Indented Hull

[Ron F.]

I own a 1994 Hunter 26 which has been used only in the summer in fresh water since 1995.

Boat has never had a real problem, but last fall after placing boat on standard H26 trailer, I noticed an indented area in the hull on the starboard side near the front part of the bunk (support board) which looks like someone pushed into the hull and made an indent. It's elongated in area - about 2 feet long - but there is no crack.

Is there a structured failure due to old age and should I be worried about it when I use boat again this summer? Hunter technical staff has not answered my e-mail question on this issue.

Thanks for any thoughts about his problem.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

It could have resulted from the stalks or supports on the bunkboard becoming loose and dropped, someone tried to reposition the supports, bunkboards themselves are rotten or boat placed on the trailer cock eyed. It has to be one of these in most cases unless docked in an area with tides and resting against a protrusion against the dock without enough play in the docklines. Best to recheck trailer first.

 

[Benny17441]

The hulls are not as stiff as we might think. I agree with CrazyDave the indentation was probably caused by the trailer or the way the boat was placed on it. Chances are the damage is just cosmetic and sometimes reversible. To get an ide on how common this may be go ahead and google "oil canning".

 

[thinwater]

Heavy snow can also be a factor. Does it pop out when unloaded?

 

[Ron F.]

Thanks to all who suggested causes for the indent. The trailer is in good shape, but I do think the boat hull could have possibly taken a bump when loading it on the trailer - not always easy to get boat on straight in windy conditions.

Will check to see if dent comes out when boat gets back in water. Thanks again for your inputs. -RF

 

[Jim Seamans]

I'll keep my mouth shut - Dave

 

[Bill1565]

I own a 1994 Hunter 26 which has been used only in the summer in fresh water since 1995. Boat has never had a real problem, but last fall after placing boat on standard H26 trailer, I noticed an indented area in the hull on the starboard side near the front part of the bunk (support board) which looks like someone pushed into the hull and made an indent. It's elongated in area - about 2 feet long - but there is no crack. Is there a structured failure due to old age and should I be worried about it when I use boat again this summer? Hunter technical staff has not answered my e-mail question on this issue. Thanks for any thoughts about his problem.[/QUOTE

I had a1966 Morgan a few years ago that had several indentations. Surveyor said that internal tabbed bulkheads and stick built furniture glassed in had deformed the boat over time. Boat was solid, no oil canning, no cracks.