Re: 180 SS New to the Forums.
With regards to the hull failure in your pics, I am not an expert, nor do I play one on the internet, but
from the pics, it appears to be from direct impact versus original problems these hulls had with damage
sustained from pounding to the chines around the console area. Most of those were lateral cracks on the
outer strake versus the longnitudinal fissure on yours. Looks like the dent/impact fatigued the area and
stress later enhanced the split.
Most aluminum hull experts will advise an exterior fix as your main goal(patch bigger than the damaged area).
After that, any internal work becomes a bonus.
In general, the rivets near the damage appear to be intact, another indication a direct impact(shoal/stump)
was the culprit.
In addition, your hull is much newer than 70s SS models evidenced by the fact yur sides/chine is one piece attached to the bottom whereas the older ones are joined by a full outer strake riveted to the side and the bottom.....huge difference