Hull problems

[torcano]

I had a marine survey on a 2004 Chaparral today. The surveyor tapped out the hull and found some superficial air pockets in the hard chines that he felt was a manufacturer's defect. He thought the hull should be warranted for 5 years ( the boat was made April 2004). He mentioned the need to inject resin into the air pockets or sand the hull down and re-apply resin in the defective areas. Is this a big job? Has anyone experienced any problems like this and do the manufacturers usually repair these things at their cost?
Thanks

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Hull problems

It's not uncommon to have air bubbles just under the gel coat in the chines or strakes, most get repaired before the boat leaves the plant though.

Normally the warranty is for structural issue and air is usually considered cosmetic, they typically will repair them for the original purchaser for a while after they buy it, but four years down the road and for the second or third owner it may be less likely. Don't worry about them unless they break open and when they do they can be fixed easily. It could be a bargaining point though.

 

[torcano]

Re: Hull problems

Thanks. The boat otherwise is in very good condition and I got a very good deal on it. I didn't want to walk away from the deal unless it was a very big repair or it effected the seaworthiness of the boat.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Hull problems

Bargaining point!!!!!!