Opinions on this welded aluminum hull

[Robbyracks]

Hello folks,

I am considering this 2000 Crestliner 182 model with a 150 HP Etec. I am a little concerned about the hull (only seen it in pictures/videos). Before I put an offer in and test the hull, I want to get some feedback on what I am seeing in these pics.. it appears that fairly visible lines have emerged along the hull running parallel with the length of the boat. I have never owned a welded hull.. I've read that this could be "oil canning". I have a video too if that helps.. Thoughts? TY

 

[Mc Tool]

Id be puttin some legs on that ( running away...... real fast )......even if it didnt have an Etec.

 

[MikeSchinlaub]

That's just where the interior structure is welded. Nothing to worry about, every welded boathas those.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

Sign on the side says it all Great Lakes Outfitters that hull has run at full throttle for hours over rough waters, I would pass.

 

[Mc Tool]

That's just where the interior structure is welded. Nothing to worry about, every welded boathas those.

I aint never seen that on an ally boat ....must be made outa old Coke cans.

 

[MikeSchinlaub]

I aint never seen that on an ally boat ....must be made outa old Coke cans.

You can see the same thing on this 2024 cresliner I'm doing. You'll have to zoom in a bit, but you can clearly see regular straight lines.

 

[airshot]

This happens when an aluminum hull is drive hard thru chop. The continuous pounding causes the aluminum to take this shape. You can also find this on riveted hulls, but the welding process makes the aluminium m more maleable and easier to reshape. As long as their are no cracks on the welds or cracks in the skin, it is not a problem other than you know the boat was run hard. Many folks look at those as abuse and will drop the value as it makes the boat harder to sell. If it were me, I would look carefully at the welds to be sure none are cracked, otherwise, can you live with the bends?
Is the boat priced with those marks in mind ? I have owned aluminum boats for well over 60 years and have never had that on my hulls, but then again, I care for my boats very well.....

 

[Sprig]

Those lines are from hull stress. They can turn into cracks. I have had a number of top line heavy gauge aluminum boats and I have had one where the hull cracked. I had a marine insurance adjuster look at it and he told me cracks in these hulls are more common that most people know.
Just to be cautious I would pass on that boat because of stress hull lines. Also any boat used by Great Lakes Outfitters has had extreme use (hull, engine and everything else) and has had the c..p beat out of it. Keep looking, be patient.

 

[Texasmark]

Hello folks,

I am considering this 2000 Crestliner 182 model with a 150 HP Etec. I am a little concerned about the hull (only seen it in pictures/videos). Before I put an offer in and test the hull, I want to get some feedback on what I am seeing in these pics.. it appears that fairly visible lines have emerged along the hull running parallel with the length of the boat. I have never owned a welded hull.. I've read that this could be "oil canning". I have a video too if that helps.. Thoughts? TY

My last boat, which I sold last year as I felt I am physically no longer able to fish as I used to, was a 2002 1750 Crestliner Fish Hawk dual console (you can pull that hull up on the Crestliner www) with a 115 Mercury. I applaud that hulls design and manufacturing. First the transom is more than adequately reinforced. The hull uses a "reverse chine" design with a modified deep V and some dead rise continuing to the transom.

What that does is provides a soft ride but you don't pay for it because of the reverse chine directing spray caused by the hull running through the water, is forced back down providing hydrostatic lift to the hull. The spray emanating from the hull moving through the water, leading edge is at the corners of the transom, not half way up the side of the hull like a lot of boats.

As a result with my 115 at the correct trim position, and a 22P Ballistic prop, 50 MPH was where I liked to run.....with a small chop....obviously not with 3' swells.