Fiberglass hull depression

[bsmithcpa]

I have an older Hunter 22 that had been sitting on the trailer bunks since last fall. Over the winter, spring & summer, the interior filled with about 18 inches of water that we discovered yesterday when attempting to move the boat. Aside from water, algae & mold over everything inside, we found depressions in the hull where the boat rested on the bunk boards, especially where the boards were attached to their trailer supports. I guess the fiberglass was not designed to support all that additional weight. The hull did not return to its normal shape after emptying the water - maybe better but the depressions are still evident. No cracks are apparent, and maybe if there was one, the water would have drained out?
Has anyone experienced a similar situation? Will the fiberglass eventually return to its original shape? Or do I just put the boat in the water and wait to see if it sinks or the hull straightens?
Any input would be helpful - thanks.

 

[Tim R.]

That is called oil canning and the hull should return to it's normal shape after a few days in the water. Fairly common for boats that are on bunk trailers for extended periods of time.

 

[Rob Hessenius]

All will be fine, the "oil canning" will dissappear. Go sailing and dont use your boat as a bath tub again.

 

[kenn]

Our 19' sailboat sits on a trailer that has the bare minimum of hull rollers. When we got her, there were some hull depressions in front from the rollers. I've rearranged the trailer rollers and winch-post so that the roller now pushes on a different spot, and more of the weight is borne on keel rollers. The original depressions have pretty much disappeared.

Please buy a fitted boat cover for your Hunter and don't let her fill up again.

 

[higgs]

Oil canning will not always return to normal. Time will tell.

 

[Mich222]

Hull depressions or oil canning are commonplace. Also confirm that your wooden bunks have not deteriorated- and replace as necessary.