It looks like the Virginia winters are a little too hard for the good old Hunter 170. I have cracks in my hull and some soft spots on the deck. Some of the folks at my sail club were able to get their hulls replaced a few years ago when this started happening, but I think I am stuck with mine. I have seen directions for how to repair them, but can't find the materials they recommended. Any suggestions?
Hunter 170 cracked hull.
- Thread starter jeffwingo
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I found a similar product at an Ace Hardware store. It was a two part plastic weld epoxy with a 3000 psi strength rating. I used fiberglass woven cloth over one 3x3 hole and it worked well. I'll try to locate the exact name of the product and let you know.jeffwingo said:
What year is your 170? Mine is an '08. The first year I "chicken out" and put it in indoor heated storage for a $1000 bill. This past winter I decided to leave it out and we had a very cold winter with several days in the 'teens. When I uncovered it last month, I didn't find any damage. I did have it fully covered with a tarp that may have kept the hull a tad warmer than an uncovered boat.
Actually I was wondering about the age of JeffWingo's 170. From previous posts, it seems that the early models ('99 and a few model years on) are prone to cracking. I don't ever remember hearing about cracks in the later models. Mine is a '08 without problems.
Four years ago my '97 model 170 had cracks on the upper curved flange amidships were the two hulls are glued together. It was a problem because rain water would get in the hull.
I had to pull off the rub rail to repair and reinforce the area. That was hard and the old rub rail was not in good shape because they superglue it on. I was told by Hunter to use Devcon Plastic Welder which I purchased at a local Holland Michigan hardware store. I don't know if the big boxes have it. I also used fiberglass to reinforce the area using this product even though I was told it was not necessary.
This product comes in a two tube dispenser that mixes the harder as you push the plunger. Then you mix it and apply it like puddy. After several coats and waiting at least 24h for each coat, I sanded and sprayed with white paint and I has worked well so far.
I bothered Hunter long enough and loud enough that they sent me a new rub rail at a reduced price. At least I think it was a good price. At least the boat is usable now without emptying the hull water every month.
I had to pull off the rub rail to repair and reinforce the area. That was hard and the old rub rail was not in good shape because they superglue it on. I was told by Hunter to use Devcon Plastic Welder which I purchased at a local Holland Michigan hardware store. I don't know if the big boxes have it. I also used fiberglass to reinforce the area using this product even though I was told it was not necessary.
This product comes in a two tube dispenser that mixes the harder as you push the plunger. Then you mix it and apply it like puddy. After several coats and waiting at least 24h for each coat, I sanded and sprayed with white paint and I has worked well so far.
I bothered Hunter long enough and loud enough that they sent me a new rub rail at a reduced price. At least I think it was a good price. At least the boat is usable now without emptying the hull water every month.
One of the most discussed topics for the 170 (right in front of foaming masts)...
http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=110535
http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=110535
My hunter is a 2002. Fixing it is useless. More cracks will pop up. How can I contact hunter to complain?
The Hunter Marine website has contact info on it. Be sure to email them photos. I think there was a 5 year hull warranty on these acp boats. Even though it's out of warranty they might offer some help.jeffwingo said:
They quit making them with plastic last year and now use fiberglass.
You have winter in Virginia?? You were being sarcastic, weren't you? Virginia is one of those places we Michigan folk dream about in February.
I think that ACP was a noble attempt at maintenance free boat design, but the cracking problems are too much.
My boat has lasted ten Michigan winters with only a few cracks, but in the last two years I have had a couple that have been more work than they are worth - I am thinking today that my sailing season might be over - it's boat repair season now!
John
I think that ACP was a noble attempt at maintenance free boat design, but the cracking problems are too much.
My boat has lasted ten Michigan winters with only a few cracks, but in the last two years I have had a couple that have been more work than they are worth - I am thinking today that my sailing season might be over - it's boat repair season now!
John
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