1989 legend 35.5 wet decks question

[Bodhi65]

I am looking to buy a 1989 hunter 35.5 legend. My moisture meeting peaks on the starboard side from the roller furling to the shroud by the mast. The broker says this doesn't compromise the integrity of the boat because the shroud is connected to the hull? Basically he's telling me that a wet deck on starboard side won't result in a demasting and has no impact on the safety of the vessel. That doesn't make sense to me. I can get the boat in the low 20's but I'm worried about having to recore the deck and that means big bucks.

Am I being deceived?

Thanks for any advice you can provide.

Alan

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

You are being somewhat misled. The chain plates are connected to the topsides which is not cored, not the deck so he is not lying to you. However, a wet deck does compromise the structural integrity of the boat if bad enough and if not repaired now, it eventually will be necessary. Depending on how bad the deck is near the forestay, it could be exacerbate the problems.

If you don't obtain a pre-purchase survey, you may be making an expensive mistake as this problem is indicative of poor maintenance throughout the boat.

 

[Ken Palmer]

When I bought my 1990 33.5 I also had delamination on the starboard side, where the roller furling lines exited the anchor locker. This was discovered by my surveyor, and we presented the results to the broker. They fixed the problem by cutting out the top layer, re-coring, and fiberglassed over it with new anti-skid. A great job matching the old anti-skid. I have no idea how much I would have had to pay for the work, but I feel much better having it taken care of.

 

[captainpat]

The 35.5 Legend is a very attractive boat. I had a 1990 for 10 years which I brought in 2000 and had a terrific time aboard. We sailed her down to the Florida keys and back without a major problem.

The 35.5 frequently has a moisture problem where the furling lines exit from below the deck. It is relatively minor. However, in your case it sounds very major. "From the roller furling to the chain plate" is a large area of delamination and I would reconsider buying the boat - unless the seller is willing to have it repaired, or reduce the price to cover the cost. Other things to look out for in Legends: 1. Holding tank; They came with a welded metal tank. Over years of using chemicals the welds get compromised and can fail. Even a small hole will cause unpleasant odor problems. If you smell head odor look to the holding tank welds first. Then the hoses. Hunter did not use odor barrier hoses. 2. Some storage compartments under the aft bunk do not drain into the bilge. Check for evidence of standing water in those 2 or 3 compartments, especially the starboard most compartment. I had a 35.5 for 10 years and could never locate the leak that put water into that compartment. 3. If it hasn't been done already, replace the endless jib furling drum. 4. Check that the fresh water tank fill fitting is not leaking under the v-berth. It will be the source of additional odor problems. 5. If the boat has a dripless packing gland it needs to be checked in the water. It is overdue for being replaced. 6. GET A GOOD SURVEY!! This is an older boat that has questionable maintenance. Remember, the broker is working for a commission.

Good luck. You should be able to get the boat substantially cheaper due to that delamination problem. The Hunter Legend series, although rather lightly built boats, were handsome and decent sailors. I feel that Hunter took a step backward when they abandoned the Legend run, untill the Henderson designs of the past 10 years or so. In my humble opinion some of those designs were Hunters best boats for both looks and construction.