Hull Delamination?

[HogansJet]

I have my '02 Utiopia blocked up to do some work and was underneath today, waxing the hull. I came across a section between the keel and the side, about the center of the boat, port side, where the gelcoat appears to flex in about a 1/4". When I push it in, I can clearly hear a squishy, water sound. The section that is affected is about 1 foot high by 2 feet long. No cracking or blistering of gelcoat that I can see. I suppose water could have gotten in from the top by rain....it has not been covered for a while. But the compartments drain to the bilge, which has been pumping out regularly whatever doesn't go out the drain plugs. I have heard the cores on these boats are foam, not wood. Is that true? Does anyone know if the stringers are plywood? I wonder if a catastrophic failure is possible if I do nothing. I wonder if this could have been a production error where a void was left by accident. Cutting the boat apart at this time is not financially possible. Thanks.

Mike

 

[sporsterjoel]

This is a common thing on the rxp/t and the rxt-x has problems with blowing out the tunnel for the pump. This will be the first boat ive heard of with a delam problem. any pics?

ill find some pick and post them.

rxt that delamed

 

[timmyboy76]

you the original owner?

 

[HogansJet]

Joel,

Thx for the response...but a pic would be worthless since it looks fine. It's only apparent when you press up with your hand on that hull section. Trying to determine if it's the gelcoat pulling away from the first layer of mat, or gelcoat/mat layer pulling away from the next layer. I may just drive it for the summer and deal with it in the winter.

Timmy,

I'm the second owner and the boat was on the trailer for most of its life with about 40 hours on the engine. No repairs are apparent and I didn't notice this last summer.

I am going to pull all the compartments up under the seats to see how the drain lines run. The water got in there somehow and there's been lots of rain in the boat.

Can anyone confirm that there is no wood in this hull? Thanks.

Mike