Voyager LTD crack...
G'day, I'm wondering if there are any experts out there on Voyager hulls, specifically an LTD Mk3. I have recently noticed a very fine crack where the transom joins the hull, around 50cm long, from the portside corner running down towards the bung. Additionally, on the starboard side, there is a crack passing through one of the chines, again, where the hull pretty much joins the transom. In one very small spot, about an inch long, there is a very small rusty water stain, but a dribble really. She's not shipping any water, though any crack is a worry! There has been a very rough patch-job done at some stage to cover it up, just cloth glassed over the area, looks in the pic like gel-coat bubbling, but it's not.
The transom feels rock solid, there is no flex at all when I reef on the engine, and the cracked area doesn't seem to move at all. I'm guessing the next thing to do would be to drill a spyhole through the floor and try and see what's going on?
I'm about the 4th owner, she's an old boat, and I have no idea whether the stringers have ever been done. I don't know enough about the hulls to know whether the transom would be the original one, but as I said, it seems very robust and solid.
I can't tell whether the transom runs full length of the stern, or whether the hull mould curls around from the sides and the transom is joined at some point. Anyone have any idea? I've done every search I can for info, plans, specs etc, but might be looking in the wrong places, as I can't find much info at all about the Voyager boats history and manufacture. I would be most grateful to hear from anyone with experience of these hulls before I take it for major surgery, even if just to know what I may be up for before I go, to avoid being taken advantage of when a repairer spots me as the clueless new (OLD) boat owner that I am! :)
The crack issue aside, I would be interested to know any of the history about these boats, I knew enough to grab her when I saw her on reputation, and to date, she's been a fantastic craft for me and my growing family, handles most sea conditions beautifully, like a much larger vessel. Any and all info and tips would be very gratefully received! I plan to refurb the vessel over time, new windscreen soon, and other cosmetic stuff, followed by a bit of bling with Port Phillip Bay style snapper racks etc.
Cheers,
Tim
Moking
Posts: 1252
Date Joined: 30/05/12
There is some info on this site in Search,from last year.
And suggestings where to take it to.
My Dad taught me how to Fish-Thanks Dad.(RIP)
Subaquatic
Posts: 515
Date Joined: 23/04/11
Have a Chat to Greg at GT
Have a Chat to Greg at GT Fiberglass. He will come out and give you the skinny.
Walfootrot
Posts: 1386
Date Joined: 23/07/12
1ST pic looks like a repair
1ST pic looks like a repair job was done in the past
More drum lines, kill the bloody sharks!
Cowboy
Posts: 58
Date Joined: 27/02/15
Yes, rough patch only.
Yes, rough patch only. Amateur mistake on my part, looked solid as a rock when I bought the boat, but after a few trips has bulged a bit, must be some give in there somewhere. The pic actually shows more clearly what could be the extent of the rot, better that seeing it with the naked eye, as silly as that sounds...
Paul H
Posts: 2104
Date Joined: 18/01/07
patch job to cover but not
patch job to cover but not fully deal with what is an issue and will eventually become a major one if left. Another patch job will not help at all (not for long anyway)
My bet would be the stringers are shot where they join/butt up to the transom (at the least) - hence the issue showing due to flex of the hull. Transom possibly has some rot as well or this will follow soon.
Don't get to worried but be prepared for being told it needs some work. On the bright side once fixed properly you'll have a boat you can rely on for the next 20 years.
Youtube Channel - FishOnLine Productions
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Cowboy
Posts: 58
Date Joined: 27/02/15
Thanks Paul, I have had a dig
Thanks Paul, I have had a dig around in there today, drilling three holes, 2 in the crack area and 1 about a hand span higher toward the centre of the transom. 2 holes in the crack came out dry, and all glass. The higher hole was nice dry clean timber. So still a mystery. Next step is to grind the old patch off and see what's underneath. It's all a bit odd really. Will call the professionals in before I go too much further, but it's been interesting to start the investigation! Will fix it properly whatever happens, we've fallen in love with the old girl, which will no doubt prove expensive... Got a quote for a new windscreen today, $1500! Jeeeeezuz....
Perry Home
Posts: 434
Date Joined: 07/10/10
Chase a couple of other quotes mate
I had cut tempered tinted glass fitted for less than 500... depends of you need new frame etc but seems a bit exxy to me.
pelagicyachts
Posts: 1301
Date Joined: 23/02/11
looking at the cracks - its
looking at the cracks - its unusual to have a crack so straight especially over a spray rail - I would say the transom has been rebuilt at some point - they have cut out the transom glass and have not faired it in properly when put back together - if this is the case the good news is it should not be as expensive as replacing the transom - but I am only speculating - as you have said I would get it to a glass shop to get a proper opinion.
Cowboy
Posts: 58
Date Joined: 27/02/15
Pelagicyachts for the win!
Pelagicyachts for the win! Had it looked at professionally, and you are spot on. Grinding everything back showed an issue with where the ( now obvious ) replacement transom joined the hull. Currently being ground out, filled, sealed and reglassed and gelcoated. Fingers crossed it will do the job! Thanks all for your input and suggestions.
pelagicyachts
Posts: 1301
Date Joined: 23/02/11
haha - just a lucky guess
haha - just a lucky guess mate - glad to hear its not a major issue
Cowboy
Posts: 58
Date Joined: 27/02/15
I'm bloody glad too! I was
I'm bloody glad too! I was ready, and had the coin, to replace the transom, but will now hope for the best and use the funds to replace the buggered windscreen and get a proper set of clears and rocket launchers for her. Will be a lot of fun to get her into the state I want her as the funds allow. After the windscreen, I'm thinking Snapper Racks, wrapping around from each corner to the stern, and then I will have a think about a livey tank. Huge fun mucking around with good old boats eh... :) Oh, and needs more fuel capacity, only 80l at present...doesn't get me where I want to go! (Not sure of service history of this vessel prior to purchase, so she's booked in with Arthur Page on Wednesday. I took the recommendation from posts on this forum.) Again, thanks to all for your input, this site is a brilliant resource. Will try and contribute more, to assist others when and where possible.
Paul H
Posts: 2104
Date Joined: 18/01/07
Great outcome - I was
Great outcome - I was figuring the transom was likely the original due to the patched holes
Youtube Channel - FishOnLine Productions
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