Crack ACROSS chine - pictures & Video

[adam072101]

1978 19ft rinker I/O 305 185hp "White Elephant" (OMC Stringer 800)

Before you start... I know, I know... But I love this boat & bought it last season for $900.00!!! & I've gotten used to this drive, now...

She runs great! But the bottom paint (anti-fouling) the previous owner has put on it was wearing through/thin... I'd been delaying repaint long enough... So I jumped out there yesterday and low and behold I find this crack across the chine or rib??? near the bow end of the boat.

you tube video posting...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrOZBAyo5OE

BUT, SHE'S NOT TAKING ON ANY WATER FROM IT!!! BILGE IS HIGH AND DRY AT ALL TIMES UNLESS RAIN...

I'm not sure what caused it: I've not hit anything since I've owned her. And a slight crack is appearing on the opposite side at about the same spot (actually more like a bad spider than a real crack).

There is a soft spot in the floor, but it's way in the back of the boat... I was planning on reflooring her this fall and winter so I could get full used out of her this ski season.

How urgent is the repair on this chine crack? Can I epoxy it on outside just to get me through ski season and do full repair this fall/winter?

Best way to go about the repair? I have read a ton of posts, but they are all cracks running with the chine (not across the chine) and it seems like from the inside is the way to go; but that would keep me off the lake too long... lol.

No, seriously... the closeup pics make the crack seem much worse than it actually is. How bout that poxy quick patch until fall?

Anxiously waiting,

adam

 

[gcboat]

Re: Crack ACROSS chine - pictures

Re: Crack ACROSS chine - pictures

Clean and prep the area real good and go the Marine Tex route. It will definately be strong enough and should last you a long time.

 

[adam072101]

Re: Crack ACROSS chine - pictures & Video

Marine tex from the outside? I've never used that product...

 

[gcboat]

Re: Crack ACROSS chine - pictures & Video

http://www.marinetex.com/ There is the stuff you need. Use the white product. If possible Dremel out the crack so there will be enough gap for the material to 'bite'. And yes, it is used a billion - well - times a day for your exact situation. All needs to be clean and dry. Wipe with acetone.
The directions will make it very simple.
Best stuff since beer !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[redfury]

Re: Crack ACROSS chine - pictures & Video

When you refloor her, check to see where the end of your stringer is in that area. It's possible that it's cracking because of stress at that point.

Beyond that, watch how it comes onto the trailer. You might be getting stress from that also. If you are driving it onto your trailer and it has bunks, that might be part of it. Just do some investigating as to how it was built and how it is used, you'll find the culprit.

 

[INJUN]

Re: Crack ACROSS chine - pictures & Video

Just re-paint over it. If it ain't broke . . .

Seriously, take the advice from redfury and gcboat. redfury makes good sense about what the possible causes are. come autumn, look & see.

 

[adam072101]

Re: Crack ACROSS chine - pictures & Video

I have no idea about the stringer in that area, but the crack is below the floor at the very front edge on starboard side... Maybe that is the culprit...

As far as trailering in concerned: it is an EZ loader roller trailer and I never power load. It wouldn't help; she would just roll back down. I have an electric winch but, depending on ramp/conditions I still hand crank her on.

Will be patching the crack tomorrow. then wait. then sand. then touch bottom paint up.

Next project: Smart Tabs SX... Just got em in today, but am still waiting on the storage/beaching kit to pull em up when I beach...

Will be installing and test tabs on Wednesday. Pics and progress will be updated then...

thanks

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Crack ACROSS chine - pictures & Video

If the crack was from a one time impact, then Marine Tex may work, if it's from flexing due to stringer problems, or trailer issues (rollers can cause a great deal of damage if not adjusted correctly), then it will need to be glassed with either epoxy or polyester. If the stringers are the problem then the entire floor needs to come out and they need to be fixed. If the trailer is the problem, then it needs to be adjusted, or your loading method needs to be changed.

 

[adam072101]

Re: Crack ACROSS chine - pictures & Video

ondarvr...

I agree with you and the previous posts... I'm going to go the Marine tex route first. Granted this will not be the end of this fix... It is just to get me through the ski season...

This fall I am ripping out the floor and rebuilding it along with the rear engine compartment.

Whether the epoxy fixes this problem or not. When I do the floor I'll probably lay some extra glass inside the hull at the crack area... Just to reinforce it.

Hopefully, this will fix it. we'll see. As for the trailer, I don't see any problems with the way it loads or holds the boat. The transom is well supported along with another set around 1/2 to 3/5 up the boat... I have considered a bow roller but can't figure out how to mount it.

Today, I'll take some pictures... Maybe a new video of the trailer/bow area and see what you "old salts" think about it... Should I put a bow roller on it?

I'd always heard that the keel shouldn't rest on the trailer... But anyways... the pics should be here around lunch time.

Thanks for all the input. and keep checking back!!! You guys have some great ideas, and lots more experience than I have... I will be checking for advice and help during my floor job, for sure...

 

[adam072101]

Re: Crack ACROSS chine - pictures & Video

i made the epoxy patch on the chine crack, and it turned out great...! We went skiing everyday over this holiday weekend with no problems at all.

Thanks for all the help.

adam

Check back soon for my next post on installing and testing my new Smart Tabs SX trim tabs... i just put them on today.

 

[redfury]

Re: Crack ACROSS chine - pictures & Video

I watched your video and it didn't quite hit me originally that this is an OMC stringer jobby....I wonder if the twist of engine torque hasn't transferred stress (energy) up the right side stringer and that is where it "escaped".

 

[adam072101]

Re: Crack ACROSS chine - pictures & Video

That could be it... Hadn't thought about transference of energy from the engine through the stringer... Well, the epoxy patch held well over the last weekend skiing everyday for 3-4 hours and beaching each night for camping and cooking out.

This fall will dig into the floor project and hopefully will find the culprit for my chine crack at the same time!

Adam