Hull Strength?

[dtappeiner]

Hi:
Recently purchased a 1972 Crestliner Apollo - 16 Ft. Nice boat that has ample freeboard and runs well in the ocean the few times I have taken it out. Last time however the swell was pretty substantial and we were pounding against the waves pretty good. There was a pretty good thud each time we caught a little air and came down on the water. I was a little nervous but the boat was fine. The hull appears to be in good shape, no cracks, soft spots, or anything (there is a spot that was previously repaired but looks pretty solid), but my know-it-all brother was looking at the boat the other day and hitting the hull with the palm of his hand and saying how he thought the hull was pretty thin and that he wouldn't trust it in any substantial swells. Then he proceeds to tell me how his friend ran into a piece of wood in ocean which pierced the hull and it sunk the boat in like 10 minutes.

I take my kids out with me but we are usually pretty close to shore. But I am nervous that something could happen.

How do I tell if the hull is strong enough?
Is there any way to strengthen the hull?
I imagine a keel guard doesn't do much to protect the structure but just more of the finish?

Thanks!

 

[Lrider]

Re: Hull Strength?

Best answer I have seen all week

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Hull Strength?

You are talking two different things entirely...

Regular waves, pretty much any decent boat hull is FAR stronger than you are! It isn't just going to split apart from hitting a wave, you are either going to kill yourself first, or stuff the front end and sink it. (with the hull still intact!)


running into things, yeah that is entirely different. If you hit a log the right way, of course you are going to punch the hull. Unless it is a fairly substantial chunk of wood and you are moving at a good clip, hitting a floating piece of wood usually isn't bad.

 

[dtappeiner]

Re: Hull Strength?

Thank you. I know there is not much I can do except keep my eyes open to avoid obstacles in the water. My main concern was whether the hull could crack since it is older and I would think it would tend to weaken over time. I feel better knowing that it is unlikely to crack or split in half from hitting waves.
Thanks