Is anyone aware of this problem or has anyone had this problem??? Sorry for the long post, but please read below and look at photos. We are battling the insurer to save this boat!
My father-in-law owns a 1994 Hunter 26--swing keel/centerboard with water ballast tanks. This fall, we discovered cracks in the hull originating from the front of the keel/centerboard pocket and progressing toward the bow. (Please see the attached photos.) The starboard crack is approximately 12 inches in length, about 1/4 inch wide at its worst, and old enough to have marine growth in it. The boat has not been hauled in at least a year. The port crack is smaller and appears to be relatively new. These cracks originate from the 90 degree reentrant corners of the keel/centerboard pocket. They progress vertically, but not all the way to the top of the pocket, and have caused some delamination within the pocket.
Our and the boatyard's best guess to the cause of the crack is impact. We have struck ground on multiple occasions while motoring. Exiting the creek where the boat is docked requires crossing a shallow sand bar (point of this boat). Unfortunately, powerboats take advantage of the unpatrolled waters to plane across the bar at his speed. On more than one occasion, we have been caught in boat wake and slammed down on the packed sand bottom.
We filed an insurance claim, but Allstate denied the claim on the basis of "wear and tear" and/or "latent or physical defect," based on its surveyor stating the damage is a result of cyclic loading of the centerboard while under sail. The surveyor noted the marine growth as an indicator of progressive damage.
We obtained our own surveyor, who determined that in no way this could be wear or a defect. He pointed out that Allstate's surveyor's determination is pretty much a description of the intended use of boat and alludes that the boat only has a useable lifespan of 10-15 years. We also had a representative from Norton's (Hunter dealer in Deltaville, VA) look at the boat. He agreed with our surveyor.
Allstate has agreed to review the claim again. My question is has anyone seen or heard of this type of cracking before? We all know Hunter is not infallible, but swing keel/centerboard design is not a novel concept.
Any input will be greatly appreciated!!!
My father-in-law owns a 1994 Hunter 26--swing keel/centerboard with water ballast tanks. This fall, we discovered cracks in the hull originating from the front of the keel/centerboard pocket and progressing toward the bow. (Please see the attached photos.) The starboard crack is approximately 12 inches in length, about 1/4 inch wide at its worst, and old enough to have marine growth in it. The boat has not been hauled in at least a year. The port crack is smaller and appears to be relatively new. These cracks originate from the 90 degree reentrant corners of the keel/centerboard pocket. They progress vertically, but not all the way to the top of the pocket, and have caused some delamination within the pocket.
Our and the boatyard's best guess to the cause of the crack is impact. We have struck ground on multiple occasions while motoring. Exiting the creek where the boat is docked requires crossing a shallow sand bar (point of this boat). Unfortunately, powerboats take advantage of the unpatrolled waters to plane across the bar at his speed. On more than one occasion, we have been caught in boat wake and slammed down on the packed sand bottom.
We filed an insurance claim, but Allstate denied the claim on the basis of "wear and tear" and/or "latent or physical defect," based on its surveyor stating the damage is a result of cyclic loading of the centerboard while under sail. The surveyor noted the marine growth as an indicator of progressive damage.
We obtained our own surveyor, who determined that in no way this could be wear or a defect. He pointed out that Allstate's surveyor's determination is pretty much a description of the intended use of boat and alludes that the boat only has a useable lifespan of 10-15 years. We also had a representative from Norton's (Hunter dealer in Deltaville, VA) look at the boat. He agreed with our surveyor.
Allstate has agreed to review the claim again. My question is has anyone seen or heard of this type of cracking before? We all know Hunter is not infallible, but swing keel/centerboard design is not a novel concept.
Any input will be greatly appreciated!!!
