damaged hull /air voids

Question
I have an 08 nitro bass boat and have put a fare share of small area damage to the hull and trailer. Is their a way to identify if some of the damaged areas are the result of air voids? All the damage was caused at idle speed and rubbing stumps. I ask this because the warranty will cover any damage caused by voids and I am being told most of the damaged areas had no void. If there is a simple way to visually tell i would greatly appreciate it.

Answer
Hi Dustin...Thank you for selecting the undersigned to reply to your question.

Air pockets can occur during construction when the laminates are not properly rolled out with a special tool or when fibres are blown in they do not bond to a dry surface.

External impact to a fibreglass hull can cause an void to occur because the flexation may have separated the laminates beneath the gelcoat. The best way to determine voids is to sound out the hull by tapping with a fibreglass hammer, which ought not to damage the surface, or using a moisture meter that detects air pockets containing moisture often caused by osmosis. Best you consult a qualified, reliable marine surveyor to assist with exploring such problems.

Safe Boating
Ron