Advice: Structural Problems? - Page 3

Jonny Fuller · 29 June 2003, 17:30

Allan, as a chap whose exploits are based around a 25 Knot cruising speed, I wouldn't think you have the first idea about the forces involved in serious offshore racing!
Maybe you should check the RYA racing records before criticizing my driving ability. And before you say it, my 'pleasure boat' is a racing boat fitted with a few 'creature comforts' and gets used 'as such'

In my opinion, Offshore racing is THE most destructive of boating sports, and if one CAN build a race boat that wins race after race, without showing any signs of fatigue, or cracks, then why not with a pleasure boat?
Having said this, to build a boat without topsides and a deck to this level of 'integrity' would be harder than one with!
But not having topsides and a deck is your choice, not mine.

Dirk Diggler · 29 June 2003, 18:00

Interesting set of facts Alan, how long have you been employing Manos as your marine consultant.

A little saying that you should bear in mind....

"It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt!"

DJL · 30 June 2003, 13:13

Took the boat to Barnet Marine today. They have said that the crack doesn’t appear to indicate a structural problem and is just the gelcoat cracking from the flexing of the transom. Laurence offered to send the RIB back to their factory in Hull at the end of the season to grind back and glass over the crack – with more flexible fibre glass.

So thumbs up to Barnet Marine – very willing to deal with the problem. Can’t really ask for more than a repair being that the RIBs structurally sound. At least if it does get more serious I know they are going to sort it out.

Best of all I won't be missing any cruises this year!

Thanks for all the replies/info.

Cheers
Daniel

Dirk Diggler · 30 June 2003, 16:30

Quote:

Originally posted by DJL
Took the boat to Barnet Marine today. They have said that the crack doesn’t appear to indicate a structural problem and is just the gelcoat cracking from the flexing of the transom.

Oh, what would the marine trade do without such Naivety !!

jwalker · 30 June 2003, 17:51

JW.

kitten · 30 June 2003, 19:10

Did he tell you that the air leaking out was because the mat was so thin it wasn't sealing?
How did he see under the deck?
Did they grind off the gell to see if there was any structural damage?
Was he just giving you the brush off hoping that you would forget about it?

paul tilley · 30 June 2003, 20:01

sounds like a brush off with a capital B .You need to look under the deck to investigate properly , by the way i know very little about GRP but used to rebuild a racing car at least once a year depending on frequency of prangs its all common sense engineering really

DJL · 30 June 2003, 20:26

He has given me a letter for my record stating he will make good the transom at the end of the season. It could have been done now but it would have put the boat out of action for 2 weeks.

I understand that you can't rule out structural damage without grinding up the deck but would he really have sent me away if it is structural? Would he risk it getting so bad that he would have to replace the boat later in the year?

Cookee · 01 July 2003, 07:58

Daniel - Sorry to join in with the doom and gloom brigade but what do you suppose a salesman? at a dealers? would know about structural problems in these boats unless he has (A) seen it before, (B) Is familiar with the layup of these boats and is an "Expert"!

Jonny Fuller · 01 July 2003, 08:10

Quote:

Originally posted by Cookee
Is familiar with the layup of these boats and is an "Expert"!

Was he Greek by any chance?

Dirk Diggler · 01 July 2003, 08:30

Quote:

Originally posted by DJL
I understand that you can't rule out structural damage without grinding up the deck but would he really have sent me away if it is structural?

You can't beat ribnet for stupid questions!

whitingiom · 01 July 2003, 09:03

Or facetious answers.........

Dirk Diggler · 01 July 2003, 09:07

and smartarse tag lines

DJL · 01 July 2003, 10:42

Ok then - what would you do?

The boat has been inspected by the sales director of Barnet Marine who is also a director of Tornado Boats Ltd (Manufacturer of the boat). He said it was not structural and offered to make good the transom at any time - suggesting end of season when boat not in use. I have a letter to that effect.

Julian · 01 July 2003, 10:46

Hi Daniel

I would do as your doing now. Wait till end of season and let them put in right. They should know what their talking about and tornado do make good boats so trust them a bit.

Julian

jwalker · 01 July 2003, 12:59

Jeez....

You said air bubbles can be seen coming out. This will happen as the boat warms up. If there is water at the transom, which there must be for you to be able to see the bubbles, when the hull cools down (evening time), the water will be drawn into the hull. If this is left unchecked, you will end up with a hull full of water and a boggin' plywood deck.

Now you decide what to do.

JW.

thorper · 01 July 2003, 14:15

In Barnet/Tornado's defence, the salesman (Laurence Lock) has been building and selling ribs since the early 80's. I've seen him out in some heavy sea off lulworth in his own rib (7m tornado) a few weeks back and discussed rib layouts suitable for diving with him extensively before we bought our boat, I think he knows his stuff. He is also very good at making sure he looks after his customers.

I have no way of knowing how deep the problems with Daniels rib go, but as Daniel has said, he could send it back now for grinding and fixing, but it would take 2 weeks out of prime time ribbing. Given the Tornado / Barnet people have being doing ribs as long as most people on this forum (flame proof suit on) I have and would trust them to know what they're doing.

Ricky

Dirk Diggler · 01 July 2003, 15:08

As excellent as I'm sure a Tornado is, I would take full advantage of the fact that they are accepting liability, and have the boat repaired asap.

Surely you can afford to give up one weekend in return for having your boat repaired, the longer you leave it the worse it'll get. As JW says, who knows how much water it will take on, and what long term damage it will suffer from in years to come.