Hull Pushed In

[dtescher]

I noticed that my bunks are pushing in on the hull at the bow end(see photos). Should I be worried about this? Floor inside is solid. What do I check first? Or, is this normal? Boat is 1997 Reinell 18' fiberglass hull.

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: Hull Pushed In

It is because there is only two points on each side supporting your boat with the 2x4 in that position. Is there any way to put a beefier piece of lumber on edge to spread the load out?

LK

 

[molo_30]

Re: Hull Pushed In

Looking at your pics, there is no support inside to keep the hull shape. My guess would be the stringers are shot. You will need to check them out as a priority.

The photo below shows you what stringers look like under the floor. For the hull to be flexing these must not be providing the support. I could be way off track here but it would be worth getting someone to check it out for you.

 

[dtescher]

Re: Hull Pushed In

I'm thinking I'll try to put a larger board to spread out the weight. As far as bad stringers; I'm not sure. Boat has been stored out of water in Southern California it's entire existence. No repair to hull for leaks. So not sure how the stringers could go bad. Unless maybe termites! Also, if I'm correct the only way to inspect the stringers is to cut a hole in the floor. Right?

 

[DeepBlue2010]

Re: Hull Pushed In

I guess not. Your stringers should be accessible from the engine compartment. All you need is a hole saw. Drill enough to cut the glass skin as close to the bottom of the boat as possible. Remove the skin and inspect the wood. If you can’t find wood – drilled through hallow glass – don’t despair (yet). Some people reported this and it turned out that they have a glass only stringers with no wood core to begin with. A call to the factory or one of the experts here may be able to tell you what kind a stringers you have.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Hull Pushed In

First question is this the original trailer or is this a trailer you bought to throw the boat on?

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Hull Pushed In

Could just be improperly placed (spaced?) bunks that are bearing against the hull where there is no internal structure to help spread the weight of the boat across the bunks.

Sort of like putting a car jack under the welded seam running along the running board instead of under the specified reinforced jacking points...

No matter, it's not good & should be addressed sooner then later to prevent additional deflection..............

Is there an in-floor ski locker? Might see if you can find/see/touch the below deck structure in and around a locker if so equipped....

Or thru the bilge & or any compartments in the bow..........

 

[dtescher]

Re: Hull Pushed In

This is the original trailer from the manufacturer. I have a ski locker and will check that access area to see what the issue is if any. Thanks for the feedback. I will check it out.

 

[dtescher]

Re: Hull Pushed In

Update! I finally had a chance to inspect the hull. I used a 2" hole saw. I drilled two holes. One through the ski locker and one through the deck. the ski locker hole was too close to the center V and didn't show the stringers. The one through the deck was full of foam. The foam was bone dry. I'm thing about changing the runner to a larger size. Currently it's a 2X4. What size should I change to. 2X6, 2X8, 2X10? As for a reason the hull dented in; I think the runners are not on a stringer but on the foam only. And after 16 years of boating the foam gave way a little. If I change to a bigger runner then I should be able to catch a stringer. Any input would be appreciated.
'

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Hull Pushed In

Do you know if your boat is wood stringers or foam filled stringers? The foam can appear to be completely dry towards the top and the bottom be completely soaked. You see it on many older boats where the stringers have rotted from wet foam. Termites or ants are also a possibility. I would do some more investigating if it were mine. You can cut a 6 inch or 8 inch hole for a deck plate. The hole will allow you to dig into her a little and see whats really down there. You need to find out exactly where the stringers are in that location and check them out. Going any larger than a 2x6 on your runners isn't going to do much good as the whole board width wise wont be on the hull anyway. Good luck.

 

[dtescher]

Re: Hull Pushed In

chriscraft254,

First off, I watched your restore videos(beautiful restoration!). Wow! I'm impressed! Back to my story. I checked the foam all the way to the
hull and it's dry. So, I'm wondering if the rails are not lined up with the stringers. I don't know if the stringers are wood or foam.
Can't seem to be able to find that information online. So, I'm not not sure what to do from here. Any input is appreciated.