Riveted metal plate backing through-hulls

[Paulgerm0202]

Hi all, anybody knows about that? Have an offer on a 28te, 2000. It has what seems to be a strange repair where the row of 5 through-hulls sit above the midship starboard waterline. It is a plate (aluminium or stainless?) that was riveted (!), and painted, then through-hulls were re-installed... Is this factory or a "mask" hiding extreme cracking??? Saw evidence of same set-up on at least another 28 te.

Please help!!!! Paul

[DougSea]

Is the plate on both sides? That might be covering a repair.

Or, it could be someone who just didn't like all of those holes in one place, or changed the size of a thru-hull.

Either way, not factory as far as I know. Nor would it be a deal breaker for me so long as the surveyor gave it a good look.

[Paulgerm0202]

Thanks, outside only, not factory for sure, and something i will fix right next time paint is due, which is soon given the flag blue and few scratches already present. We'll pay close attention to moisture around the area...

[DougSea]

Thanks, outside only, not factory for sure, and something i will fix right next time paint is due, which is soon given the flag blue and few scratches already present.

A wet sanding did wonders for Sonny IV's hull...and is a lot cheaper than paint! Paint does seem to have longer term benefits, but if you're updating a "new to you" boat there are probably better ways to spend your first years dollars!

We'll pay close attention to moisture around the area...

That area of the hull should be all glass if I'm remembering correctly. So I'd be looking more at the structure to make sure it appears sound than moisture.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[RobS]

Many of the 28TE's I looked at had gelcoat spider type cracks around those thru hulls. Appears the factory undersized the holes and the fit was too tight. My 2000 has it but it's not terrible. Here's a shot of a 2000 I looked at that had it bad. The hullside is solid glass at that location.

[Paulgerm0202]

Thanks all, the spiderweb in previous pic is possibly what was masked by some creative shop...