New H16 Owner Hull/Rudder Attachment Question (pic)

I just bought a 76 H16 (first boat I've owned, very excited) and I have a question about a possible issue the boat might have, any help is appreciated.

Sorry for the huge picture, I don't know how to make it smaller..

There is a small piece of the hull missing (where the cotter pin would go through the top of the hull) Both gudgeons are in good condition and the previous owner said that they have never had a problem with the missing piece. There is a hatch hole installed near the problem area, so I would be able to get inside if necessary.

Also, there are some small cracks near the drain, could this be a problem? They said that the boat never took on any water or anything.



Thanks, Davis

The link for the image is not workable.

The fiberglass at the top is not a structural component of the rudder system and can be cut away, so a crack there is not a problem.

Here is a FAQ on image posting: http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=8574

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Thanks Matt, I think i fixed the image issue. Do you think the cracks near the drain will be an issue?

Must have been some impact, but doesn't look that bad. Worst case... add an inspection hatch in the deck and reinforce with fiberglass from the inside.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)