EM Huzar 30

[Chawks]

Evening All

Would anyone here have a rough idea of the cost involved with replacing a bent keel on a Em Huzar 30? Structurally the boat is sound but the keel has a slight bend half way down it....I'm in the marine industry so handy on the tools but motor boats predominantly.

 

[Chawks]

Evening All

Would anyone here have a rough idea of the cost involved with replacing a bent keel on a Em Huzar 30? Structurally the boat is sound but the keel has a slight bend half way down it....I'm in the marine industry so handy on the tools but motor boats predominantly.

Don't worry it's called Prospero and I found info on here about it......one to avoid!

 

[RunAgroundHard]

Same boat.

There was a Huzar discussed on here a long time ago with laminate issues likely caused at build. The owner was not happy to say the least.

 

[Tranona]

Same boat I think, hence post#2

 

[AntarcticPilot]

While I understand the reluctance to take on a boat with "history", my understanding was that in that case the boat was eventually made good - effectively by almost rebuilding the hull. It's possible that she now represents a good bargain - the history keeping the price down and the repair making her as good as a properly constructed boat.

 

[Tranona]

While I understand the reluctance to take on a boat with "history", my understanding was that in that case the boat was eventually made good - effectively by almost rebuilding the hull. It's possible that she now represents a good bargain - the history keeping the price down and the repair making her as good as a properly constructed boat.

Not if you view the video. Nothing to do with the layup of the hull nor the repairs. The keel is composite - steel framework in a lead casting. The boat has been grounded heavily and the frame inside the lead keel has bent to the point that the outer lead skin has burst and you can see the framework inside.

The owner is being honest. Not a trivial job, but somebody with the knowledge and facilities to cast a new keel could turn it into a decent boat.

 

[AntarcticPilot]

Not if you view the video. Nothing to do with the layup of the hull nor the repairs. The keel is composite - steel framework in a lead casting. The boat has been grounded heavily and the frame inside the lead keel has bent to the point that the outer lead skin has burst and you can see the framework inside.

The owner is being honest. Not a trivial job, but somebody with the knowledge and facilities to cast a new keel could turn it into a decent boat.

Sorry - I was not commenting on the present difficulty with the keel, which you (as usual) clarify very well. I was making the more general point that a boat with "history" but which has subsequently been made good might be a good deal because the previous history deters potential buyers!

 

[Concerto]

I am surprised that she is still called Prospero with all her past history. I remember reading about the delamination of the hull and the problem the original owner had with the agent and builder not accepting any responsibility. The full web articles are no longer available but a cut done one can still be located.

If the hull has not shown any damage from the grounding, then it must have been repaired extremely well. It certainly requires a new keel, but I would upgrade the keel bolt frame as this is not strong enough as it has flexed. In the past I helped build a similar sized boat with a similar type of keel. It would be possible to make a wooden mould to match the original keel shape for a new casting. A new keel frame again is very easy to get made. A firm like Iron Brothers would certainly be able to cast a new keel. Personally I feel it would be possible for this to be done for under £10000 including yard fees. If someone is brave enough, she could be saved.

 

[bitbaltic]

While I understand the reluctance to take on a boat with "history", my understanding was that in that case the boat was eventually made good - effectively by almost rebuilding the hull. It's possible that she now represents a good bargain - the history keeping the price down and the repair making her as good as a properly constructed boat.

The history (before we found out about the bent keel) would keep the resale price down in proportion to the purchase price though. So whilst it might be a cheap, well-found boat, it’s not a bargain in the sense most people use (ie could be sold for more than you paid). It’s history is too notorious for that and the original owner basically priced that in by exposing his (legitimate) fury with the builders. Banging the keel is his (or some later owners) fault though; even if it wasn’t originally built well enough to withstand a grounding/sub-catastrophic impact (which I can well believe) the builders would only indirectly see that as their fault I reckon.

Whole story is a pity as the class might have been an attractive boat ten years later when the volume builders started making sub-35ft boats for the family market again.