Are these window cracks concerning

[petecasey]

Hi all,

I am considering buying this Cal34, but these cracks have caused some concern and I’m not sure if I even want to pay to get a survey done. Cracks are under the window inside, small crack in window casing on the outside, and also a crack in the counter where the ice chest is. Of course I will get a survey done if I move forward with the boat, but I wanted to check if these were symptoms of a much bigger problem. It’s a ‘67 Cal, seems like it’s been sitting for a while but has been sailed infrequently for the past few years. The rest of the boat seems dirty but overall fine. Thanks!

 

[dlochner]

Pete, welcome to SBO!

The small crack in the frame isn't really a crack, it is just where the ends of the frame meet. These frames are extruded aluminum that are bent to fit the port opening. The joint is at the bottom because that is where it is least likely to leak.

The cracks on the inside look like a failed paint job. Maybe poor prep, maybe some leaks, maybe some condensation. I doubt that it is a serious issue.

The boat is over 50 years old, that's half a century. The photos don't look like anything to be overly concerned about, they won't sink the boat. The ports probably need to be removed and rebedded and sealed. I wouldn't walk away from this boat for these minor issues.

 

[sail sfbay]

Welcome to the forum!!

Cannot tell from the photos the extent of the cracks. Have a boat contactor inspect it to determine if it is an issue and repair cost. I have done that prior to making an offer and having a survey on several boats.

 

[PaulK]

A 1967 boat is going to have some issues. It would seem that if the window casing is cracked, water might be getting in and may have delaminated some of the fiberglass - though it could also simply be lifting gelcoat from age and vibration. If the problems do not appear to be widespread it is probably a quick fix. If you think a crack in the counter of a boat that is fifty five years old is a problem, consider that home kitchens are often renovated every 10 or 15 years to avoid such problems. Doesn't change the cooking much, though.

 

[jssailem]

Pete. I have the same frame designed on my Cal. The frame is not an issue.
The screw hole needs to be fixed.
The interior looks like failure of the paint.

• Water intrusion?
• Bad prep
• Bad painting
• anyone’s guess

Resolution is straight forward. Examine the surface. Prep it for paint. Paint.

fix the hole with some epoxy. Sand smooth. Gelcoat or paint over the epoxy.

 

[NYSail]

Pete. I have the same frame designed on my Cal. The frame is not an issue.
The screw hole needs to be fixed.
The interior looks like failure of the paint.

• Water intrusion?
• Bad prep
• Bad painting
• anyone’s guess

Resolution is straight forward. Examine the surface. Prep it for paint. Paint.

fix the hole with some epoxy. Sand smooth. Gelcoat or paint over the epoxy.

and go sailing. Cals are great well balanced boats! Bill lapworth was ahead of his time.