Outback hull cracks

Sorry if this is a repeat question, but I'm looking at buying a 2005/2006 Outback and have read about the defective hulls that develops cracks at the mirage drive hole. Once they crack, apparently there is not any permanent, effective repair. The seller doesn't think this boat has the problem but I don't want to buy it if there is a potential hull failure in the future. A lot of these hulls were replaced by Hobie. Is there a way to reference the serial number to determine if it's one of the bad hulls? This boat serial# is 26234.
Any advice would be appreciated.

A number were replaced, but to be honest... that was a very small percentage of our production has had this issue. This was exacerbated by the introduction of Turbo Fins and a failure by our plastics supplier. If the boat had standard fins... much less of a possibility.

For repair, there is plastic welding and internal reinforcement / sealing possibilities if it does crack.

Biggest concerns were Outbacks with serial numbers A3753 through F2853

26234 is not a serial number. The number should be CCMX XXXX L XXX

CCM or HCC = Our company ID

X = Model

XXXX = Digital serial number

L = Equals a letter that represents the production month

XXX = Year of manufacture and the model year

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

This should be a sticky at the top of the forum!

My outback cracked in the spot you mentioned. My serial number is F7815. I'm trying to figure out how to repair it. I recently bought the turbo fins. That may have caused it. Kind of a bummer. I really like the turbo fins and I paid a lot for the kayak brand new in 2007 I think.

Do a search of the forums for the topic ... a number of ideas out there already discussed.

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