2011 Hull Separation - need help - pictures included

[ryguy1188]

I have a used 2011 Axis A20 that I'm having some hull separation issues. I'm currently waiting to see if Malibu will honor warranty, however I'm trying to look at my options.

Basically, the chemical bond on the hull-deck joint is failing causing the separation. I believe the separation caused added stress to the upper outward flange, causing the fiberglass to stress and break as there is no damage to the rub rail. I noticed this because I would get wet carpet in the storage area which appeared to come from the rub rail. So I removed the rub rail to find there is separation throughout the boat. The worst part is on the port side between the tower and windshield where the fiberglass is broken (Picture 1 through 4). It also has the longest part of separation which is about 5' long. Other sections range from 1' to a couple inches long (Picture 5 & 6). I also noticed the same kind of stress cracks (not broken yet) in exact same location, but on the starboard side. (not pictured)

So my question is, does anyone have any experience with this? What was done to repair it? Any recommendations for reinforcing the inside with epoxy resin and fiberglass? I've heard of people using 3M 5200 to reseal the joint, but I'm not sure what can be done to strengthen the broken fiberglass section besides clamping and laying more fiberglass on the inside.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Picture 1)  https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_N1NDDB5bAvMFY1cjJBVldhbEk/view?usp=sharing 

Picture 2) https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_N1NDDB5bAvYWVVNkJXcldyZEE/view?usp=sharing

Picture 3) https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_N1NDDB5bAvNEx1bkZ6ekhURm8/view?usp=sharing

Picture 4) https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_N1NDDB5bAvSmwyOG1jQk90WU0/view?usp=sharing

Picture 5) https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_N1NDDB5bAvcUQwenNuUEh6V2M/view?usp=sharing

Picture 6) https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_N1NDDB5bAvVTBZUzQ1MElWR1k/view?usp=sharing

[boardjnky4]

Anyplace where there is still fiberglass, you can easily hit it with 5200, clamp it and rivet it. that'll get it good as new. For the parts that are broken, that's a more difficult situation.

It would be a good start to get in contact with your local dealer to inquire about any hull warranty that might apply to you.

In parallel, I would get in contact with a good fiberglass repair shop. Ask your dealer for contact information. I'm guessing they can repair that and probably would end up costing a few thousand.

Edited August 7, 2017 by boardjnky4

[UWSkier]

Holy crap!  Not sure I've ever seen a separation that bad on a boat that young.  Wonder if there was a problem with the bonding agent that day.  The hull warranty has certain transferability restrictions.  Are you the second or third owner?

Edited August 7, 2017 by UWSkier

[Bill_AirJunky]

I saw one boat that had the separation problem, but it was only on one rear corner. We used Malibu's recommended adhesive to glue it back together..... the chemical bond you mentioned. Then never had a problem after that.

Another one I've seen was where the stringer & hull came apart, causing all kinds of issues with vibration & weird noises.

Both boats we suspected were heavily overloaded with weight &/or driven hard in rough water, causing the problems. The first one was 3 yrs old & Malibu honored the warranty... I suspect partially because it was caught early & a fairly easy repair. The second one was like 6 or 7 yrs old & had a hack job repair done on it before we ever saw it. I don't believe Malibu ever honored a warranty repair on it.

[matt75]

 You might want to post this in another Axis forum  for more help. 

http://axiswakeboardboats.com/

[PierceandCohensDad]

I have a 2011 A22 and mine did the same thing, I ended up filing an insurance claim and almost the whole boat was re gel coated it was a nightmare, we pretty much lost a season on our boat and the cost were insane.

[COOP]

Axis hull warranty for that year was only to the original owner, it was not transferable.

[Eagleboy99]

Ouch!  I know one guy who had similar, but much smaller area problems.  He was close tot he factory and they simply reglued it with http://itwplexus.co.uk/key-markets/marine-adhesives/  Not sure if they still use that stuff.  I was never a fan of the construction method.

[RedWakesetterVLX]

On 9/24/2018 at 10:05 AM, COOP said:

Axis hull warranty for that year was only to the original owner, it was not transferable.

That’s ridiculous. 

[Eagleboy99]

12 minutes ago, Cazan said:

That’s ridiculous. 

Yup - page 83:  https://www.bakesonline.com/images/MediaLibrary/Axis_2011manual.pdf