Internal hull leak questions

[scjerry]

I just saw a 195CC at the Hartford boat show. Loved the concept with the hull construction technique (Roplene, dual-hull, 3-lb. foam, SS stringers, etc) , the general lines of the boat (deep-V, deck layout, etc.). But since I had not really been in the market for a new boat until next year, and not being an impulse buyer, I decided to log on the the Internet and do a little snooping before putting down a deposit.

I see from this forum that there have been problems with water between the hulls.

I also noticed that the gunwhale rod-wells had covers, which I thought was unusual.


So, how prevelant is this problem; do the rod-wells have drains so water doesn't get in between; where's the water coming from; is this problem fixed under warranty, etc.?

Finally, should I expect this problem to be fixed with 2006 models?

Thank for any advice/feedback.

[MolarBoater]

Jerry, as you can tell, not too many of us are running out selling our Triumphs because water got in the hull. Let me put it in perspective.

I had a crack develope in my hull, I still went out in the Gulf fishing 30-40 miles for several days. Came home, drilled the now standard factory installed inner hull drain. I did get water out, probably more than expected cause I was on vacation in Florida and wasn't going to pass up fishing for long weekend with a crack in my hull. (fishing was good too!)

Could you imagine the damage that would had been done to a fiberglass boat and the spoiled Florida vacation plans if that crack wasn't in a Triumph. No big deal, let the inner hull drain and lifetime warranty took care of the crack and they actually supplied the brass inner hull plug. Remember, the inner hull is full of foam and not "space" for water to collect, you are not going to get much water there, if a few cups full. With my crack, I got a few gallons, but that is a damage issue not a normal amount. Even with a few gallons of water in my hull, who would have known. It's a boat and it's going to get wet and all boats will have water in their hull at sometime, this is a drainable area just like the bilge.

Over time, with a non damaged hull, water may or may not ever migrate there thru indirect means, usually screw holes not properly sealed with elastomeric in certain areas and rod holders. Some rod holders have been modified with drain tubes, most just hold water and don't drain anywhere, hence, nothing to the inner hull. Perko makes the rod holders and one of the not so cheap versions have the caps on them, definitely not the "econo" style rod holders and would always suggest caps on them. If anyone ever puts a golf ball down one, you'll wish you could put a locking cover on them!haha
So, more of an issue for us with boats a few years old that did not come standard with the inner hull drain. Very easy to install and cost @$5.
Good luck on your boat shopping, Triumph is a great owner friendly boat, Emery

[scjerry]

Thanks Emery
I spent the morning down at the local dealer, and also communicated with the regional sales manager, both of whom I met Saturday.
Looks like I'm "hooked"

[AstroDiver]

Uh-oh, caught another one! :^)