I am in the process of purchasing a 1993 Hunter Legend 40.5. My local yard told me that they will not haul Hunters because they have experienced hull cracks when the boat is resting on the keel. Does anyone have any insight on this? Is this specific to any particular year or model. Thanks, Frank Parkinson
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yes... t'is true...
...but ONLY when the boat is hauled while fully loaded. I knew of a boatowner that had his boat hauled with an extra 3600 pounds of gear, fuel, water... etc, and the situation created stress cracks along the area where the keel met the hull. That is the ONLY time I have ever seen it, so just be sure that you empty your boat of extra weight before hauling. That may be what the boatyard experienced, but they probably didn't know any better and thought that it was a sign of a weak boat.
...but ONLY when the boat is hauled while fully loaded. I knew of a boatowner that had his boat hauled with an extra 3600 pounds of gear, fuel, water... etc, and the situation created stress cracks along the area where the keel met the hull. That is the ONLY time I have ever seen it, so just be sure that you empty your boat of extra weight before hauling. That may be what the boatyard experienced, but they probably didn't know any better and thought that it was a sign of a weak boat.
Some Hunters
have voids between the hull and the keel. My 1992 Hunter 28 did. Water get in the void and frezes cracking the void walls.
have voids between the hull and the keel. My 1992 Hunter 28 did. Water get in the void and frezes cracking the void walls.
Definately the boatyard
Hunters are the greatest boats ever made. All other boats are worthless and weak. In fact I think when world peace is finally realised, it will be because of a Hunter. Here is my beautiful Hunter: http://www.laketow.com/images/MVC-166S.JPG
Hunters are the greatest boats ever made. All other boats are worthless and weak. In fact I think when world peace is finally realised, it will be because of a Hunter. Here is my beautiful Hunter: http://www.laketow.com/images/MVC-166S.JPG
My two cents....
I have never heard of a class problem like this with Hunters or any specific model. However, I did develop a couple of cracks and when I questioned my dealer about this and showed him pictures, their reply was that "sometimes these develop and that they are cosmetic in nature". Their advice was to either grind it out and fill it, apply barrier coat, and then more bottom paint, OR simply wipe some caulking in the crack and bottom paint over it. I chose to do the latter. That was 7 years ago, and they have not re-appeared.
I have never heard of a class problem like this with Hunters or any specific model. However, I did develop a couple of cracks and when I questioned my dealer about this and showed him pictures, their reply was that "sometimes these develop and that they are cosmetic in nature". Their advice was to either grind it out and fill it, apply barrier coat, and then more bottom paint, OR simply wipe some caulking in the crack and bottom paint over it. I chose to do the latter. That was 7 years ago, and they have not re-appeared.
Weight on the Keel
Actually the boats weight is resting on the keel when on the hard, the stands are just to keep it upright. My yard (2 different ones over the 14 years) sets the boat on the keel then sets the stands. I have only heard of a Newport having that problem. I don't know how the keel is constructed on a Hunter.
Actually the boats weight is resting on the keel when on the hard, the stands are just to keep it upright. My yard (2 different ones over the 14 years) sets the boat on the keel then sets the stands. I have only heard of a Newport having that problem. I don't know how the keel is constructed on a Hunter.
Mick
I would agree that in a normal case, most if not all the weight is on the keel. But people live on Hunters just like other boats and they need their boat hauled too and they don't take everything out when the boat goes on the hard, so it would only make sense that a boatyard would know that for a live-aboard that they may need to add a little support to the stern and bow. I do know that when they pulled mine, they paid attention to where the bulkheads were so they could place the stands near their.
I would agree that in a normal case, most if not all the weight is on the keel. But people live on Hunters just like other boats and they need their boat hauled too and they don't take everything out when the boat goes on the hard, so it would only make sense that a boatyard would know that for a live-aboard that they may need to add a little support to the stern and bow. I do know that when they pulled mine, they paid attention to where the bulkheads were so they could place the stands near their.
Well Grizz It aint quite right
The strongest points on a boat (sail) are the mast step and usually the companionway. There are bulkheads and the mast or compression post goes all the way to the keel area. Note in your picture where the straps are located. the second favorite spot to lift is where the motor mounts are, usually aft of the companionway. I doubt that any travel would dammage a boat, unless it has been previously. All that being said I have never seen the Hunter keel do any more than flex a little when set in the workyard. I work in a marina so I have been around boats, travel lifts, and just about have seen it all. Fair Winds Cap'n Dave
The strongest points on a boat (sail) are the mast step and usually the companionway. There are bulkheads and the mast or compression post goes all the way to the keel area. Note in your picture where the straps are located. the second favorite spot to lift is where the motor mounts are, usually aft of the companionway. I doubt that any travel would dammage a boat, unless it has been previously. All that being said I have never seen the Hunter keel do any more than flex a little when set in the workyard. I work in a marina so I have been around boats, travel lifts, and just about have seen it all. Fair Winds Cap'n Dave
Thanks for Nothing ExtremeHunterFan ..............
............ I wet myself when I saw your photo. Keep going back to it every half hour and just can't stop laughing. Best Regards, s/v Island Hunter
............ I wet myself when I saw your photo. Keep going back to it every half hour and just can't stop laughing. Best Regards, s/v Island Hunter
Tom S where are the pics
Catalina are not build super strong. I as on a 1999 with a crack in the keel stub.
Catalina are not build super strong. I as on a 1999 with a crack in the keel stub.
Hunter Keel
On the 376 with wing keel, the hull has a fiberglass stub that is part of the hull and it hangs down about 2'. The bilge inside goes down that two feet also. At the bottom of that stub is where the keel bolts on. The yard says they believe that the stub is all fiberglass but another 376 owner has told me his had a plywood support covered with fiberglass but Hunter may have changed that because he had warranty work done on the keel. I had a crack in my stub from running aground so the yard repaired the crack and then added 1/2 inch of glass to it. Says it is very strong now. I hope so.
On the 376 with wing keel, the hull has a fiberglass stub that is part of the hull and it hangs down about 2'. The bilge inside goes down that two feet also. At the bottom of that stub is where the keel bolts on. The yard says they believe that the stub is all fiberglass but another 376 owner has told me his had a plywood support covered with fiberglass but Hunter may have changed that because he had warranty work done on the keel. I had a crack in my stub from running aground so the yard repaired the crack and then added 1/2 inch of glass to it. Says it is very strong now. I hope so.
Hunter Keel -- Franklin
my friend has a H 386. His keel is hollow too. You might have water in this area. I would get a moisture meter and check the next time you hual out. Good think your in Texas becuase you don'y have to worry about freezing. Still I wonder why it cracked. Sound like the yard did a good repair on the outside, still you should keep an eye on what is going on inside the keel.
my friend has a H 386. His keel is hollow too. You might have water in this area. I would get a moisture meter and check the next time you hual out. Good think your in Texas becuase you don'y have to worry about freezing. Still I wonder why it cracked. Sound like the yard did a good repair on the outside, still you should keep an eye on what is going on inside the keel.
Same thing happened to a neighbor at our marina
on the same boat, a Catalina 36. There was some significant damage to the front of the keel visible from the exterior but nothing apparent on the aft end UNTIL you went below and looked at the keel/hull joint from the inside. Even the surveyor was surprised at what he saw. Th entire joint and both stringers were cracked through requiring extensive and costly repair, none of which was apparent from the exterior of the boat. Can we see some interior pictures? Don
on the same boat, a Catalina 36. There was some significant damage to the front of the keel visible from the exterior but nothing apparent on the aft end UNTIL you went below and looked at the keel/hull joint from the inside. Even the surveyor was surprised at what he saw. Th entire joint and both stringers were cracked through requiring extensive and costly repair, none of which was apparent from the exterior of the boat. Can we see some interior pictures? Don
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