Opinions on Hull Damage please

[RobfromME]

Good evening, all,

I looked at a boat today for possible purchase and found a few problems, not the least of which is a chunk taken out of the front of the keel. Can you folks please let me know what you think of it?

My impression is to steer clear since it is through the gel coat and several plies appear damaged. That being said, I may not be the best judge since I'm an aircraft structures engineer and what is acceptable for an aircraft is pretty marginal on any fiberglass/composite item (i.e. we repair stuff that boat and car shops laugh at).

I sure would appreciate any help you can offer. I've attached the pictures. If the pictures don't show clearly, I can send them via e-mail to those who are interested. I reduced them a lot.

Thanks in advance, everyone.

Regards,
Rob

 

[Driven1]

Re: Opinions on Hull Damage please

The areas shown in the pic appear to have been repaired (poorly) previously. It almost looks like automotive body filler that was pushed around when it was partially cured although I've never seen white body filler. I'm betting it was some sort of epoxy that was applied improperly and has since started coming apart.

The areas in question look very repairable and should be fine if done correctly. Probably pretty much the same for the chunk out of the keel but that one's gonna be a lot harder to repair properly.

In my opinion, it comes down to, do you really like the boat, is the price right, will your budget allow the price of the boat plus repairs, do you want to mess with repairs? If the answer's yes, I'd say go for it.

On the other hand, living in Maine and the economy the way it is, I'm betting there's a lot of boats with for sale signs on them near the coast.

Good luck

 

[azlakes]

Re: Opinions on Hull Damage please

... all the boats in the world and you knowingly bought the one with the holes in it? agree with the above and look into Marine-Tex. Its a good product that may fit those needs.

g-luk

 

[RobfromME]

Re: Opinions on Hull Damage please

... all the boats in the world and you knowingly bought the one with the holes in it? agree with the above and look into Marine-Tex. Its a good product that may fit those needs.

g-luk

Good evening, azlakes,

Fortunately I haven't bought it yet!

I'm concerned with the exposed glass fibers...any idea how much a proper repair like this should cost?

Thanks again, and have a good evening.

Regards,
Rob

 

[azlakes]

Re: Opinions on Hull Damage please

.. i was pulling your leg. I bought my kit for $40 bucks. You'll need some acetone, what $10 there. There is an exact process to follow on prep. You'll be removing any loose glass fibers and feathering back the edges of the damage. Your goal in prep is reaching a good existing bond on the fiberglass surrounding the repair area. Once you clean it up with acetone the kit has a precise mix, like 5 to 1 if I recall. Makes like a silly putty but softer. You can work this into the damaged area, like working spackle. Get close to level if possible matching your existing hull. Once dry its sandable, paintable, bullet proof. Others hopefully will chime in if i missed something. Buts that how I repaired mine.

Cheers

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Opinions on Hull Damage please

It's not hard to repair, but it's also difficult to tell the full extent of the damage from a small pic. If possible it's good to do some of the repair from the inside, you can also see just how much damage there might be easier from the inside also. If the boat is discounted enough to allow for the repair then there's no problem, that is if you want to do it.

 

[Robj]

Re: Opinions on Hull Damage please

It all comes down to price. Is the price cheap enough that you are willing to do or have someone do the repair? If not there are alot of other boats out there.

Have a great day,

Rob.

 

[RobfromME]

Re: Opinions on Hull Damage please

Good evening, all,

Thanks for all the help. I appreciate it.

The boat is a 1995 Falcon (by Thunderbird) BR1800 (18' bow rider) with a 3.0L Mercruiser engine and Alpha outdrive. The engine and outdrive only have about 140 hours and the boat is generally quite clean, except what is shown on these pics. Also, one seat back in the bow section was completely rotted away. The others are like new The floor and ski locker are excellent with no rot. I think it must have had a leaking cover over that seatback since the rest of the boat is clean.

The current price is $4000 with a 30 day warranty (100% parts & labor) for the engine & drive. Is this a good deal? All the other $3000-$3500 boats I've seen are pretty sorry. I think Maine's economy has reduced the interest in boat maintenance.

Thanks, again, all. I do appreciate the help.

Best,
Rob

 

[Driven1]

Re: Opinions on Hull Damage please

I did a little checking with the NADA Guide...

1995 THUNDERBIRD/FALCON FALCON 1800 BR

July 20, 2008
Boats and Personal Watercraft
Length: 18'
Model Name/Description: FALCON 1800 BR
Boat Type: Stern Drive Power Boat
Hull Material: Fiberglass

Beam: 7' 8"
Engine: 1
135 HP
Gasoline
Net Weight: 2550

PRICING
Low Retail Average Retail
Base Price
$4,460 $5,040
Reported Engine Range: 115 - 135 HP (3.0L)
Total adjustment for your engine(s): N/A
TOTAL PRICE $4,460 $5,040

Sounds like it's right in the general ballpark price-wise of the NADA guide. The guide also mentioned that this brand of boat is no longer in production, indicating the company went belly up which may make it difficult to obtain OEM parts for the boat itself. The Merc would be no problem parts-wise if you ever needed them. Might be a little more "bargaining" power for you, besides the repairs needed that can be pointed out.

A 30 day warranty on the engine and drive really isn't much of a warranty. Plus it cover's nothing else on the boat.

Overall it sounds like a fairly decent deal. Not a steal by any means, but fair.

Good Luck!

 

[RobfromME]

Re: Opinions on Hull Damage please

Thanks! I really appreciate the info! It's good to know that if I purchase it, I won't get taken to the cleaners! This is my first real boat and all the others I've looked at up here (in ME) have serious wood rot issues unless you want to pay upward of 6500 for a boat, which I don't have and don't want to finance.

Thanks again for all the help.

Warmest regards,
Rob