Ran across a 1989 272 for very little money. The dock manager says the boat has a structural problem with the deck to hull joint in that it is flexing, is unsafe and this was a know design issue. Most research I've found lauded the boats as being well built. Has anyone ever heard of this or know what to check for to verify if this is present or not?
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News to me
I owned a 272LE (1988 model) for six years (bought it in '97), and while the model is not without a "known design issue," it's not the hull-deck joint. The issue that many 272 owners have pinpointed is the chainplates, not the deck joint. I'm among those who generally felt the 272LE was a solid, well-built boat. To check, I'd rely on a competent, trustworthy surveyor. A good one will know how to check for any such problem. Do you know anything of the boat's history besides what the dock manager told you? That might tell you more about how its deck joint came to be unsafe, as you describe it. BTW, what's "very little money"? If it's really that little (compared to, say, an average of asking or selling prices found online), maybe this boat has a history -- like an accident that was repaired cosmetically but not structurally. Good luck. Caveat emptor. Pete s/v EmmieLou (O-322) Little Silver, NJ
I owned a 272LE (1988 model) for six years (bought it in '97), and while the model is not without a "known design issue," it's not the hull-deck joint. The issue that many 272 owners have pinpointed is the chainplates, not the deck joint. I'm among those who generally felt the 272LE was a solid, well-built boat. To check, I'd rely on a competent, trustworthy surveyor. A good one will know how to check for any such problem. Do you know anything of the boat's history besides what the dock manager told you? That might tell you more about how its deck joint came to be unsafe, as you describe it. BTW, what's "very little money"? If it's really that little (compared to, say, an average of asking or selling prices found online), maybe this boat has a history -- like an accident that was repaired cosmetically but not structurally. Good luck. Caveat emptor. Pete s/v EmmieLou (O-322) Little Silver, NJ
Know a little about the history
Thanks for the response. The boat is in a sailing club and I know the owner. Club does certain maintenance; owner is responsible for the rest. Owner has quit responding to the dock manager. I was able to contact him (owner) and work out a "deal". The boat sees a lot of use in the club, but nothing dramatic has happened since I've been around her (4 years in the club). Are the chainplates bonded to the hull or a bulkhead? Can you elaborate about he chainplate issue. The money we're talking here would probably be less than the survey cost.
Thanks for the response. The boat is in a sailing club and I know the owner. Club does certain maintenance; owner is responsible for the rest. Owner has quit responding to the dock manager. I was able to contact him (owner) and work out a "deal". The boat sees a lot of use in the club, but nothing dramatic has happened since I've been around her (4 years in the club). Are the chainplates bonded to the hull or a bulkhead? Can you elaborate about he chainplate issue. The money we're talking here would probably be less than the survey cost.
D'oh Lets try this...
Thanks for the response. The boat is in a sailing club and I know the owner. Club does certain maintenance; owner is responsible for the rest. Owner has quit responding to the dock manager. I was able to contact him (owner) and work out a "deal". The boat sees a lot of use in the club, but nothing dramatic has happened since I've been around her (4 years in the club). Are the chainplates bonded to the hull or a bulkhead? Can you elaborate about he chainplate issue. The money we're talking here would probably be less than the survey cost.
Thanks for the response. The boat is in a sailing club and I know the owner. Club does certain maintenance; owner is responsible for the rest. Owner has quit responding to the dock manager. I was able to contact him (owner) and work out a "deal". The boat sees a lot of use in the club, but nothing dramatic has happened since I've been around her (4 years in the club). Are the chainplates bonded to the hull or a bulkhead? Can you elaborate about he chainplate issue. The money we're talking here would probably be less than the survey cost.
272 hull to deck
I owned a 1986 272 for 6 years. I did see other 272's that showed gelcoat cracking in the deck in front of the cabintop. I believe it was because of overtightening of the backstay and overflexing of the deck. Trying to turn the 272 (a nice cruising boat) into a racing machine could cause damage. Given the above, I thought my boat was a great 27 ft boat and I would have no problem recommending one that had been well surveyed. I now own an Oday 34. Good luck.
I owned a 1986 272 for 6 years. I did see other 272's that showed gelcoat cracking in the deck in front of the cabintop. I believe it was because of overtightening of the backstay and overflexing of the deck. Trying to turn the 272 (a nice cruising boat) into a racing machine could cause damage. Given the above, I thought my boat was a great 27 ft boat and I would have no problem recommending one that had been well surveyed. I now own an Oday 34. Good luck.
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