slight flexing side

[hl]

After months of working with a bass boat, I decided that the time and money was something I do not care to take on again. I was looking to buy another boat for a great price. From my last project I found that a good price could be a sign of problems. The floor(deck), the transom, and the bottom of the hull seems to be solid. No cracks not even a scratch on the hull (outside of needing a good polishing). Standing next to the boat I pushed in on the side and saw there was a slight flex in the hull. I never noticed it on any other boats I have had. Is normal or is it a sign of problems?

 

[ondarvr]

Re: slight flexing side

Having some flex in the side of a hull can be common, large semi flat panels of F/G flex easily. Some boat builders use several methods to reduce it, others don't, but it's not so much a strength issue as it is a perception issue. Panels that flex appear weak, stiff panels appear strong, but that doesn't mean they are.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: slight flexing side

I'd bet that someone that didn't know what they were doing removed the floatation foam in that boat because it was wet and didn't replace it. Floatation foam adds support for the decks and hull in a lot of fiberglass boats and is one of the main things that makes them feel solid.

 

[hl]

Re: slight flexing side

Is the boat safe without turning it into another project?

 

[jigngrub]

Re: slight flexing side

Is the boat safe without turning it into another project?

You wouldn't catch me in it for any price.

People don't sell good boats cheap, especially at this time of year... they sell money pits cheap.

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: slight flexing side

If you are pushing above the floor line on a bass boat then thats normall as theres no surport above the floor line. The only re-inforced place will be at the back where extra floatation was added to surport the motor if the boat was to sink. Under the floor line there should be no real flex as the foam will act as a surport. Best place to test a bassboat would be to ask to remove a floor drain cover (3 screws) then put your hand in the hole and touch the underside of the floor as this is where the water will have got in to the floor and is a good sign on the condition of the floor. You have not given the name or year of the boat, if its a late 2000 it might not even contain wood.

p.s if its a 80's or 90's boat then all bets are off as they were never designed to last that long

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: slight flexing side

Regardless of what others have stated, without pics and more specific information like the MFG of the boat, the Age of the boat, the style of the boat etc. it is impossible for anyone to give you the type of information you are seeking. Only general information can be given and NOT specifics.

 

[hl]

Re: slight flexing side

Went back to do some more checks on the boat and it was already sold. Probably for the best. Just thought it would be better on gas than my ranger.