Hull Damage?

[BobKat]

I recently ran my 23'Gulf Stream hard aground while running about 30mph on hard sand. When I stopped the boat it was in about 2 inches of water listing to one side due to the v-2 hull. It took Tow Boat US to pull us out of this mess. Out side of some scratches on my hull I don't see any damage. My question is could this collision have done any structural damage?

 

[georgemjr]

I sure hope not, as I did the same thing about a month ago. Thank god for unlimited tow insurance I think you'll be fine, and gave the bottom a good cleaning.

 

[BobP]

I presume the motor's T&T mechanism disengaged so they tilted up automatically? Did they or did they stay in running (down) position?

 

[gradyfish22]

Since you hit sand, there is a chance you avoided structural damage, but there is not guarentee, really what matters is the previous condition of the hull prior to the running aground. If it was an older hull and had some rotting already or water seepage, there is a chance the collision could have compromised the strength of the stringers or bulkheads. If it is a newer boat, there is a lot less chance, but still a chance. If there are no visable warps in the hull that is a good sign, but yet again not a sure bet. The only real way to tell is to open all your deck plates where the hull hit first and check it by eye for cracks and such. Hulls are built with a factor of safety, so this impact should not damage the structure, but things that can alter this are poor build quality...air bubbles not rolled out in the resin, or air pockets between layers of mat, this can significantly decrease the strenght of your hull structure. The other place to peak at is the transom to stringer connection since this likely took even more stress and strain from the impact then the point of impact itself. Here, you have the weight of the engines, the forces applied, and then a sudden jolt/stop from the hull, they all will meet here. This area is overbuilt, but in this type of collision the most likely spot for damage overall. Check both inside and outside for cracks, check along the transom where the engines are mounted as well, any cracks you did not notice before would need to be checked out and might need proper attention.

Hopefully your hull is fine, I've seen boats run over jetties and most of the damage was from the jagged edges, not the impact itself so hopefully you will be safe, but I would give the 2 areas I mentioned a through checking to be sure.

 

[seasick]

You are probably OK. You would see more serious external damage on the hull if you had structural damage.

 

[Gman25]

I did the same thing about a month ago

Yea,but just think of all the seals you could have seen. :lol:


_______________________

2005 300 Marlin w/F250's

 

[BobKat]

Hull Damage

Thanks for the replies. This is an'01 Hull. The engines which are on a bracket kicked up. Looking up at the hull from the trailer there seems to be some warp, but given the angle I am looking at I can't be sure. I have not found any cracks.

 

[gerrys]

You're lucky someone didn't play Superman through the windshield.

It sounds like a soft landing and everything should be OK. I'd do the external inspection as well as an interior inspection to the extent that you can. Also inspect any thru-hulls for damage.

 

[ocnslr]

Lots of good comments, so I won't add to them.

If you are not sure if there is hull damage, then have a good surveyor look at it.

Or, contact your insurance company because you did have a collision. They may want to send a surveyor from their list. If there is damage, then at least your insurance will cover the cost, above your deductible.

Brian