Oil canning? I need beer canning

py26129 · Nov 14, 2014

Casagf66 said:
Still I am nervous that this canning will rear its ugly head at a bad time... Sailing in heavy seas on my way home from block island..... It just makes me a little nervous.

I would not mind reinforcing this my self with some glass, but I Don't know how much help that would do....

If this will be in the back of your mind the whole time you own the boat, then walk. The last thing I want to worry about while being out there is the structural integrity (real or imagined) of my boat. That and enjoying the day do not go hand in hand. Buy something you are comfortable with and confident in.

Matt

Anonymous 121765 · Nov 14, 2014

Casa,

Remember, sellers need you more than you need them, there are alot of boats for sale. I do remember thru the years of hearing about problems with Irwins.

They used to be called "Shadow Boats and/or Ted's Tupperware". The Shadow term was used for at nite, you could see a person's shadow thru the hull.

The Tupperware name because of structural deficiencies in materials & assembly practices. I know this will make some Irwin owners mad at me but, it's YOUR money spend it wisely.

I wouldn't buy this boat, there are better deals out there pal.

CR

Stan Breaux · Nov 14, 2014

I would recommend you search this forum for "Irwin" or "Irwin Citation", etc.

One guy says he had a 35.5 and wouldn't buy one again.

Another guy was able to get one for free.

I expect your initial repair investment will only be the beginning.

Your original mainsail will probably need to be replaced -- easily $1,500.

How's the engine?
How's the head?
How are the instruments?
How is the bimini?
How are the batteries.

Each of these items can look good, initially, but not really be good once you start living on the boat and using them regularly. They are also all expensive.

It's worth taking a real look at some other boats and doing some comparison shopping.

BarryL · Nov 14, 2014

Hello,

I understand you are excited about the boat, but the prices sounds WAY too high considering the problems. This past summer I sold a very nice O'day 35 for $25,500 that needed almost nothing. If you like the C&C 34 I know of a very nice one that is for sale cheap because the owner is sick. I can get more information for you if you like. The boat is located in Port Jeff station.

Barry

Anonymous 121765 · Nov 15, 2014

Casa,

After reading all the posts, you would be better concentrating your efforts looking for a better boat.

A price change doesn't matter, the boat has problems, why go there? If these severe problems are known upfront, what other hidden problems await you also?

CR

woodster · Nov 15, 2014

after reading all i have read on this subject even with my advice of negotiations on your behalf ...forget the Irwin completely and find another boat...the more i think about that deal it is a no deal at any price...you need some thing that you can act on immediately...and don't have time to do a fixer upper ...don't let money decide your fate unless you have enough to recover from you financial mistakes best wishes to you

Alan Gomes · Nov 15, 2014

Casagf66 said:
I must say, all of your responses have been very helpful and thank you all. This is a great forum. It looks like i will be passing on the Irwin and am looking at a 1979 C&C 36. However, I am still entertaining re-negotiation with the owner, for a much adjusted price. Cheers,

A C&C 36 is a vastly better boat. Forget the Irwin.

Pat · Nov 15, 2014

why should the artwork go?

justsomeguy · Nov 15, 2014

Pat said:
why should the artwork go?

Just an opinion. Art is a highly subjective topic.

Chris Patterson · Nov 15, 2014

Alan Gomes said:
A C&C 36 is a vastly better boat. Forget the Irwin.

Yep.

shemandr · Nov 16, 2014

As a matter of my own enlightenment, I always thought the term "Oil Canning" was used to describe the bending of the boat as it hit waves. I've had a few boats that did this and they would make a wooo- ooop sound as they flexed in waves, primarily upwind. You don't want a boat that does this if you want your lady to sail with you. "What's that!" "Oh nothing...dear"
Dimples in the hull where the chainplates attach to the hull are something different but I do not know the term for that condition. It could be "Oil Canning" or maybe "Hull be done(HBD)." I would not want that boat either. To me, if I was looking at that boat I would wonder why the rig tension had to be so overtightened as to distort the hull. Maybe the mast step was collapsing or the deck is no longer adding enough stiffness to the hull. But it's got the proverbial fork in it to me.

FastOlson · Nov 16, 2014

Casagf66 said:
Gentlemen, I've taken your advice and passed on the Irwin. Thanks to BarryL I think I found a winner... ! It is a 1981 c&c 34. Did a walk through today and I was very pleased What a difference from the Irwin too.... The C&C feels a lot more sea worthy.. My only issue with the boat are the stations and the fact that the hull is balsa cored below the water line (so I've herd)....

What do u all think !? I'll post some picks.

I believe that there is an active owners group on line. You might want to do a quick search.
Way back when we were shopping, I recall that some of the C&C models in that size range had coring only in the bow sections.
The 34 is, deservedly, a 'modern classic' and a good all around performance cruiser.

Fair winds,
Loren