I purchased a new 310 in 1999, up to now I have only minor problems, all dealt with by the Hunter dealer, great service. Last fall I noticed water in the well near the keel bolts, also it appeared that the fibre glass was delaminating. I had the local boat shop take a look and sure enough water had gotten into the fibreglass, the boat shop informed me that the keel bolts were the wrong size which was letting in the water. Now the problem. the hull only has a five year warrenty, which expired 6 month earlier and the Hunter dealer told me it was not covered either by the warrenty or any other way, even though Hunter installed the wrong size bolts they do not cover the repairs. I contacted Hunter and they are thinking about the problem, I have provides all concerded with the photos. So, if you own a 310 you might want to check your keel bolts. Photo attached. LAE
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Keel Bolts
What makes you think they are the wrong bolts? They come with the keel, then the hull is lowered onto the keel at the end of the assembly line. The holes in the hull are oversize to accomodate a variance in bolt placement. Talk to Eddie Breedan at Hunter for a full explanation and solution. Probably not a big deal, but may require some epoxy work and repair of any freeze damage due to water getting in there.
What makes you think they are the wrong bolts? They come with the keel, then the hull is lowered onto the keel at the end of the assembly line. The holes in the hull are oversize to accomodate a variance in bolt placement. Talk to Eddie Breedan at Hunter for a full explanation and solution. Probably not a big deal, but may require some epoxy work and repair of any freeze damage due to water getting in there.
Larry, I agree with Chuck's advice. BTW...
sea water should not be leaking into your bilge through the keel bolts unless your keel joint seal is broken. Something sounds fishy here. Has your keel struck anything that you recall? It usually takes a pretty good hit to break the joint seal open. That would allow water in and by your bolts. It may be worth your while to hire a good marine surveyor to determine the probable cause and extent of damage. You can then use the surveyor's document with a copy to Hunter and to your insurance company, as leverage for possible repair compensation. Talk to your insurance agent about filing a damage claim. They may hire the surveyor to determine whether the claim has merit. It appears that Hunter has no obligation here since the warranty has expired. If the surveyor concludes that the damage resulted from a manufacturer's defect, that gives you more leverage with Hunter. Terry
sea water should not be leaking into your bilge through the keel bolts unless your keel joint seal is broken. Something sounds fishy here. Has your keel struck anything that you recall? It usually takes a pretty good hit to break the joint seal open. That would allow water in and by your bolts. It may be worth your while to hire a good marine surveyor to determine the probable cause and extent of damage. You can then use the surveyor's document with a copy to Hunter and to your insurance company, as leverage for possible repair compensation. Talk to your insurance agent about filing a damage claim. They may hire the surveyor to determine whether the claim has merit. It appears that Hunter has no obligation here since the warranty has expired. If the surveyor concludes that the damage resulted from a manufacturer's defect, that gives you more leverage with Hunter. Terry
Sounds Fishy
Sounds fishy to me. I agree that the bolt holes should have lots of slop to allow for allignment of the keel. That is better practise than having no allowance for casting and temperature variation and then having to bend the bolts to get them to fit into the holes... which would result in cracks and stress. So maybe you don't have a manufacturing issue. Suggestion: Pull the boat, Fill the bilge with clean water and a harmless dye. (fluoroscene florescent dye would be great). Look for seapage at the hull/keel joint from the outside. .... also.. check your insurance policy- manufacturer's defects may not be covered while grounding damage is.. good luck.
Sounds fishy to me. I agree that the bolt holes should have lots of slop to allow for allignment of the keel. That is better practise than having no allowance for casting and temperature variation and then having to bend the bolts to get them to fit into the holes... which would result in cracks and stress. So maybe you don't have a manufacturing issue. Suggestion: Pull the boat, Fill the bilge with clean water and a harmless dye. (fluoroscene florescent dye would be great). Look for seapage at the hull/keel joint from the outside. .... also.. check your insurance policy- manufacturer's defects may not be covered while grounding damage is.. good luck.
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