[strat751]

I bought a 1997 Sylvan 172 aluminum bass boat last year and now I'm have some serious problems. The hull, in rough water, is pulsating or moving upward, it seems to be right in the middle. Now the hull is leaking, badly. After inspecting it I saw where the hull has be welded and a crack along one of the welds has opened up creating the leak. I just tried to contact the seller to get some of his input. Should I get the crack rewarded, scrap the boat? Any suggestions. Thanks.

[Silvertip]

I'd have a look at the keel. If its been broken it would need to be reinforced -- not just welded. It would be wise to pull up the floor as well to see if any internal structural members have been damaged. If you get everything opened up the repairs should be relatively inexpensive. If you rely on a dealer, it could get spendy considering the labor.

[tashasdaddy]

find a welder that is accustom to working with aluminum. open the boat up so the area can be seen. while doing it take lots of pictures, it make putting it back together easier. then that it to the welder and get his opinion and an estimate. have you hit anything, or straddle a log while fishing. inspect the bottom for any marks.

[strat72]

no i haven't hit any thing, i believe it was from the previous owner who didn't tell me about any hull damage. I got under the boat and did some probing around and it looks like there's a little concave in the middle of the hull where it's easy to push, kind of like a soft spot, it's only about 1' by 1' section. On taking this thing apart how difficult is it to get the floor up on the bottum?

[Texasmark]

Must have gotten high centered on a stump or a rock.Problem with my boat is that the hull is filled with foam; between the floor and the hull. So to do it right it would mean major surgery.A thought. If correct internal repairs aren't possible you might try this. Have the cracked area welded.Then get a 2" x 2" piece of 1/8 or 3/32" aluminum angle and have it welded to the bottom of the hull such that it makes a Vee (as compared to an angle with one side flat against the hull); maybe 2" spot welds every 6" or something like that; maybe one strip on each side of the boat to stabilize the effect on performance. The V shouldn't affect performance and would act as a keel on turns helping to reduce any skidding tendency you may have.My current boat is welded and made from 2 pieces joined (welded) in the center along the keel (keel is inside the boat). Then they put a strip of aluminum down the keel from bow to stern (like I am talking about) to cover it (the seam), adds protection for beaching and it strengthens the keel.Mark

[strat72]

thanks for all your replys it given me some giddance on what to do, i'm taking it thur. to a weld shop to see what they can do. thanks again......