Lots of thudding on the hull.

[w103pcm]

I have a 1965 17' v-hull (fiberglass) Starcraft, and I just took it out on the water after a lot of restoration this past weekend. It ran great, the lake was pretty calm, but the front hull was still thudding and bounching a lot. <br /><br />The fiberglass up there looks to be solid. I am used to pontoon boats. Do the "deeper" fiberglass v-hull's like this just thud and bounce a lot? It was pretty loud thumping, even though at 35, it was planed up very well. I would be scared to take it out on a rough lake. Is this all normal? The hull isn't going to break or anything, is it?

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Lots of thudding on the hull.

it sounds like you are not getting the bow high enough.Charlie

 

[roscoe]

Re: Lots of thudding on the hull.

Or too high, and it is slamming back down.<br /><br />You may have to work on your engine setup and trim angle.<br /><br />But yes, these boats do make a bunch of noise, especially the smaller lighter ones.

 

[w103pcm]

Re: Lots of thudding on the hull.

It has that nice hollow closed bow, and I figured I may be hearing a "drum-effect". How do you know if it is too high or low? <br /><br />It felt like it was cutting accross the water pretty well (it wasn't bouncing a ton, but I could "feel" the water hitting under me), but I am still not sure if I should trust a 40 year old hull. What are the odds of it shattering or cracking at speeds of 35-50? <br /><br />I see not cracks or weak spots in the fiberglass...just the paint chips and all you would expect from a 40 year old, never before re-painted boat hull.<br /><br />I have a 75 HP Johnson on it...for what it's worth. <br /><br />Thanks for any input!

 

[Mark42]

Re: Lots of thudding on the hull.

Can you get someone else to drive it while you watch from another boat or the dock? Might answer some of your questions about whats going on up front.

 

[w103pcm]

Re: Lots of thudding on the hull.

That is an idea that I hadn't considered. Mark, if that boat on your icon is yours, it looks much like mine. I'm not 100% sure how it should be riding anyways. Old boats like that are hard to find in good shape to model after.<br /><br />I really do think it is riding right, or at least near right. I was more wondering if it is a common thing for boats of this age to be loud from water hitting them, and if it was easy to "feel" water thumping under the hull. <br /><br />My main question is if it is common for hulls on boats of this age to be weak and crack or shatter from waves, even though it looks solid. <br /><br />Do I have any reason to be worried? I am scared to even give it 1/2 gas because of it!<br /><br />Thanks again to all!

 

[Solittle]

Re: Lots of thudding on the hull.

I can't speak to your hull but age is not much of a factor if the boat was well designed and made. A lot of the older boats were and still are far better made than some of the new boats out today. Use common sense and don't go in water you are not comfortable with. Experience is a great teacher.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Lots of thudding on the hull.

Pat,<br /><br />Mine passes the sound of the water right through the hull. Not very loud, mind you, but it does. If I hot-dog it over some wake, it will come down hard and makes such a loud bang and vibration that you think it is going to break in two. But it hasn't (yet). I think you just need to get used to the sounds of your boat. This is my first boat and everything sound strange at first. I figure if it lasted this long, it was built rather tough.<br /><br />I found that the more I trimed it in, the better it ran. From a stop, giving it WOT will bring the front up quick, but it drops down to level after 3-5 seconds as it rides up on plane. The water starts to feel "harder" under the boat and the little slaps of waves become more pronounced like a rapid dull thudding as it really picks up speed and skips across the top of the water. At least I think it's supposed to sound like that.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Lots of thudding on the hull.

Hi Pat,<br /><br />Plenty of internet info available on 'slamming' and 'non-slamming' hulls. As has been said, most small craft hulls take a helluva beating without ill-effect, especially in a short, choppy sea. (Sea water's denser than fresh water, and hits even harder)<br /><br />If it's still in one piece after several years use - probably nothing to worry about. Worth checking the hull after each trip, until you've built confidence in its construction.<br /><br />Of course, if you've mislaid a passenger lately, it could be them wanting to get back in!<br /><br />Ciao

 

[w103pcm]

Re: Lots of thudding on the hull.

I have thought about the age as being a sure sign of strength on this boat, especially since the people that owned it before me obviously didn't care. Everything was all messed up, but the frame is still solid on it. That should be a good confidence builder for me.<br /><br />I will have to take her out on smooth water again and just start to push it....slowly! It didn't sound like anything really bad was happening, just a lot of thudding and "feeling" the water below. <br /><br />Oh well, what is the point of owning a boat, or anything for that matter, if you aren't going to get in and give it the gusto!<br /><br />Thanks for all the tips!