Rust Stains and filled holes

[Wahiawa]

Aloha,
What is causing the rust stains in this picture of a Santana 22? Also, what could be source of the filled holes which are starting to show? Thanks

 

[Ross]

Aloha,
What is causing the rust stains in this picture of a Santana 22? Also, what could be source of the filled holes which are starting to show? Thanks

The rust stains come from a corroding iron imbedded in the fiberglass and the holes indicate that something was attached along that line once.

 

[papamills]

Stains

Looks like discolored silicone sealer around the windows...scrape it off being careful not to gouge the gelcoat..clean up with acetone.

 

[Maine Sail]

It's more..

Another likely possibility is rotting core. That is what it looks like. Heat from the sun can build pressure between the deck skins and cause this coffee like ooze to leak out from core.

What Ross said could also be true and you can test that with some acid..

 

[Tim R.]

Holes are probably from sail tracks that were once there. Santanas make good race boats so that was likely an inner jib sheet track. You will probably find more evidence of hardware that has been removed. Maybe even those stains.

Can you get a closeup on those stains?

Are you considering buying this boat?

 

[Ross]

A screw broken off and covered up?

 

[Wahiawa]

Acid!?

Another likely possibility is rotting core. That is what it looks like. Heat from the sun can build pressure between the deck skins and cause this coffee like ooze to leak out from core.

What Ross said could also be true and you can test that with some acid..

Thank you for your reply. Are you serious about acid? If you are, would something like the product Ospho work? I would imagine that if it was rust, it would react. If it does not react, I would think that the screwdriver handle tap test might further corroborate rotted balsa core?

 

[Wahiawa]

Holes are probably from sail tracks that were once there. Santanas make good race boats so that was likely an inner jib sheet track. You will probably find more evidence of hardware that has been removed. Maybe even those stains.

Can you get a closeup on those stains?

Are you considering buying this boat?

Thanks for the reply…I believe you are correct…Now that you guys point it out, I think the holes obviously was from a jib track. The photos here are the best that I have. I will check out the boat on Sunday and will take a closer look. I am a little ashamed to admit that I am considering buying this boat. I am not looking for something to do a total restore on. I am simply looking for something that will be a safe (and cheap) first step from dinghy sailing to keel boats. I think the Santana 22 is the best boat in this class for conditions here in Hawaii. This Santana is the only one for sale for the last couple months on Oahu. It has some good accessories on it but I am close to rejecting it for obvious reasons.

 

[Ross]

Don't be too put off by the cosmetic appearance. Try to see past that and look for the details that are critical. Those poorly filled holes, the sloppy caulk work won't likely sink your boat or dismast it. Look more to the condition of the rudder, the keel/center board, the standing rigging. This boat has been so poorly cared for that you should be able to see any signs of collision. I would look at it to see what is right about it. It may be a good boat under that neglect and if the owner cared so little about it you can probably make a very low offer without insulting him.