Volvo warranty claim

[miscreanity]

We have a D2-50F still under international warranty from Volvo.

Two days prior to leaving Puerto Rico for hurricane season, the engine failed. Tropical storm Ernesto was forming and we could not get the Volvo dealer to the boat before it arrived, but we did find a former mechanic who had a good working relationship and established agreement with all parties that his assessment would be valid for warranty purposes.

Diagnosis found the flywheel, coupling and bell housing were damaged due to sheared bolts. From what I understand, that is a common problem.

Volvo insisted another mechanic come to look at it, and he had the same conclusion. They are now refusing to honor the warranty, stating that the first mechanic was not directly employed by the dealer and they will not make any effort to assist. If it were not an emergency situation, we would not have taken the actions we did.

The engine remains disassembled and we cannot go into open water without risk of serious damage.

I had not wanted to go the legal route, but is there any recourse in this situation?

Thanks.