1977 30' Hunter Dimples in Hull??

[Jeff Thompson]

I just received a Hunter 30' (1977) and discovered that where the first stay from the rear attaches to the hull, there is a 'dent' in the hull (both sides). Is this normal with the boats or is there a larger problem that I'm unaware of? If it is a problem, is there corrective action or is the system destined to fail at some future point in time.
Thanks for the posts ahead of time.
Jeff

 

[Ed Schenck]

Need clearer explanation.

Are you asking about the backstay or the lower shrouds? The lower shrouds are the aft most of those wires coming down from the mast. They attach to chainplates that go through the deck and are bolted to frames inside the boat.

On my '79 Hunter there is a single backstay and it is attached to a chainplate that is bolted to the back of the transom. So you can see why I am confused about your question.

 

[Henry Weber / Dancing Bear]

1977 30' Hunter Dimples in Hull

Hi Jeff
I used to have a H-30 Cherubini. Yes, I had very noticeable dimples on each side of the hull. If you look carefully you will probably discover that they are being caused by the stress on the "knees" where the shroud chainplates are attached. It never caused me a problem over about 6 years of very active sailing here in the Atlantic (off Boca Raton in SE FL.) The dimples can be reduced by slightly lessening the tension on the shrouds. However, I did have problems with stress/corrosion cracks in 3 of the 6 chainplates in the area of the bolt holes.

Good luck,

Henry

 

[Jeff]

Thanks Henry

Henry,
Thanks for the information. Sounds as though it's a design flaw, however, no catestrophic failure, just aesthetics. When you sold the boat, was there any concern by the prospective buyers?
Thanks again,
Jeff

 

[Henry Weber / Dancing Bear]

H-30 dimples

Jeff ---

The dimples were questioned by the buyer. I just explained that they had been there as long as I was aware and did not think that it was serious.

If it really bothers you it is probably possible to stiffen the area around the knees with some additional glassed in ribbing but I did not do anyting.

Henry