Cracks in the hull!

Bow movement · 11 November 2009, 22:20

Hi rib folk, in experience i'm relatively new to this, so please be gentle!

I have a 7.5 mtr rib that was built in 2007 and there are some cracks around the transom. I think they are called the knees, but it's where the transom supports meet the deck!

I'm wondering how serious they are and what can be done!

Any advice welcome please and thanks

Poly · 11 November 2009, 22:35

If you search for something like "transom crack" here you'll find various threads on cracks at the knees. I suggest you post pictures here and also look to see if you can get any movement at the cracks when you add/reduce the load on the transom (e.g leaning on/supporting the engine). I'm no expert but if you do that and post the results - those who have had issues before will be able to comment.

JSP · 11 November 2009, 22:35

Some great knowledge on here BM. Probably best if you can shows some pics of the cracks.

Edit:damn that pesky polwart!!

Nos4r2 · 12 November 2009, 00:16

More info would be useful too-make of boat,engine,previous history etc?

Bow movement · 15 November 2009, 21:33

Ok, I'll put some photos on tomorrow. Thanks for getting back so quick.

PeterR · 15 November 2009, 22:07

If you have a genuine fault and you have plans to get work done under a warenty would you not be best to do some more descrete enquirey so as not to rub the manufacturer up the wrong way first .Most ribs come with about 5 year hull warenty i believe.

PeterR · 15 November 2009, 22:14

P.M sent

Bow movement · 18 March 2010, 23:33

Hi Rib folk, It's been a while since i raised this post so sorry for aking so long.

In answer to one of the questions it is a Leeway 730 with a 250 mercury xs. Which, as suggested, after speaking to Leeway I'm told the transom is strong enough for the engine size. However through the winter some thought has been put into to having some additional steel supports/knees inside. Seeing the wealth of experience you guys have on here i was just wondering what you think or any better ideas?

Also does anyone meet up for beers around the west surrey/east hampshire way, we moor in southampton so maybe down that way too?

Thanks Bm

Tim M · 18 March 2010, 23:41

Hi BM. Theres monthly meets just outside of Portsmouth for beers. Look out for the "church" threads.

I'm afraid I'm not surprised it's a Leeway. I have seen several examples now which have had significant issues. I have been on your boat, I remember feeling mildly terrified going along at full speed with that engine on the back. That boat weights very little so can't be made particularly strongly, and thats a lot of power for a light boat. I can't really offer any thoughts on a suitable repair but I'm sure others will. Perhaps some long threaded bars through the transom and knees, all bolted up nice and tight. Lurcher mentioned to me something about wood screws and blackboard paint the other day when we were discussing a similar problem. Sound advice I say

biffer · 19 March 2010, 10:50

don't go for metal, what will you bolt it too, i'll be more inclined to remove the knees that you have and make larger triangulated (is that a word)one's, ie, bring them more into the boat to spread the load, i'm betting those knee's are just plonked in that well and glassed over

yorfuoj · 25 March 2010, 20:09

I agree with Biffer statement.
It seems that the legs are too short in all directions - possibly there is nothing between the deck and the hull.
If I had the same problem, I would open the deck, remove these poor short legs, build 2 legs each making a long triangle going down to the hull where there are rails, glue them to the hull, then close the deck.
No metal parts, as it doesn't solder to GRP.

Zippy · 26 March 2010, 14:31

im afraid i cant comment on possible repairs as my boat building skills amount to nothing but sorry to hear your having problems.

as a regular poster on here, maybe Leeway ribs could comment on possible repairs, afterall, they will know the layup better than anyone and what could be done to repair??

biffer · 26 March 2010, 15:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zippy

im afraid i cant comment on possible repairs as my boat building skills amount to nothing but sorry to hear your having problems.

as a regular poster on here, maybe Leeway ribs could comment on possible repairs, afterall, they will know the layup better than anyone and what could be done to repair??

if leeway layed it up what are the cracks doing there, the knee's are to small and they might not be attached to the stringers, take it back, ummm!
i'm not sure if they're still trading, heard tale of them not answering the phone

Nos4r2 · 26 March 2010, 18:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by biffer

i'm not sure if they're still trading, heard tale of them not answering the phone

He's not been on here for nearly a month now. I wonder what's going on?

Bigmuz7 · 26 March 2010, 19:09

Whats the Hp on the transom ? .. the cracks dont look too bad as yet, I see a lot of offset though

LeewayComposite · 04 April 2010, 18:35

Hi Bow movement!

I remember this rib well. it was my own race rib.. looking a bit dirty now :0(

Is she still doing 70+ mph??

If you want to give me a bell i will happy patch those small cracks its nothing to worrie about.

speak soon
Lee

Into The Blue · 02 July 2010, 20:06

I've got what appears to be a similar problem, cracking on the knees but at both the top where they meet the transom and at the bottom where they join the deck. I could do with finding someone in the Poole area that would make a good job of doing the right thing.
Anyone know of a good GRP repairer in the area?

The cracks are on a Tohatsu 7.1 with 150 evinrude. I've not done anything silly in it, it's mostly used with my children on board, so I won't compromise on the repair.

All suggestions appreciated

PeterM · 02 July 2010, 22:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Into The Blue

I've got what appears to be a similar problem, cracking on the knees but at both the top where they meet the transom and at the bottom where they join the deck. I could do with finding someone in the Poole area that would make a good job of doing the right thing.
Anyone know of a good GRP repairer in the area?

The cracks are on a Tohatsu 7.1 with 150 evinrude. I've not done anything silly in it, it's mostly used with my children on board, so I won't compromise on the repair.

All suggestions appreciated

Talk to Biffer- one of the few people I would trust to fix it properly and who I would get to do mine if needed.

Pete

Neil Harvey · 02 July 2010, 23:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterM

Talk to Biffer- one of the few people I would trust to fix it properly and who I would get to do mine if needed.

Pete

agreed