Got that sinking feeling - hull repair?

rik_elliott · 23 July 2011, 22:31

Took the boat out today from calshot, all seemed ok at first until halfway to cowes when we noticed the boat seemed slower than usual and the engine starting to loose revs. Water started to appear on deck, so a dash to cowes beach was made. Pulled the boat out to find it weighed a lot more, and to find a hull breach. We had not hit anything on the way, and then realised the hole is the shape of one of the rollers on the trailer. It is about the size of my hand and is towards the stern on starboard side.

After an expensive three ferry rides to collect car, trailer and then boat got it all home and now I need to find out if this can be repaired. Does anyone in the area know of any good companies I can approach to get this looked at, or is it DIY-able?

Will post pictures tomorrow if that helps.

willk · 23 July 2011, 22:36

Everything can be repaired. My primary concern would be why it occurred in the first place? Did you have a very severe recovery prior to this? A trailer roller shouldn't pierce a hull (unless the hull was totally loaded with water) - I'd be worried about a structural defect...

Neil Harvey · 23 July 2011, 22:44

you could ask Biffer to take a look

C-NUMB · 24 July 2011, 07:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

Everything can be repaired. My primary concern would be why it occurred in the first place? Did you have a very severe recovery prior to this? A trailer roller shouldn't pierce a hull (unless the hull was totally loaded with water) - I'd be worried about a structural defect...

+1 for that. Regarding the repair, if its not a sandwich construction its not that bad. The hull need to be very dry before repairing so a moister check is important(or plenty of dry time).

As the original reason is unknown, having a pro checking it is not a bad idea.

rik_elliott · 24 July 2011, 09:43

Indeed I was worried about why this happened. The grp doesn't feel spongy, and I wasn't aware of a hard recovery. I did hit several pot holes on the way and cal shot has some pretty lumpy speed humps, but nothing it hasnt been over lots of times before. I really would prefer a professional take a look. Will put images up once back from my girlfriends

Pikey Dave · 24 July 2011, 09:55

Can you post a photo of the trailer showing the roller setup? The last time you recovered the boat, were the rollers sitting flat against the hull, I have had rollers kick up when we have recovered in the past & you end up with the boat sat on the end of one of the roller axles.

rik_elliott · 24 July 2011, 14:27

OK here are some pictures. Ive sat the boat on the trailer slightly off to one side so the roller isnt pushing directly on the hole. What does everyone think?

Damn boats - nothing is ever easy (or cheap!)

Pikey Dave · 24 July 2011, 15:04

My gut reaction is, not enough rollers & the ones that you have are too narrow. You have a lot of weight concentrated at a couple of points. I was expecting to see a roller bunk set up. A good pothole will punch that roller through the hull, sorry!

Mollers · 24 July 2011, 15:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

My gut reaction is, not enough rollers & the ones that you have are too narrow. You have a lot of weight concentrated at a couple of points. I was expecting to see a roller bunk set up. A good pothole will punch that roller through the hull, sorry!

Agreed. Also, do I see the keel not sitting on the forward keel roller? The keel should be taking the weight, the rollers should only guide and steady. TBH, that trailer needs either binning or some major modification.

rik_elliott · 24 July 2011, 16:58

I just had a look and the boat is sitting on the keel roller, must be just the photo. Anyone know of anyone local who could take a look at the boat (+/- improve the trailer as they are at it?)

Bigmuz7 · 24 July 2011, 17:49

Agree ... very high load on weak part of hull structure .. wrong rollers too .. as said .. get proper dollies set up as two pairs and spread the load over a much wider area .. should be fixable though..