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One of the most important pre-purchase inspection items to attend to with the BW21 "ribside" is to tap the bottom area below the waterline, to determine if there is separation. Use a small ball-peen hammer; when tapping, listen for hollow sound. Separation is defined as foam losing its bond to the interior fiberglass. The area of the hull most prone to separation on the BW21 is left and/or right side of the keel, approximately 18-36 inches forward from transom.

I have inspected three BW21 ribsides in the last 12 months and found varying degrees of separation in the noted areas.

If you find separation of the hull, it will need to be repaired.

If you operate a ribside that has separation on the bottom, the integrity of the hull can diminish over time, especially if you operate the boat at high speeds with a large horsepower outboard motor.