Buying a sailboat. Have some questions..

[Newbie3]

I have the surveyor dropping in today to check for grid separation before we schedule the full haul out and survey.

I've uploaded a gallery of photos I took while inspecting the boat. Put a link below for anyone who likes doing surveys from the keyboard

https://photos.app.goo.gl/jQLEszbpcxxxF3wi7

 

[Newbie3]

The surveyor confirmed hull grid separation.

 

[JRT]

Better now then later. I'll be making these calls on Saturday on a potential new boat for us which is why I've been studying everything I can find.

 

[Tally Ho]

I think what we're seeing in the picture are the bolt heads, with the rest of the bolt tapped into the (presumably iron) keel. In a lead keel I'd expect to see studs with nuts, and yes there should be threads showing above the nuts, but not for bolts in iron. The two worst bolt heads do look pretty poor. If they aren't seized it may be possible to just replace them; the others don't look so bad except maybe some surface rust. Without knowing the make and model it is a little hard to say where else to look, other than the usual suspects like chainplates, mast step, through hulls, etc.

After review, I agree with you. I think this is common on Bene’s.

Greg

 

[Newbie3]

I'm thinking about still negotiating a purchase and repairing the damage. Getting the grid glassed back to the hull. I'll have to cut the liner for access after removing the interior... and I'd like to keep it in the water and the pressure off the keel while I do that.

Am I crazy?

 

[Justin_NSA]

What's got you so hung up on this particular boat? Why not find one that is more sound and sail this Spring,not spend it in the boatyard.

 

[Newbie3]

What's got you so hung up on this particular boat? Why not find one that is more sound and sail this Spring,not spend it in the boatyard.

Definitely something on my mind too... at the moment I'm just exploring options on the table.

Cutting in to the grid liner with the boat still in the water may be a terrible idea to begin with.

 

[BigEasy]

Walk away, on second thought, run away from this boat if it has a separated grid/liner. Read the recent Beneteau 393 thread about grid separation. After discovering the separation and still considering purchasing, you’re too emotionally attached....keep looking for a better boat. Good luck on finding a good one!

 

[JRT]

Given there was a post that cost to have to properly repaired is $20-30k I'd say move on. A frustrating process that I'm use to which is why I keep going back and forth on used vs new.

 

[Newbie3]

Not to mention the damage sustained to the keel when it bottomed and tore the liner...

It's crazy how many sailboats I've seen with hull liner separation. The one benefit of doing a repair is knowing that yours isn't one of them. I think everyone here has some great points. Moving on may be the best choice regardless of price.

 

[jssailem]

Moving on may be the best choice regardless of price.

Free boat - translates to - will cost buckets of money before you can enjoy the sailing dream.
In your case it sounds like the owner still is emotionally connected to the boat and has overlooked the damage as he’s already invested in the boat. She still sails so what the heck.

Examine any boat in a marina and likely 60plus percent of them are like that. Often the owner looks past the dings and just goes for a sail. If an issue occurs while day sailing “just call Boat Tow” and we’re back at the dock.

Take the boat beyond the break waters for a couple of days and you need to be able to rely on the boat and all the parts keeping you safe.

Sitting next to us in Vancouver is a 38 foot sloop. Guy stopped by yesterday and shared the tale. Boat is owned by an 80 year old sailor. He had sailed it to Australia and back to Vancouver BC. Now he lives in Mexico in the 6 month winter and will sometimes come down and drink a cocktail while puttering on the boat. As far as sailing day, her days afloat are limited. Yet she is still dry for the most part and gives the owner memories of his days sailing oceans.

Seek out a stronger boat and spend your time making memories.

 

[Newbie3]

I don't think the current owner suspected anything. It was used as a liveaboard and taken by the marina after the original owner failed to pay moorage.

I've been seriously in the market for about 12 months now straight. This one seemed great. I'm definitely interested in 36' and up and after having been on a number of Catalinas 30's just feel a little small in the seas and PNW sound. I'm looking for something a little more bluewater capable and I felt this one was borderline there.

Unfortunately, there's just not very much cruisers inventory available in this area reasonably priced, 1980's+, and at least 36 feet LOA. This Beneteau would of been about $21k after having completed a couple DIY projects.

Thought my dream was about to be realized until the surveyor came back with the worst of news... pretty frustrating.

Back to square zero. I'm seeing some options left between $44k and $70k... That's a bit steep. Just going to keep looking.