Cracks in the hull!

[Bow movement]

Hi rib folk, in experience i'm relatively new to this, so please be gentle!

I have a 7.5 mtr rib that was built in 2007 and there are some cracks around the transom. I think they are called the knees, but it's where the transom supports meet the deck!

I'm wondering how serious they are and what can be done!

Any advice welcome please and thanks

[Polwart]

If you search for something like "transom crack" here you'll find various threads on cracks at the knees. I suggest you post pictures here and also look to see if you can get any movement at the cracks when you add/reduce the load on the transom (e.g leaning on/supporting the engine). I'm no expert but if you do that and post the results - those who have had issues before will be able to comment.

[JSP]

Some great knowledge on here BM. Probably best if you can shows some pics of the cracks.

Edit:damn that pesky polwart!!

[Nos4r2]

More info would be useful too-make of boat,engine,previous history etc?

[Bow movement]

Ok, I'll put some photos on tomorrow. Thanks for getting back so quick.

[PeterR]

If you have a genuine fault and you have plans to get work done under a warenty would you not be best to do some more descrete enquirey so as not to rub the manufacturer up the wrong way first .Most ribs come with about 5 year hull warenty i believe.

[PeterR]

P.M sent

[Bow movement]

Hi Rib folk, It's been a while since i raised this post so sorry for aking so long.

In answer to one of the questions it is a Leeway 730 with a 250 mercury xs. Which, as suggested, after speaking to Leeway I'm told the transom is strong enough for the engine size. However through the winter some thought has been put into to having some additional steel supports/knees inside. Seeing the wealth of experience you guys have on here i was just wondering what you think or any better ideas?

Also does anyone meet up for beers around the west surrey/east hampshire way, we moor in southampton so maybe down that way too?

Thanks Bm

[Tim M]

Hi BM. Theres monthly meets just outside of Portsmouth for beers. Look out for the "church" threads.

I'm afraid I'm not surprised it's a Leeway. I have seen several examples now which have had significant issues. I have been on your boat, I remember feeling mildly terrified going along at full speed with that engine on the back. That boat weights very little so can't be made particularly strongly, and thats a lot of power for a light boat. I can't really offer any thoughts on a suitable repair but I'm sure others will. Perhaps some long threaded bars through the transom and knees, all bolted up nice and tight. Lurcher mentioned to me something about wood screws and blackboard paint the other day when we were discussing a similar problem. Sound advice I say

[biffer]

don't go for metal, what will you bolt it too, i'll be more inclined to remove the knees that you have and make larger triangulated (is that a word)one's, ie, bring them more into the boat to spread the load, i'm betting those knee's are just plonked in that well and glassed over