Holes in a steel hull...what to do?

the pix don't paint a happy picture. Whilst ashore the hul needs a good hammering, everywhere. Agree with those who say a cut-out and weld is the correct fix.

But if bits of the hull are giving way like that - just how utterly fab is the rest? Not very? I understand the engineer suggesting a new hull. Sorry, but safetywise it's the ultimate right choicem everything else a bit hope and prayish. With a new grp hull would most grp boat be better off? Probly not. With a new steel hull - this would be? I'd say yes, very definitely from those pix.
 
A quick and cheap method of repair to this type of boat which coul;d be carried out by any competent boat yard dealing in steel will be to build a complete outer shell for the hull up to the water line.The boat is then dropped into the new hull and welded.No need to patch up individual holes and then worry if you have missed any thin bits.Added weight not worth worrying about and may even be cheaper than patching up.You may need to go to a commercial yard for this sort of work as it is being done all the time by them and will be regarded as just a run of the mill job as far as they are concerned.
Been done at a local yard on several small commercial boats it is a fast and very economical method of getting you back in the water.If done correctly it is almost impossible to spot the work has been done.
 
Ermmm chaps, I think that yourselves might be unduly pessimisstic...... from reports received, the Owners have carried out a new survey in Ireland by a different surveyor who assured them that the 3 holes were the only areas of wastage - every where else tested was a minimum of 3.7 mm, down from an original of 4 mm.

OK, this is the absolute minimum scantlings from a corrosion point of view, and 6 mm bottom plate would probably have been 'better', but then the vessel would have been that much heavier.... swings and roundabouts again for a vessel which is obviously not a full displacement craft!

I am sure that the Owners will, in addition to the additional ultrasound readings, seek re-assurance themselves with a stout hammer as to the condition of the rest of the hull, at least below the waterline (I would be reluctant to start bashing those immaculate topsides).

It should (I hope) be possible to identify the cause of the locally accelerated corrosion which caused the three holes to form - they are under the engines - and then once satisfactory repairs have been carried out (by cropping out the areas of wasted plate, and letting in new 4 mm plates), and the new plates properly painted, it will be a good idea to inspect the hull shell under the engines occasionally, and ensure that it is kept as clean and dry as possible.
 
Looks to me like it's localised where there is a water trap that hasn't been properly coated on the inside rather than the whole hull corroding.

It's amazing how fast rust can take hold in the engine rooms of these boats if they're not properly protected.

This picture is from my Bruce Roberts Euro 16 (updated Waverunner) after 2 years on the water. Needless to say it's all been cleaned out and painted with 3 coats of Jenoseel.

It does show how localised water traps exist though.

I'd also want to have the electrical system checked out. If it's faulty it can accelerate corrosion a 100 times over.
DSCN0684.jpg
 
Thank you to everyone for all your advice...this is the first time I've used this forum and it's great! I'm not sure how easy it will be to have this work done in Ireland. Anyone think our original surveyor should be concerned?
 
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