Hull split

[Lkreth]

We have a honwave t40i & were out today in good conditions when the boat suddenly filled with water. We use a garmin so know the depth was 60ft. We managed to get ashore to discover the hull had split about 1m from the bow from side to middle seam. We know we did nor hit anything & there is no other sign if damage. The boat has approx 50hrs use. Does anyone have any ideas or experience of similar.

[Peter_C]

Do you have a photo?

Is it a seam that split or the fabric across the bottom?

[Lkreth]

I don't seem to be able to attach a photo from my phone but it isn't a seam it is straight across the material.

[Fenlander]

If it's not a seam you'd have thought some small nick might have started this fault??

Is it an alloy floor model? Were you at speed and what was it like when it happened?

I've always warned the family the unexpected could happen with the structure of an inflatable, particularly in previous years with our 35yr old Mk.1 Zodiac.

[Polwart]

Originally Posted by Lkreth

I don't seem to be able to attach a photo from my phone but it isn't a seam it is straight across the material.

Are you using the "native" browser or the rib.net app? And which phone (iPhone / Android etc).

[Lkreth]

It has an aluminium floor & the split is just below where the floor meets the wooden bow floorplate. We had the local honwave dealer look at it & he could see no sign of damage. He did say that there may have been a small nick in the hull that just gave under the pressure of the water. We were doing about 12 knots at the timehe sea state was fair. He did however say that we would probably find it very difficult to make a warranty claim as honda are very difficult to deal with. I was trying to upload a photo from my iphone.

[Polwart]

[QUOTE=Lkreth;414146 He did however say that we would probably find it very difficult to make a warranty claim as honda are very difficult to deal with. I was trying to upload a photo from my iphone.[/QUOTE]

Well I wouldn't put too much emphasis on what he says (assuming he sold you the boat). Your "contract" is with him not Honda. If there was genuinely a fault with the boat then he is liable for fixing/replacing it. Honda will have similar liabilities to him and it is his problem if Honda are then difficult to deal with (afterall he chose to be a Honda dealer).

You really need to post some pictures so perhaps those with relevant expertise might comment on whether it looks likely to be the result of manufacturing/material defect or wear/tear and or accidental damage.

Did the dealer present a path to get it fixed even if he wasn't willing to ask Honda to pay?

[Lkreth]

We didnt buy it from him. This happened on holiday. We phoned the dealer we bought it from who told us we would need to contact Honda who told us to take it to our nearest dealer! I will try to get photos up tomorrow. The problem is how do we prove it to be a fault.

[Fenlander]

You've mentioned 50hrs use but not the age of the boat. Is it still under warranty or are you hoping for some goodwill?

[Dino89]

pictures say a1000 words , its worth trying to get some uploaded as a better judgement can be made