Need help…boat damaged…

[tb3364]

Don’t think the video worked…going to attach one still shot…

the video gives a better perspective, but clearly you can see the boat was swamped. This happened overnight while on a vacation.

Now imagine all compartments full or gear…you come down to the dock and you just see your boat raising up and dropping back down to the bottom with each incoming wave. I jumped in the boat and grabbed my gear from the flooded compartments and threw it up on the dock…

This boat is over 20 years old…it’s actually a 1999 BassCat Pantera Classic. It was my baby…I washed it down every time I pulled it from the water, and I don’t mean after I got home…I wiped it down at the ramp always. This boat has always looked new until this incident happened.

I am now trying to figure out how to get it fixed. First, I need to find a fiberglass repair shop even to understand if I can get it fixed. I am guessing price tag is going to be too high for this working stiff. So in addition to Fiberglass repair shops in Massachusetts…are there any kind of inexpensive solutions I can try? I am desperate to find a way to get this back on the water.

BTW – I spent a month just cleaning it out. ALL compartments were flooded and full of seaweed. It has been powerwashed, steam cleaned, and a basic bath and rub down. I brought it back out on the water to test and that was when I found the hull damage which leaks and the boat fills with water.

I am not a mechanic…I am willing to try things, but generally speaking I have always had a professional perform maintenance. I just am petrified cost to repair this one is going to be beyond my means.

Before anyone says insurance…I was unable to afford the insurance this year…so I am on my own.

Suggestions are welcome.

[Bass Cat Boats]

While the video shows an absolute sickness as a boat owner, it is impressive for a 20 year old boat to have the level flotation functioning.

We would start working out the details and if the engine is still good, then you probably can continue to bring it back to life. We wouldn’t think the hull damage would be too significant unless it drug on rocks or a ramp loading.

[glen11]

Although this is a tragic moment for a boat owner, it is good to see the floatation working. I know that there are coast guard rules on floatation, but it would be nice to hear more about the floatation protection that a BassCat provides.

 

[Dwayne]

Once you get the hull dried out and cleaned I bet you will be surprised to see that everything will be in good shape.

The fuel system will need cleaning out to ensure no water contamination exists.

The motor will be a bit of work.  The fuel system will have to be purged. The block will have to be filled with water remover.

If all goes well you should be back out there in two weeks or less.

Keep us updated please

[Bass Cat Boats]

The foam chambers are well documented going back to 1975 on Bass Cat models. All foam is encapsulated inside chambers and no buoyancy foam is “shot” inside hull walls open to absorption. Foam not encapsulated will absorb moisture and will not support the boat over time.

This is why sealing foam chambers is so important as obviously this boat is in reasonable shape for 21-22 years. Our largest notation is the bow drop, which indicates the front has limited compromised foam. The front buoyancy should be higher and there is some reason it’s floating a little lower.

PLEASE always seal every screw hole well.

BCB

[tb3364]

Quick update – I found a fiberglass shop…he inspected the boat and did in fact find a crack in the hull. He said it’s not too bad, but would be around $2500 to fix the crack and cosmetics on the bottom. He could also fix the rub rail which essentially was worn through where the boat was slamming into dock.

Yes I did have fender protectors tied…because of the waves…the boat essentially was being lifted and dropped on the bottom of the lake(rocks).

Yes I already had the entire gas tank pumped I filled it just before tying it up to the dock($7 per gallon to pump out). Oil tank drained and refilled, engine fired up…probably need a new water pump, but engine ok…

Just the hull damage at this point. Boat unusable until I can find a way to fix hull.

[tb3364]

Can I ask a question…it was mentioned about built in flotation. IF every compartment in the boat is filled with water and you have hundreds of pounds of equipment(tackle, anchors, etc…) would the boat still stay afloat?  I found out after the fact there were some “public” moorings…my concern was the boat with all the extra weight would have gone under.

I’m just curious as to the tipping point.

[Anonymous]

Man, that’s rough. I had something similar happen with my old boat took on water, and I wasn’t insured either. What helped me a lot was getting boat damage consulting services from Kiki Marine Surveyor. They don’t do repairs, but they gave me an honest breakdown of the damage and what was actually worth fixing. Saved me from spending way more than I needed to. Might be worth looking into if you’re feeling stuck.

[Author]

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