We went to look at a 1995 H26 today and we liked the boat and the price. One concern we have is that stepping down on the floor, it was a little bouncy. The water ballast was not completely closed so we closed it. The floor did feel more stable but still felt bouncy in center area and in the head. We have looked at a 260 and did not notice this. Should we be concerned? We did not take the boat out but I am concerned there may be a problem. Any information would be great.
1995 H26 Bouncy Floor
- Thread starter csd0606
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My good friend and sailing mentor is currently working on a "bouncy floor".
What has happened is that the laminated layers of the marine plywood have separated in areas around the bilge, all from moisture. After drying it out as best he could, he has been patiently lifting each layer, pushing in a very good wood bonding agent, then with heavy weights on top, letting it cure. Then on to the next layer. In addition he has added cross braces under the sole (floor) around the opening of the bilge. Now he is finishing the teak veneer, matching the color scheme of light and dark woods.
Yes, I would be concerned!
What has happened is that the laminated layers of the marine plywood have separated in areas around the bilge, all from moisture. After drying it out as best he could, he has been patiently lifting each layer, pushing in a very good wood bonding agent, then with heavy weights on top, letting it cure. Then on to the next layer. In addition he has added cross braces under the sole (floor) around the opening of the bilge. Now he is finishing the teak veneer, matching the color scheme of light and dark woods.
Yes, I would be concerned!
Is she on the hard or in the water? On our 260 if the ballast tank isn't full and the valve closed the sole will be spongy. On the hard it always feels spongy as it doesn't have the support from the contained water in the tank. The wood finish on the sole is only about 1/4" and glued directly to the fibreglass which forms the top of the ballast tank.
Tank top assembly here.
http://www.marlow-hunter.com/export/Model-Information/260_1997_2005/260 Water Ballast Lid.jpg
Tank top assembly here.
http://www.marlow-hunter.com/export/Model-Information/260_1997_2005/260 Water Ballast Lid.jpg
The boat is in a slip in the water. He has never had it on the trailer in 9 yrs. Always stayed in the lake.
Is it at Kerr Lake? I can help you as I know these boats too well. Simply email me with a phone number to davecondon@mindspring.com and I will be glad to call and help. I was the one whp got Hunter to build this boat plus a dealer for them now retired.
Crazy dave condon
Crazy dave condon
I spoke with the person last night. The boat was looked at but from the conversation, it could either be the teak and holly sole is wet and will need replacing, structurally not sound or could be in that model year some floors did that but later model years it was remedied which did not hurt the boat.
the boat has been in the lake for 10 years suggesting another bottom paint with inscpection to blistering, any damage to the centerboard/rudder, and replacement of the centerboard or cascade line. Meldew and mold were seen and cleaning suggested with a slight possibilty of removal and replacement of the mouse fur or carpet liner. As for the trailer, it will need new tires, bunk boards with carpet and overhaul of the brakes with suggested replacement of the master brake cylinder. There is alot more but I told the person it would take alot of money, time and elbow grease to get the boat in shape.
I told the person that the insurance company if the boat is to be insured will need a survery and due to my involvment with the Hunter water ballast boats, I would not do it suggesting another surveyour but it will cost as there is no surveryor in the area.
Sadly, I learned whose boat it was as it was previously going to be donated to the boy scouts. However, my decision not to do an appraisal goes right back due to my involvment with these boats out of fairness on that basis alone.
Crazy dave condon
the boat has been in the lake for 10 years suggesting another bottom paint with inscpection to blistering, any damage to the centerboard/rudder, and replacement of the centerboard or cascade line. Meldew and mold were seen and cleaning suggested with a slight possibilty of removal and replacement of the mouse fur or carpet liner. As for the trailer, it will need new tires, bunk boards with carpet and overhaul of the brakes with suggested replacement of the master brake cylinder. There is alot more but I told the person it would take alot of money, time and elbow grease to get the boat in shape.
I told the person that the insurance company if the boat is to be insured will need a survery and due to my involvment with the Hunter water ballast boats, I would not do it suggesting another surveyour but it will cost as there is no surveryor in the area.
Sadly, I learned whose boat it was as it was previously going to be donated to the boy scouts. However, my decision not to do an appraisal goes right back due to my involvment with these boats out of fairness on that basis alone.
Crazy dave condon
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