bent I beam

[chuck stas]

I'm looking at buying a 1980 hunter 30'
The surrveyer found a I beam that the compression post sets on was bent.
Has anyone had this happen before and can it be fixed ?
any info would help

 

[RichLan]

It would seem difficult to bent this beam. How much is it bent? Is the cabin top sagging? Did the surveyor say that it is a structural concern? You may be able to shim or replace the wood compression post to take up any space left by the bent I beam.

 

[chuck stas]

I beam

It would seem difficult to bent this beam. How much is it bent? Is the cabin top sagging? Did the surveyor say that it is a structural concern? You may be able to shim or replace the wood compression post to take up any space left by the bent I beam.

The I beam is bent enough to see with the eyes.
Surveyer said he did not think it has moved anymore.
deck seems soild. torn between buying the boat and looking for another.
The price is great if the repair is not to much.i can't seem to find anyone who has had this happen. I think I'm going to look else ware.

 

[Tally Ho]

... I think I'm going to look else ware.

I know where there is a really great Hunter 280 for sale....great shape, great price.

On Lake Michigan near Chicago.

See classifieds on sbo.com.

Greg

 

[jwitczak]

While I haven't heard of a bent I-beam, a corroded/eroded I-beam seems quite common. I'd think both pose a similar risk. There are posts on the subject with a range of 'fixes'. In addition to many others, some suggest removing the wood post and steel i-beam and replacing completely (after repairing any deck compression of course!) with a stainless post arrangement (certainly seems the best long-term solution).

In my case, I fabricated a new I-beam piece, coated and epoxied into place - thereby utilizing the same setup above (wood post, trim, etc.). I figure if the original I-beam lasted 30+ years, a new protected one should outlast the boat. The most difficult/dirty part of the job was removing the epoxy holding the base of the I-beam in place. For me it was a hacksaw, hammer and chisel along with guesswork. Costs were minimal since the materials were lying around - just a bit of epoxy/filler really. It was worth the repair.

The base of the I-beam is tapered forward. I don't have any photos with me, but I should have access to some later next week if interested.

 

[chuck stas]

would like to see a picture of the repair still thinking about buying the boat.
Thinking I could do the repair.

 

[Steve Walsh]

From your description and with no corrosion it is probably ok, but it will be an issue for prospective buyers when it comes time to sell. Sounds like it was installed with the bend in it. It amazes me the lack of straightness in new beams delivered to my plant, sometimes out of straightness 1-2" per 10' length.

 

[Ray Bowles]

I can't imagine the boat being made that way so my question is: How did the bending happen and what causes that kind of stress? How hard has the boat been used or abused to do this and what else might also be stressed? This would change the rigging tension every time the beam bends a little more.
Ray

 

[anchorclanker]

If you like the boat, use the bent beam as a bargaining tool. Figure out what a mechanic would charge to repair it, and deduct some % of that amount from the price. If the seller has any integrity, the damage should be able to be negotiated. If the rest of the boat passes muster and no other structurable damage is evident, go for it. It not like you have to tell them youll fix it yourself either.

You may however want to have another mechanic look at it to give an estimate, or at least get another set of eyes looking for further damage. Dont let passion cloud your reasoning.