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Collision with Submerged Pilings

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Martin
Deckhand

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USA
16 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/20/2004 : 14:50:57

A few weeks ago, we motored at cruising speed into what were, most likely submerged pilings. The chart suggests pilings there and I also recall from a canoeing trip at unusually clear water that a scary looking grove of pilings lurked below the surface but within the reach of the paddle (and my trolling motor prop).

At the time of the collision, we felt and heard a resonating impact -- not the type of sound you hear when you bump into a free floating log but a deep, thundering thud that shook the boat and cut conversation mid-word -- and a few moments later, we epxerienced a very similar sound and impact again. At the time of the second impact we were still pushing ahead with no change in throttle or direction, since my friend at the tiller was too mortified to react. After that, there were no more impacts or sounds, either because we passed the obstruction or because by then I made it from below to the cockpit (spilling drinks and scattering pizza) killed the motor and changed the course.

When I checked the boat ('79 swing keel) there was no visible damage or water on the hull from inside. The keel winching felt normal although I only raised it a bit to try if the cable was still attached. I had a boatload of people and did not think raising the keel in those circumstances was a good idea. Our keel normally lives down, we have not had a reason to raise it in a long time.

Likewise, there was no damage to the rudder or motor visible from the cockpit -- I think they did not hit the obstruction at all. Seeing no water seepage or any other sign of trouble even after a few weeks, we did not haul out to examine things below the water line.

What do you think: 1. Is it possible that running into a piling would raise the keel, which would then fall back down as the boat moved past the piling? In other words, is it possible that the second sound was the keel coming down, rather than it hitting the second piling?

W2. hat damage could the boat sustain below the waterline from such an impact (damage that would not have already demonstrated itself visibly through cracks, water in the bilge, etc.)?

Thank you,

Martin

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 11/20/2004 : 15:36:41

Wood or concrete? round or square? what is the bottom, mud?
The swinger would slide off a round obstruction rather than bounce up over it. Did you yaw or roll a little?

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John V.
Admiral

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USA
559 Posts

Response Posted - 11/20/2004 : 19:15:43

If this took place a few weeks ago and you are still afloat you are probably ok. Things to check: 1. was your keel fully extended? was the cable slack? 2. check your gudgeons, make sure they are not bent or mis aligned. Look in the forward port locker for any deformities in the glass in the keel pocket, any dampness or water collecting in the locker. When you come out for the season or when you have a chance to go on the hard check the keel bolts and the cable, cable pin, and swedging. I have banged my keel plenty of times and have not seen any adverse effects. I do however do frequent inspections when cruising, usually I drop over the side with a dive mask and give the works a good looking over.

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 11/20/2004 : 21:05:18

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by John V.
 ...usually I drop over the side with a dive mask and give the works a good looking over.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
In that water, I hope you make it QUICK!

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Greg Jackson
1st Mate

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84 Posts

Response Posted - 11/21/2004 : 00:03:13

Next time you have the boat out of the water, take a look at the hull. If it was any sort of event as you describe, there should be some marks. Get an idea of where they are, then try to find the same place inside the hull. If you can see the hull at that spot, look for ligher color areas in the resin. Any lighter color areas will indicate delamination and glass fibers broken.

You have probably done nothing more than made your hull a bit more flexible. If it's really bad, you can do a repair. If it's not so bad but you want original stiffness, then glass over the top on the inside with about 1/4" to 3/8" depending on the area. If it's a 78 and you're not into rough weather sailing, just ignor it unless the area actually seems wet.

Greg

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John V.
Admiral

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USA
559 Posts

Response Posted - 11/21/2004 : 09:45:15

No Dave, definately not in Lake Superior. Man was it cold. My crew Jake took a swim in McCargo Cove where the temp was 49 degrees, but vowed never to do it again. Later in the summer when we were back at Neebish, I did inspect the keel, the water was about 65 degrees, almost bearable. I usually go down and give the cable tackle a good look, make sure the pin looks good and that there is no fraying.

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Bill Holcomb
Admiral

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USA
769 Posts

Response Posted - 11/21/2004 : 10:49:25

Hi Martin,

For peace of mind, you might want to pull your boat and check out the pivot pin castings to make sure that they're still held in place firmly. Each of the two castings is only held on by two 5/8" bolts. Two impacts like you describe could have had an affect on the bolts and castings, but not show any leaking inside the boat.

Bill Holcomb - C25 Snickerdoodle #4839

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Lightnup
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1016 Posts

Response Posted - 11/22/2004 : 00:44:56

I feel for you Martin...on my very first ICW cruise after moving our powerboat to Florida I hit a submerged piling (you're right, they don't budge like manatees or swimmers do

) and did $7,000 damage to my starboard shaft, shaft strut, prop, V-drive, trans, rudder box, etc. Argghh!

IMHO, the fact that you're still worrying about it several weeks after the incident gives credence to the suggestions here that you should haul it and have it inspected if only for your own peace of mind.

Steve

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Mark Loyacano
Navigator

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USA
247 Posts

Response Posted - 11/22/2004 : 08:42:02

Your hull could be absorbing water into the mat and woven fiberglass eventually causing very expensive delamination problems. Go for a "peek" now and take care of proper repairs as necessary.

Last Spring I made an offer on a larger boat that needed a bottom "peel" at $185.00 per foot because it wicked in moisture for too many years (through cracks in the gelcoat). It needed a whole new bottom. After adding up all the heavy duty repairs needed dollars and considering the doubts about repairs being permanent .. I had to pass on the deal.

Odd as it may seem, fiberglass and water are not exactly compatable materials. Damaged fiberglass IN water will produce a case study proving this point.

Bill Holcomb's advice is well stated, too. If you loose your swing keel while sailing (It happened to Val B., aka tinob, years ago) you risk yours and your family's safety.

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