Possible problem with structural integrity

[pkothe]

I am new to sailing and we purchased a 1998 Hunter 260. We are using it on Lake Waco and when we have 12 to 15 knot winds and there is a bit of weather helm on the port tack on a reach the deck under the helmsmans feet will move or flex is a better term. It looks as though the previous owner may have added an L bracket at the stern above the swim ladder area for extra support or it might be stock I am not sure. My question is wether or not this is normal or should I look into strengthining this part of the boat. I seems to be the entire steering mechanism is dropped into the hull and secured to the boat with screws. This includes the rear seat that is used more for standing on then sitting. It does it on the starboard tack as well but not to the same degree as the overall structure is not symetrical across the rudder which is what is causing the deck to flex under weather helm or some heeling. Any opinions or experience with this would e greatly appreciated. If I have a problem I would like to fix it before it gets really expensive.

Paul

 

[Paul F]

It's your boat and I would recommend going in and adding fiber-glassed tabs under the deck to strengthen it. Not being familiar with your boat I cannot advise you on how to do this. Only, that I would do it. Terry Arnold, a contributor on this site and H33 owner, came into the marina where my boat was stored and contacted me in that my boat is the same model H33. He was on a long cruise and asked to check my boat's cabin sole for flexing. He found my boat was stiff where his was flexing. In a matter of three days, he got under the sole and added tabs to stiffen up the area. I only tell this story so that you know that many older boats can have flexing problems and that they can be fixed. Fiber-glassing is not hard and a good skill to know - a learning experience.