Re: Hull to Deck joint loose
GT; basically my damage looks the same as Sphelps photo here on this thread, on the area that is loose it looks the same as the area that is tight, looking at it from the underside like sp's photo, another question, i would like to take the boat out and test the engine before i get started on the hull repair, could i do that without cracking the boat apart?
Oh OK, now I understand the repair you need to make, I thought it was inside where the deck meets the gunwhale...
Well to be totally honest with you, I am not 100% sure of what exactly would be your best course of action...in my limited experience, I do not think that is a vital structure of he boat unless it i9s so badly compromised all the way around as to POSSIBLY cause the cap to sepaprate from the hull, but I really don't think so...
Others with way more experience will jump in here and point you in the right direction...
On a personal opinion, if that is the only thing seriously wrong with the boat, I see no reason why you should not be able to take it out for a sea trial...
If possible, I would recommend a few things before going out...
1-Make sure the maintenance has been performed on the engine, like lower unit oil change, new water pump impeller, everything lubed properly, all the electrical is tight and in good condition, have 2 batteries in good fully charged condition, fresh fuel, properly mixed if it is a 2-cycle, spark plugs good, check the compression, make sure all of the controls[ie, shifter,steering] are working correctly, make sure the bilge pump works, make sure you put in the bilge plug, and try and make sure the hull doesn't have any big leaks...:facepalm: etc., etc.
2-Put muffs on the engine and start it and make sure it runs OK out of the water...don't rev it over a 1000 rpms, because you could cause damage to it, just make sure it will start and idle properly...most boat engines behave differently in the water than out, so there is no real sense in trying to put it through its paces while out of the water...
3- Make sure you have all of the proper safety gear on hand, like life jackets, emergency tools, first aid kit, oar, etc., etc...
4- If possible, have someone else come out with you in a separate spotter boat, just in case you get in trouble, he can tow you back or provide assistance...
5-make sure your trailer is 100% roadworthy.
6- make sure your tow vehicle is also roadworthy and all of the safety chains, trailer hitch and light connections are working properly...
7- If you have never owned a boat before, you should take a boating safety course...
8-If possible, practice backing your boat a few times in your driveway, to get a feel for how to do it when you get to the ramp.
9-then if all is good, go and have a little fun...
Enjoy, Be Safe, and Good Luck
