Used Boat: Questions on Skeg and Hull

[madhatter160]

I am looking at buying a 1996 Four Winns 205 Sundowner with a Volvo 5.0L engine in it. Overall the boat is in good shape. I have two questions to ask, though, after looking the boat over tonight.

The first was that the skeg (I think - it's the fin below the propeller on the lower unit) is slightly bent. It's not very far out of center, but it is noticible. Is this something to be concerned about? Is it easy to fix?

The second thing I noticed was on the bow, just above the eye where you'd attach the trailer winch hook, the hull is worn down. I'm no expert on how fiberglass hulls are made, so I'll describe it the best I can. The hull is white, and the white part is completely worn through to the actual fiberglass. There is maybe a 1/4" or 1/2" of fiberglass showing. It is also worn (but not nearly as bad) along a good portion of the keel from the bow to amidships. Is this something to be concerned about? Should it be fixed and, if so, it is an expensive process?

Thanks!!

 

[QC]

Re: Used Boat: Questions on Skeg and Hull

Welcome aboard!! The Skeg (correct term) is repairable, but should be left to a shop. They are Aluminum and bending often leads to breaks. Not a big deal, and should not be too expensive. You coudl try running it too, but it should be made right . . . I might be concerned about more damage to the drive as the bend is indicative of "strike" damage and could extend to the prop and propshaft too.

Glass damage near the bow eye is pretty common. It should be repaired, and is a pretty simple job with a Gelcoat repair kit which you can get here, or Marine Tex or even a shower repair kit from Lowes or Home depot can work. Make sure the bow eye itself is still secure and you should be able to find the backing plate and nuts in the anchor locker.

Same for the bottom which is also common and evidence of the boat being beached. This is usually on purpose and is not inherently bad if done properly. My bottom is torn up pretty good right now as I beach often . . .

 

[madhatter160]

Re: Used Boat: Questions on Skeg and Hull

Welcome aboard!! The Skeg (correct term) is repairable, but should be left to a shop. They are Aluminum and bending often leads to breaks. Not a big deal, and should not be too expensive. You coudl try running it too, but it should be made right . . . I might be concerned about more damage to the drive as the bend is indicative of "strike" damage and could extend to the prop and propshaft too.

Glass damage near the bow eye is pretty common. It should be repaired, and is a pretty simple job with a Gelcoat repair kit which you can get here, or Marine Tex or even a shower repair kit from Lowes or Home depot can work. Make sure the bow eye itself is still secure and you should be able to find the backing plate and nuts in the anchor locker.

Same for the bottom which is also common and evidence of the boat being beached. This is usually on purpose and is not inherently bad if done properly. My bottom is torn up pretty good right now as I beach often . . .

Thanks for the reply!! Indeed, the owner admitted to hitting a sandbar at a local lake. The prop was bent up pretty bad, too, but he's got a replacement on order. Agreed that there might be additional damage to the drive that is not outwardly visible. I am taking another look at the boat today and will verify that the bow eye is secure. At any rate, we plan on having the boat professionally inspected before we purchase it.

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Used Boat: Questions on Skeg and Hull

Along with the inspection I would want to sea test the boat with the NEW prop, run it hard at all speeds, turns, full throttle take offs etc. Should be nice and smooth in all phases. The skeg is not a big deal and shouldn't affect performance, they can be bent back but it is tricky to do. The keel rash is common and something you could probably fix yourself, know that it wont match perfectly but at least it will be repaired. Marine tex is a very good,easy to use product and would fit the repair bill well for that. Good luck with your boating future....