2018 Ranger RT198p
Charcoal Metallic
Etec 150HP G2 HO
24p Raker Stainless prop
82# MotorGuide Tour Pro TM
Fishes as good as anything out there, with the TM down...
2014 Ranger RT188
Mercury Fourstroke
I had issues with a tin boat many years ago and tend to think this would be the way I would go. I had some cracking and reinforced the areas with heavier aluminum. It continued to crack where the heavy aluminum attached to the thin aluminum. I had to go side to side and weld it to the rub rail for it to hold. Getting someone to grind it out, well past the current split and welding it back up should not cost too much. If it cracked again i'd fix it and sell it. Don't think I would over do the "fix" with too much fabrication or additional welding if you even think you want to sell it down the road.
Not sure how same area on bow edge of my polar kraft shows no weld, but it doesn't.
Having had three aluminum boats break up under me going back thirty years or so (and these were powered 25-40 hp), I can say that, eventually, a thin aluminum hull will fail. Combine that experience with the high horsepower ratings we see today, that eventuality becomes a certainty. It is just a matter of time. Don't shoot the messenger.
I've owned 6 aluminum boats,....
1983 Bass tracker II bought new, owned 10 years
1992 Alumacraft Phantom V17 bough new, owned 5 years
1998 Grumman 1754B, bought used, owned 10 years
2003 Xpress H51, bought used, owned 4 years
2012 Alumacraft Competitor 175, bought new, owned 5 years
and my current boat, 2017 Polar kraft 195
AND I NEVER HAD A CRACK IN ANY PART OF ANY HULL WHAT SO EVER...??? and that's fishing lake Erie in them!!!
I think he hit something..
2013 Pre-Johnny Ranger RT 178
115 PRO XS
Due to the increase of ammunition prices... There will be no warning shots
Honda certified Master technician 33 Years
2018 Ranger RT198p
Charcoal Metallic
Etec 150HP G2 HO
24p Raker Stainless prop
82# MotorGuide Tour Pro TM
Fishes as good as anything out there, with the TM down...
Ive owned two welded aluminum boats. One Triton and the other G3. The Triton cracked in the bow (same spot as OP) and transom. The G3 did not have any cracks and was much better built/reinforced.
2014 Ranger RT188
Mercury Fourstroke
2014 Ranger RT188
Mercury Fourstroke
I have had my tin for over 18 years. I have never experienced a crack or rivet issue in all this time.
2019 Vexus 1880 w/ Mercury Pro-XS 115 4-stroke, MK 80lb Fortex, Twin Helix 7 Birds, Pro II PowerPole. AEguideservice.com
UPDATE on my Ranger with pics... My welder did a great job on the crack. He fabricated an angled piece of marine grade aluminum to bridge the gap of the crack and welded it on to reinforce the area. This was pre-approved by Ranger. Once he got it in the shop - it took him half a day to complete with all the prep, fabricating, welding and final primer. Really good job - very impressed with the final product.... Just need to get some factory paint from Ranger and it'll be literally better than new!
2014 Ranger RT188
Mercury Fourstroke
Final update from Ranger on any kind of financial assistance on the welding to be determined.... Bill came out to around $700
2014 Ranger RT188
Mercury Fourstroke
2018 Ranger RT198p
Charcoal Metallic
Etec 150HP G2 HO
24p Raker Stainless prop
82# MotorGuide Tour Pro TM
Fishes as good as anything out there, with the TM down...
You said "better than new" and I agree. That type of reinforcement should eliminate the problem completely.
"The man of system is apt to be very wise in his own conceit; and is often so enamored with the supposed beauty of his own ideal plan of government that he cannot suffer the smallest deviation from any part of it…He seems to imagine that he can arrange the different members of a great society with as much ease as the hand arranges the different pieces upon a chessboard.” Adam Smith, The Theory of Moral Sentiments
This should be the standard design to begin with. Your welder did a great job. Maybe this would give ranger some ideas. Too costly perhaps.
Very nice repair. Definitely got someone that knows what they were doing. Shouldnt see any more issues.
Roy
2020 Triton 18 Trx
Mercury 200 Pro XS V8
Bravo FS 24P Prop
Atlas 6” jp
Dual Humminbird Helix 10 MEGA SI
Minnkota Ultrex.
I’d be happy with that repair! That’s a talented welder. Most people have NO idea how hard it is to weld aluminum, or weld anything with any structural integrity. I know I lack the talent, but I’m smart enough to recognize a nice bead
2006 Triton SP-185, 2006 Evinrude Etec 90, PowerTech NRS3, Garmin Echomap Plus 73CV & 93SV