Detecting Bulkhead/Stringer issues by a Vertical Line Paint "Reflection" of Hull?

[Boca Vice]

I'm looking at purchasing this older boat - its from the 80's its a Magnum from Don A.
When looking Down the port side from bow you can see a vertical line from where the paint is "Bending" or has "Reflected".
Has anyone any experience in this - know if this is from a Structural Issues within the hull or just a bad paint job?
Boat is a 27' - please open pics to FULL SIZE and you will see the "wrinkle" in paint from the air vent downward.
Thanks
Dave

[XstreamVking]

There might be a bulkhead touching the hull at that point causing the bulging line you see going going from rub rail to chine. Look inside and see if there is one there. Not uncommon on older boats to have that kind of line. 2nd possibility is a repair, but I would bet it's the bulkhead printing thru. How about the other side in the same place? Any lines there?

[Boca Vice]

Thx for the feedback - no, no other lines on the starboard side - just that single line on the port side in the pic -
haven't been inside her - but will shortly when i craft an offer pending any issues...
thx again.
Dave

[RobF]

thats nothing drop by any new boat dealer and check out the hullsides

[native2]

Its called a "hard spot" It is common on older performance boats. It is where a bulkhead is. Modern hulls usually have cored hull sides which prevents hard spots. I would worry about it.

[Fast Shafts]

Just curious if you bought the boat? I saw this boat about a month ago when visiting Stuart. What speed are they getting with this set up?

[Noah Burns]

I've seen dried up/rotted transoms that were obvious in older boats but that's about it... in the side of a hull it would be pretty hard to tell visually like that I would think. Have you gotten in the boat, does it feel stout? tap on the surfaces, listen for different sounds etc.