Construction issue resulting in delamination on 2015 Ranger

[epohl]

Andrew -

The good news is that I didn't need a new thru-hull. It is in fine shape.

The bad news is that the thru-hull/strainer was installed off center (shown by the picture) and with very little sealant per the mechanic that removed it. I now have several feet of wet hull core and a de-laminating hull. From the picture you can see that the water is clearly coming out of the side that has poor clearance.

I am now faced with some very serious fiberglass work since a moisture meter reveals that there is heavy invasion of water extending at least 2 feet forward and aft ... maybe more, but the curvature in the hull makes it impossible for the meter to get a reading. I am trying to determine how bad and where else the water damage is, but without knowing how the hull and liner fit together, do I have to rip up the whole hull?

Hopefully the factory can provide some guidance on the construction specifically, where the hull meets the liner to determine the likely areas of water damage to help with the upcoming extensive fiberglass work.

See water coming from upper left in a continuous stream

See how the thru hull was mounted off center in an oversized hole
- water stream above is coming from where their is too much margin

Here you can see the resulting de-lamination

I look forward to Rangers Tugs support.
- Eric

 

[bob daily]

Mr Eric, after looking at the pictures I was just wondering if you know the material that was used for the core and the procedure for drying and rebounding the hull, also the thickness of the hull in that area. Good luck on the fix and God speed on getting back on the water! Bob

 

[epohl]

Thanks Bob -
I am trying to get information like that from Ranger Tugs. Their construction is unlike that of a sailboat hull. They create the outer hull them apply the foam adhesive somehow, and then lay in the inner liner. As you know the liner is a complex shape again unlike an old sailboat hull. The inner hull liner adds structural support to the overall hull. So it is critical for the foam to be holding the 2 pieces together.

It looks like it has been leaking a long time. I expect Ranger Tugs will get me and my fiberglass guy information we need shortly.

Can't wait to get this in the water.
Eric

 

[Andrew Custis]

Hello Eric,

Thanks for posting on here in addition to the emails we have sent back and forth. As I suggested, we need the fiberglass expert to decide on how to fix this since it isn’t right in front of us to see. From the emails, you were looking at purchasing this used vessel and you were working with the surveyor that noted the thru hull leaking and were looking for suggestions on how to reseal and make sure it was fixed properly prior to you taking possession. The stringer is all fiberglass and the majority of the hull is as well except for that area. It’s a little different than what we build today and the plant manager is a different person so he can’t speak to what the exact way it was done prior to his time. I believe that core material was only around that thru hull for compression strength. I would rely on the ones doing the work as well as the surveyor you used to suggest the remainder of the repair. Personally, I don’t worry about a foam core or even a little wood core around those areas. Let it dry out and make sure it’s salvageable and repair it per the process we already sent you.

Thank you,