Flat Spot on Hull

[mathislaw1]

I am in the process of purchasing a used 1993 Sailboat. During the Survey yesterday I noticed a flat spot on the outside hull where the galley is. The surveyor did not act too concerned about this, in fact he told me the boat was in the best condition of any boat he had seen at that age. The surveyor came highly recommended and is fully accredited with 40 years of experience. I've read however in Sailboat maintenace manuals that flats spots are a sign of trouble.

Should I be concerned?

Thanks for the Input.

[sailingdog]

Does the flat spot correspond to some furniture or fitting in the galley area? If so, then the flat spot is probably going to be a point of failure for the laminate, as it will cause a hard spot or edge in the laminate, and be much more prone to fatigue there. Also, have you looked at sisterships to the one you are looking at? If so, did they have a flat spot in the same location? If they didn't then it is more likely a problem...if all of them have a flat spot there, it may have been a defect in the mold the boat was built using.

[equitiman]

It might also indicate a poor repair job of some sort.

[brianbourgeois]

it is common to get a flat spot or slight indent from the cradle pad during storage. some times they come out once the boat is off the craddle !

[cardiacpaul]

it would help if you told us a bit more... like mfr, model, how did you get the surveyor?

[brak]

It may be common but it sure ain't a sign of a good hull. This is akin to oilcanning and it signifies a hull that is too light, not properly reinforced or otherwise losing strength.

Originally Posted by brianbourgeois

it is common to get a flat spot or slight indent from the cradle pad during storage. some times they come out once the boat is off the craddle !

[mathislaw1]

The Boat is a 1993 Beneteau Oceanis 33 feet in Length.

I didn't mention in my earlier post that when the surveyor tapped with his leather hammer that the flat spot flexed about 1/2 inch.

He did tell me that it could be caused by the storage cradle.

I'm having a Fiberglass person come in to look at it to see if their is any delamination.

Thanks for your help

[sailortjk1]

Be nice G, We all can't afford one offs. Some of us have to go with production boats.

[Giulietta]

Sorry S.

You are absolutely right. I deleted it. Will not do it again!!! I have a good heart, honestely!! Its not the boat, is the Country!!

[sailortjk1]

Hey, you didn't have to delete it. I'm not that sensative. I can take it.