REPAIR: Mast Step & Chain Plates

[Lance324]

On a 1983 Hunter 30 - Can anyone please tell me what potential costs I am looking at to have this issue repaired?
"the horizontal rib is bad, that’s a bigger deal, hard to replace without major surgery", (I've attached a diagram drawing).
In other words, the bilge mast step & chain plate is completely corroded out, extending through the port & starboard side, and corroded at least through the port side .

 

[Captain Larry-DH]

@Lance324 are you planning to DIY or hire it out?

 

[Lance324]

Hire it out... I don't work on my boats... I don't know how.
Thank you!

 

[Captain Larry-DH]

In that case, costs will vary widely by location and specific contractor. The only answer you can rely on is written quotes from local contractors. A marine surveyor might provide a better idea, but only following personal inspection. Many factors add to the complexity - hull liners, interior furnishings etc.

 

[dLj]

Something that is unclear to me is, do you own this boat? Or are you looking to buy it? You started this in the Cherubini section and it seemed you are looking to negotiate sale price.

dj

 

[rgranger]

Your question really depends on tolerance... for me I'd compare the repair costs to the cost of an alternative boat and then decide.

So a quick look online and it seems you can buy a seaworthy H30 in the $15-$25k range. So if it were me I would not accept a quote above $10K... I'd go looking for another boat. It the quote starts to push $10K, I'd strip all of the good equipment off of the one I had and sell the hull for whatever I could get for it.... Someone might buy it just to scrap the keel.

 

[shemandr]

Nice diagram!
I think it's going to be costly.
Take mast down. ($400- $600)
Remove appropriate cabin furniture ($1,000)
Remove cabin sole ($500)
Remove compression post ($120 - $240)
Disconnect steel rods from truss and chain plates ($120)
Remove fiberglass over truss by grinding off ($700)
Remove truss and mast step (If bonded with 5200 or similar adhesive - stop) ($1,000)
Check Keel bolts and replace if necessary
Custom fabricate truss and mast step (Maybe repair possible but if you are that deep in it...) ($?)
Replace/bond mast step ($ 240)
Replace truss and fiberglass back to hull ($2,000)
Replace chain plates (Likely custom fabrications) ($?)
Re- install steel rods ($120)
Re- install sole and cabin furniture ($1,000)
Re-install compression post ($120 - $240)
Put mast back up ($400)
Total $8,160 without cost of fabrications. These costs are based on $120 hr. labor and how long I would think each step should take. There would be additional costs for hardware, materials, (Grinding disks, Tevak suits etc.), environmental surcharges and taxes.
Most of these jobs are labor intensive and thereby expensive. This is major surgery. And you can't count on many of the steps going well.
I can't see it being worth it.

 

[dLj]

Nice diagram!
I think it's going to be costly.
Take mast down. ($400- $600)
Remove appropriate cabin furniture ($1,000)
Remove cabin sole ($500)
Remove compression post ($120 - $240)
Disconnect steel rods from truss and chain plates ($120)
Remove fiberglass over truss by grinding off ($700)
Remove truss and mast step (If bonded with 5200 or similar adhesive - stop) ($1,000)
Check Keel bolts and replace if necessary
Custom fabricate truss and mast step (Maybe repair possible but if you are that deep in it...) ($?)
Replace/bond mast step ($ 240)
Replace truss and fiberglass back to hull ($2,000)
Replace chain plates (Likely custom fabrications) ($?)
Re- install steel rods ($120)
Re- install sole and cabin furniture ($1,000)
Re-install compression post ($120 - $240)
Put mast back up ($400)
Total $8,160 without cost of fabrications. These costs are based on $120 hr. labor and how long I would think each step should take. There would be additional costs for hardware, materials, (Grinding disks, Tevak suits etc.), environmental surcharges and taxes.
Most of these jobs are labor intensive and thereby expensive. This is major surgery. And you can't count on many of the steps going well.
I can't see it being worth it.

Nice breakdown! In the back of my head I was thinking the cost would run in the $10 to $15k range just as a gut feeling. With you coming up at a bit over $8k and that's not including all the materials, that really tells me my gut is not too far off... I also don't think you can get a good estimate, there are just too many unknowns.

IF the OP is looking to buy this boat - it better be REAL cheap... Your words "This is major surgery" is spot on!

dj