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Author Topic:   montauk hull repair
oklajimmy posted 03-18-2003 01:37 AM ET (US)   Profile for oklajimmy   Send Email to oklajimmy  
Have recently purchased my first boat and of course made it a whaler.I have noticed an area below the stern on the port side while tapping the hull that seems to have a dull sound and from what I've read on this site indicates water inside. The area is about approximately 18" wide by 48" long. Do I need to worry and if so what if anything do I do to repair this. Thanks for your help!
John O posted 03-18-2003 08:02 AM ET (US)     Profile for John O    
You may want to investigate a bit more. Are there any cracks or unfilled screw holes near by that would let water in? I know that I have some water in my hull from where the previous owner left screw holes on the deck open. If you have anything mounted on the transom try unscrewing the item and see if any water comes out. I removed the transducer and water dripped out. My 1988 Newport sits fine in the water so I am not too worried.

I drilled several holes in the hull about 10" forward of the transom and off center from the keel. I got a few drips. I plan to fill them in with epoxy and chopped up glass this spring before putting in.

I am not suggesting you drill in holes, but look for more signs than just tapping on the hull. Remember it is a boat and most have some water as they age.

oklajimmy posted 03-18-2003 12:18 PM ET (US)     Profile for oklajimmy  Send Email to oklajimmy     
Thanks for the help. Once I've drilled and gotten the water out do I need to worry about attaching the foam back to the skin and how if needed do I do this.
John O posted 03-18-2003 05:35 PM ET (US)     Profile for John O    
SLOW DOWN!!!!!!!

Drilling is a last resort. I am not sure you have determined that water does exist in the hull.

Please do not drill on my advice. There are far more experienced people on this site than me. I removed my transducer and noticed drip of water. Also on the deck the previous owner did not fill screw holes and in the heat of the summer I noticed small drips of water oozing out.

Again--- DO NOT DRILL ANY HOLES.

Try searching past posts with key words such as "Wet Hull" or "Wet Foam". There are many factors to consider before deciding the best method to repair if indeed there is water in the foam or voids. Some factors are the age, salt water, fresh water, cracks in the gel coat, damage to the structure that was either repaired well or not, does the boat weigh more than it should?

Please do not do any drilling. This is a last resort in my opinion. There are several methods and different opions on this important topic. Please research first.

John O

oklajimmy posted 03-19-2003 12:08 AM ET (US)     Profile for oklajimmy  Send Email to oklajimmy     
Thanks for the help John. I will continue to do research before taking any drastic measures. One article I read on this site described repairing a delaminated area injecting West System epoxy into the area with a syringe after drilling holes in a pegboard pattern and allowing the epoxy to re-attach the foam to the hull. I definately don't want to get in over my head with any project right away,but I've read alot about the hull becoming weaker if the foam delaminates and the area I have been refering to definately gives when I apply pressure. Any thoughts on this? Appreciate the help.
John O posted 03-19-2003 11:56 AM ET (US)     Profile for John O    
If you are feeling a soft spot than there may be some delamination going on. Are there any cracks in the gel coat?
John O posted 03-19-2003 12:04 PM ET (US)     Profile for John O    
Post this question in the "Repair" section and mention that you have researched previous acticles. Give all the details including year and make of the boat, general condition, whether you trailer or have a slip, fresh or salt water.

I think the reason you are getting no replies is because it should be posted in the "Reapirs/Mod" section.

Good luck,

John O

oklajimmy posted 03-19-2003 01:37 PM ET (US)     Profile for oklajimmy  Send Email to oklajimmy     
thanks John I will do that right away.I just found this site and am trying to get used to where everything is. This is the best web site on Whaler's I've seen and I really do thank you for your help.

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