Has anyone ever experienced hull flex in a Hunter that has the new Plexus bonded grid? There are some old posts from a surveyor about an 80's Hunter 27 that had its internal grid structure separate from the hull. That would not have had Plexub bonding. We have not seen any other credible examples of this happening again. Of course there is always the "my friend is a boat delivery skipper and when he took a [insert brand name here] offhore it flexed and fell apart...". It would be great to know whether any of the new Plexus bonded hulls have experienced any problems.
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No response came the firm reply
I'm not sure whether to take the complete lack of response as good news or bad news?
I'm not sure whether to take the complete lack of response as good news or bad news?
Check the archives.
Craig: I have been on this site since it's early years and have not heard this. That does not mean that it has not happened.
Craig: I have been on this site since it's early years and have not heard this. That does not mean that it has not happened.
Bonding
Do you know when Plexus bonding began on Hunters? I have re-tabbed several which had hit rocks and separated the grid structure. However since the mid 90's Hunter has generally done a good job of improving their structures. I did need to re-tab a late model Hunter 33 a couple of years ago. When I removed the separated parts of the grid from the boat the mating surfaces were shiny, indicating a poor bond right from the plant. All the grid repairs have been due to operator error of which I personally can claim none. Fortunately I have hit all my rocks with a good solid Cherubini!
Do you know when Plexus bonding began on Hunters? I have re-tabbed several which had hit rocks and separated the grid structure. However since the mid 90's Hunter has generally done a good job of improving their structures. I did need to re-tab a late model Hunter 33 a couple of years ago. When I removed the separated parts of the grid from the boat the mating surfaces were shiny, indicating a poor bond right from the plant. All the grid repairs have been due to operator error of which I personally can claim none. Fortunately I have hit all my rocks with a good solid Cherubini!
Cause?
Thanks for the info Bill. As you can see from Sandpiper's reply above, the only separation he has seen was caused by a large impact. I am more interested in knowing how well the bonded liner holds up in offshore conditions. What caused the separations that you saw?
Thanks for the info Bill. As you can see from Sandpiper's reply above, the only separation he has seen was caused by a large impact. I am more interested in knowing how well the bonded liner holds up in offshore conditions. What caused the separations that you saw?
Not a Hunter Basher
Thanks Rick. I am not a Hunter basher. The reason for my enquiry is that there are other yacht manufacturers who use Plexus adhesive on the grid, but they glass the grid in as well. I am keen to know how well the glue only approach holds up when it gets exposed to offshore forces which can create all sorts of forces - including shear forces. I apologise if you, or anyone else, are offended by this line of enquiry.
Thanks Rick. I am not a Hunter basher. The reason for my enquiry is that there are other yacht manufacturers who use Plexus adhesive on the grid, but they glass the grid in as well. I am keen to know how well the glue only approach holds up when it gets exposed to offshore forces which can create all sorts of forces - including shear forces. I apologise if you, or anyone else, are offended by this line of enquiry.
No Offence Taken, Craig
..and sorry if my post was curt. It wasn't intended to be. FWIW, I sat through a detailed presentation by the PLEXUS rep. Besides showing the bonding process itself and cut-aways, I recall that the bonding process fuses the resin itself. In other words, PLEXUS works as a bonding agent by which the fiberglass itself bonds with the fiberglass. I'm pretty sure I got that right, but I wasn't taking notes since it was more a commercial vendor presentation than for a lay person. In any event, as you have probably garnered, pan separation isn't a problem. RD
..and sorry if my post was curt. It wasn't intended to be. FWIW, I sat through a detailed presentation by the PLEXUS rep. Besides showing the bonding process itself and cut-aways, I recall that the bonding process fuses the resin itself. In other words, PLEXUS works as a bonding agent by which the fiberglass itself bonds with the fiberglass. I'm pretty sure I got that right, but I wasn't taking notes since it was more a commercial vendor presentation than for a lay person. In any event, as you have probably garnered, pan separation isn't a problem. RD
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