I have a Fundeck 196. I was towing it with my RV when I had an accident.

richard3529

The boat came forward on the trailer and rode up on the wench mounting post. I had a spare tire mounted on the post that the boat ended up sitting on. Is there any way to test to see if the bow has internal damage?

Ernest_T

If there are no cracks, deep gouges, etc., you are probably OK.  Generally with fiberglass there will not be hidden damage.  Typically the worst damage will be at the point of impact, and less damage the deeper you go.   

Also, I'd note that if your boat was able to ride over the wench then you probably had it connected improperly at the bow.  The only way that I can think of that this would happen without breaking the winch strap or snapping the hook or bow cleat, would be that you had the winch strap over the bow stop instead of under it.  You might also want to consider adding a safety chain to the bow cleat for added protection to prevent the boat from coming forward.

richard3529

Thanks for the quick reply. That is what I needed to know. The wench strap and safety chain were connected to the boat under the bow stop roller. I didn't have a chance to inspect at the scene but the tow company told me the wench bracket had either bent or was broken. I would think bent since the safety chain did catch. My trailer is about a foot or so shorter than the boat when loaded and the dealer told me connecting the back to the trailer was not needed. I will have a chance to inspect the boat Monday or Tuesday and know more. Thanks again.