Hull /bulk head delamination and osmosis problems

[davebanks]

Im currently trying to purchase a 1991 T 380 ser no LUR38037F091.On surveying we found osmosis and a lot of delamination in the hull plus the forward bulheads have delaminated off the hull or cracked the tape .The screws in the head bulkhead have pulled or broken no sign of them being bonded to the hull.Also around the top of the door from the cockpit showes signs of stressAll suggesting there is alot of torsional movementin the hull.
It can all be repaired at a cost, money fixes most things,but if I purchase and repair will this be an ongoing problem due to bad design or could it be due somthing that has happened in the past like being beached or dropped and once repaired will be a permanent fix.The boat looks like its worth the repair.She looks like a real blue water boat. Has anyone had similar experience or knowledge of this problem?
Cheers Dave

[Douglas Fairchild]

Sounds like someone went at high speed into large waves or the boat was not blocked properly while on land. Either way, I would walk away. I would bet there are other signs of the hull twisting such as cracks in hatchway corners etc. If hull has twisted to the point of being damaged like you said I would look for another boat.

[CrazyIslandMoFo]

I agree with Douglas...I did'nt want to be the first to say...It seems there could be other options:iagree:

[davebanks]

Hate to say it guys but advice wasnt really what im looking for. Are your boats having similar bulk head problems or are they all good. Seems from the lack of response no news is good news and this is a rare problem. Im sorry to sound like a know it all and your advice is given in good faith I know. But im trying to establish some facts so i can make an informed decision.Thanks any way

[Esquire]

Dave,
I have a 36 convertible I have owned since new in '99, I can happily report that everything in my hull is doing just was it is supposed to do I have no delamination, cracking, separation s of any kind, I note that there are other late model Luhrs owners that do not seem to be complaining of these problems in their boats, so it would not appear to be a design issue. But, as Douglas noted, something bad happened to this hull, what you see may only be part of the problems, what hidden issues are there? I suppose on the other hand the price is really right and you have a top notch surveyor telling you that is all there is and it can be repaired, then go for it!

[davebanks]

thanks for that .were doing some test grinds next week for further evaluation. if all looks as we expect we'll plane the hull back 3mm then reglass it back to original depth with vinyl ester resin
thanyou so much for the feed back. ill post the result
cheers dave

[davebanks]

Hi guys
after weeks of surveys and negotiation we have a deal and we're about to become the proud owner of a luhrs 38 convertible. The conclusion of our findings is we have some osmosis in awide area and some appear to be quite deep the sounding of delamination we found on doing some sample grinds is air voids in the resin or bubbles We dont know what caused the delamination of bulkhead tapeing to the hull but in light of the heavily built hull in this boat im going to take the chance this can be repaired and the problem will most likely go away. it is probably due to bad prep with the initial lay up
The air voiding and osmosis in the hull is again from what i can understand is probably due to poor lay up.
The solution will be a 3mm planing job of below the water line ,further grinding and repair of any deeper affected areas, drying the hull as the moisture content is quite high in osmosis affected areas then a lay up in humidity controlled atmosphere of three layers of glass and vynel ester resin to water proof the hull and a seven year guarantee for the work carried out
oh i forgot aheap of money also required.After all the work plus some serious tlc i think ill have serious game fishing boat. Im sure i'll have some questions for the forum as the project develops

[chuckm]

Dave,
I assume you got a hell of a deal to go through this much trouble. Looking forward to your progress reports.

good luck

chuck

[davebanks]

Thanks chuck! Weve now taken possesion and in the process of cleaning her up so i can assess what stays and what goes. No need for air con down here and i think ill loose the genset as i like to keep things simple and it takes up a lot of room in the engine room.A deisel heater will replace it for our heating and water heating requirements at one tenth of the weight and less space.then shes off to have the osmosis sorted out.And yea im a sucker for agood project.
Cheers dave

[davebanks]

hi guys
good progress has been made with planing the entire hull below the water line.
osmosis and high moisture levels were found to be confined to two relatively small areas.
mostly the problem was air voids and dry lay up which were quite extensive all now ground out and filled with glass and vynlester or filler on the smaller ones
then 3 layers of glass and vynyl ester layed up with a layer of micro baloons and resin ready for fairing up.When thats completed im having her anti fouled with copper coat.
cheers dave