.

Viking says if you are aware of anyone who may have a boat with Murray Helm Chairs, please advise them of this recall notice and that they should not use the chairs until they have been inspected and fixed. More at www.vikingyachts.com.