Experienced Advice Please!

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Jun 7, 2010
7
Canadian Sailcraft 27' Sloop ABYC
Hello!

My husband and I have just received the survey on a 1986 Hunter 31' cruiser. We are first time buyers - not afraid of a little hard work - but there are some items on the survey that have scared us. The items of concern are as follows (sorry - its a bit long):

Findings: {A-1} The refrigeration unit is connected to a handyman installed AC outlet with twist locks. The AC outlet is laying free in the compartment neat the hot water tank, unsecured and un protected. Recommend: Replace twist lock connectors with crimped connectors, install AC outlet on a secure outlet, fasten wiring to the bulkhead or overhead away from moving components of the engine and other machinery, away from accessways in the compartment. Recommend using GFCI protected outlet. Insure wiring in boat grade AC twisted cable and not household Romex.

Findings: {A-2} The rudder when percussion tested had delamination and elevated moisture. Tapping the bottom of the rudders bottom resulted in water seeping out. Recommend: Investigate rudder core and moisture, repair as needed.

Findings: {A-3} AC-electrical- I did not observe GFCI outlets in either the galley or the head.
Recommend: Install marine grade GFCI outlet in the galley and head per ABYC 11.11.13.3.5.

Findings: {A-4} Rigging-observed corrosion (rust) and the swages from salt water exposure. Recommend: Inspect and replace as needed.

Findings: {B-1} External hull, port side quarter, observed patch work to the gel coat, approximently a 1 ½’ by 4’ area. When percussion tested this area had elevated mositure (25-30 points) and was delaminated. Refer to Photograph.Recommend: Remove affected area and reglass. Investigate structural integrety, could be an A finding.

Findings: {B-2} The bottom below the waterline surface painted in red bottom paint over old blue bottom paint. Surface was rough (layers of paint) and could be stripped, sanded and repainted. Did not observe blisters. Percussion tested without issue the majority of the hull, moisture meter readings low 10-12 points the majority of the port side, strut bearing and aft {port and starboard}, and bow {port and starboard}. Starboard hull 2’ away from the keel toward the chine moderate readings 14-15 points. Exceptions include: *Keel area port and starboard, Observed fiberglass work and goughes near the keel-to-hull-joint, running lengthwise of the keel.

Findings: {B-3} Deep draft fin keel, made of iron, observed corrosion (rust) bleeding from the keel, observed a seperation line with corrosion at the forward area of the keel. Refer to potograph.
Recommend: Investigate keel-to-hull joint.

Findings: {B-4} FRP with balsa core, non-skid appeared in fair condition the entire deck and cabin structure. the side deck from the cockpit was solid without flexing from the port side cockpit forward to the port chain plate, percussion tested without issue, moisture meter readings elevated 30 points. Port side chain plate forward deck was soft with elevated moisture 30 points as was the bow deck, forward the vee berth hatch, delamination, and elevated moisture 30 points. The starboard deck percussion tested from the bow to aft cockpit without issue, moisture readings 30 points. The cockpit deck was soft, delaminated, with elevated moisture 30 points. Recommend: Investigate delamination areas, take core samples, repair as needed. High moisture areas, dry out and initiate moisture control program, remove fasteners and re-bed with caulking, take core samples if needed.

Findings: {B-5} The super structure is white molded FRP with integrated non skid in fair condition, percussion tested without issue. Observed elevated moisture meter readings (the majority of the deck) ranging from 22-30 points. Exception area: Delamination and soft deck between the hatch and the mast deck plate in an area 1 1/2 ‘ aft the hatch x 1.2/2’ wide both port and starboard side, moisture readings 30 points. Recommend: Investigate delamination area, take core samples, repair as needed. High moisture areas, dry out and initiate moisture control program, remove fasteners and re-bed with caulking.

Findings: {B-6} The bilge in the engine compartment and main cabin were dirty and greasy around the engine and aft cockpit compartment, Observed area where a generator was mounted and removed. Observed thru hulls for the generator without hoses, not capped. Observed Marlon sea cock serving the air conditioner to be loose on its thru hull flange, both items are subject to allow water to enter the bilge. Observed capped exhaust hose, most likely for the generator. Cabin/keel bilge already noted above under wetted surface, note #1 and keel. Observed after market sections of wolmanized lumber added to support port side cabin sole. Recommend: Clean bilge, remove old generator apparatus/wiring etc., cap generator thru hull, secure or replace marlon seacock to prevent water from entering the bilge.

Findings: {B-7} The bow and stern pulpit are made of 1” stainless steel with 3 stanchions and single lifelines on each side. The first stoarboard stanchion is loose, will not support weight. Other stanchions appeared serviceable. The stern pulpit, port side has been scraped and bent, the first port stanchion forward the pulpit likewise is scraped. This area is above the port quarter commented under “hull,” with patchwork needing repaired. Teak handrails on the cabin trunk on each side. Serviceable.

Findings: {B-8}The cockpit deck appeared in poor condition, was percussion tested with delamination the entire deck and elevated moisture readings 30 points. Provides access to the aft engine compartment, fuel tank and bilge area through the starboard cockpit locker. Two other storage lockers are located at the stern. Recommend: Investigate and repair or replace deck.

Findings: {B-9} Fabric hull liner in quarter berth and at the starboard dinette has the appearance of water intrusion. Recommend: Investigate water intrusion, repair as needed, clean fabric.

Findings: {B-10} A bronze gate value, open and closed, with effort, was corroded due to exposure to salt water?. (owner reported the boat was originally from Houston) hose appeared in mildewed and in useable condition. Head overboard discharge not permitted in U.S. or Canada. Recommend: Investigate, clean, repair and secure gate value.

Findings: {B-11} The drip pan beneath the engine was dirty.Recommend: Clean drip pan, investigate source.

Findings: {B-12} A raw water exhaust system in place. Observed both hoses to be single clamped at the riser, muffler, and thru hull location. The hoses appeared original, dry and cracked as seen better years of service. Recommend: Inspect hose, replace, double clamp exhaust hoses at all ends per ABYC P.11.7.1.10.1 ABYC P.1.11.7.1.10.2.

Findings: {B-13} The fuel fill hose was single clamped at the tank end, did not observe the fill end, located on the starboard cockpit side deck. The hose was old, dry and cracked and should be replaced with new. Did not observe a bond wire.Recommend: Replace defective hose. Investigate need for fuel primer & remove.Install double hose clamps per ABYC H-33.11.1 Fills must be bonded per ABYC H33.15.1.

Soooo...based on items listed above, should we run away very fast, or are these repairs not as bad as they sound. We've talked the owner down to $14K US, estimating $2-4K CDN in repairs (pre-survey), but now we're not sure its enough.

Your experienced advice is appreciated!
 

Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
Are you sure that you don't want to just keep looking. I rebuilt my boat from a bare hull and that list is daunting.
 
Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
This list is long. These boats should sell for about $22k - 28k USD in very good condition. A new rudder is going to run you about $1,200 USD.

I would suggest that you try to find another H31 of the same era and compare the condition and price. These high moisture readings woudl scare me away.

Many surveyors also are not aware of the problem with the compression posts. Many of these boats have been repaired, but that is also something that should be considered in the cost.
 
Nov 22, 2008
3,562
Endeavour 32 Portland, Maine
Run. There are a lot of boats out there and it is a buyers market.

The rub though is that surveys are expensive. You just got an education in a lot of things to look for. Read some books on maintenance and I think there are a couple on surveying fiberglass boats. There is a thread in the archives about buying a moisture meter which I think is less than the cost of a survey. Look at boats yourself first and weed out the obvious non-starters. Not only will you save money, you'll be learning lots of things that will be useful as an owner. Don't tell the broker you are "pre-surveying". They'll be glad to let you look if they think you might not get a professional survey because they will smell a more certain sale and higher price.

I don't know where you are located but, if you can get to the Great Lakes or other fresh water and get the boat back to your location, you'll get a boat in much better condition.

Even surveys don't see everything. The things you can see are indicators of the invisible results of the care and maintenance the boat has gotten. The one you just had surveyed sounds neglected.
 
Oct 6, 2009
129
Newport Newport 28 MKII Jacksonville, FL
I would not know where to start on this project. It appears the previous owners did not keep up with preventing moisture intrusion and your surveyor found the result. The large delaminated patch on the top side indicates it took a hard hit. The delamination on the decks and cockpit sole will be very expensive to repair, making a new rudder look cheap. It would not surprise me if the delamination issues exceeded the $14k price of the boat. It will also be hard to get rid of, especially if the repairs do not look professional. Your surveyor did his job, found the issues and now take that information and move on, find the right boat and you'll be glad you did. He saved you a ton of problems, expense and grief. IMHO, worth every penny.
 

KD3PC

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Sep 25, 2008
1,069
boatless rainbow Callao, VA
Most of the A have to be repaired to get insurance, some of the B items as well..unless you have the materials and experience to do the repairs....it will be very costly to bring this boat back.

My advice would be to walk away, and find a better hunter..you will be far better off long term with a better boat.
 

LuzSD

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Feb 21, 2009
1,009
Catalina 30 San Diego/ Dana Point, Ca.
Even without any obvious repairs needed, we all find lots of things to improve and spend money on........ and that is part of the fun of making it your own. For me, no matter what a "good deal" I thought it was, fixing the results of someone's poor repairs and lack of care would just leave the experience of new boat owner (I mean new to you) very much lacking. As others wrote, there are so many great boats out there, when you find the right one you will just look at each other and know. It will just smell right. Then you can go about making it yours in much more productive ways.
 

RichH

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Feb 14, 2005
4,773
Tayana 37 cutter; I20/M20 SCOWS Worton Creek, MD
Roger and others have given good advice ---- RUN do not WALK away.
Delaminations & high moisture are a CLEAR sign of lack of maintenance and abuse ,,, and surveyors no matter how good always miss 'something'.

Suggest before you go through another voyage in the 'buying process' that you learn how to do your own "preliminary survey". There are many books on the subject of DIY surveying such as" www.amazon.com/Inspecting-Aging-Sailboat-Don-Casey/dp/0070133948

:)
 
Dec 19, 2006
5,832
Hunter 36 Punta Gorda
$$$$$$$$$$

The $$$$$ it will cost to bring this boat back would be better spent on a boat costing more $$$ and not needing so much repairs.
All boats will most likely need some repair but this one sounds too many $$$ to repair and you would be better to find a better in condition boat.
Nick
 
Feb 4, 2005
524
Catalina C-30 Mattituck, NY
I agree with the group here - run away. Its better to spend money on things like new canvases, electronics and items that will improve the vessel's appearance / performance - a buyer in this market is definitely in the driver's seat on anything out there so stay away from the structural faults. Be wise on where you put your money and use the folks in this community for any advice you may need - they are very knowledgeable and passionate about sailboats - particularly the type of boat it seems that your looking for.

Good luck and have fun while your looking at boats - it should be a learning experience.

- Rob
 
Jun 7, 2007
875
Pearson- 323- Mobile,Al
Never ever buy a boat that you can't use without repairs. You always have to do some work on a boat but if you have to work on it before even going sailing it will be a bad experience. I have met people working on project boats that turned into nightmares and they still never got to go sailing.
 

Scott

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Sep 24, 1997
242
Hunter 31_83-87 Middle River, Md
forget it!

We bought our '86 H-31 in 1990. It's been a great boat and maintained in "bristol" condition. In our 20+ seasons, we have not experienced anywhere near the problems you have listed. As others have said, keep looking.
 
May 11, 2005
3,431
Seidelman S37 Slidell, La.
Run, don't walk

Very good advice given here. Run away from this one. There is one exception. If you enjoy working on a boat, and spending lots of bucks, as opposed to sailing it, then go ahead. Any other circumstances just run away.
 

zeehag

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Mar 26, 2009
3,198
1976 formosa 41 yankee clipper santa barbara. ca.(not there)
ok my unbiased advise and remarks, wanted or not..lol.....
1 is a hunter 1986. that to me says...eh?!.....then comes delamination of ANYTHING---toomuch dough to repair even doing by self..now--gonna do it by self--doubt it--dont buy...ok--2 down..next----
i didnt read our above long list of reasons to run like a scalded dog soi will add or repeat---1--see my number 1 already done...and 2--already done..lol. this is easy---

i dont care what name is on the brand of boat--thereis no reason in this market to be stuck with a boat you will be so disillusioned with that you never live your deam, merely work on it when we all know work is a 4 letter word....
hunter beneteau catalina bavaria wtfplastic boat newlymade ----lol are a dime a dozen. they dont really go any long distances with comfort--underway is a lot different from sitting st dockdrinking maggies dreaming about how awesome this roomy and sweet boat will do on passages..lol...i guarantee the arrival is soooo treasured and soooo craved --when ye get there isnt time to enjoy anything for the resting up --lol--walk on docks first. look at the lines of the boats--what does the boat look like---what are you gonna be doing with said boat--long passages?? or short weekend cruises in the lake or what?? catalina?? dry tortugas?? bahamas?? what? for comfort or for fast?? what kind of sailing do you like best? look for a boat that willbe comfortable to and for you....
then go from there----the market is yours--look around--if you have some cash in hand--buy something you like and is in good shape. if you find a wreck for a worthy price and you know you will work on it--do that--i know personally of someone who bought a ct41 that had been gone thru hell--in process of second attempt at restoring--for 2000 dollars. is a worthy price to pay for a project. anymore is ridiculous. lol -- imho

i paid a ridiculously high price for formosa 41 with project status written on it--but others have paid up to 40k for them in disrepair..depends on your priorities...lol you can get anything cheap now--look long and hard..find what you want--do go for it.....but not the delaminated one--run like scalded dog in other direction....faster!!!!!!!:dance:
 
Nov 6, 2006
10,219
Hunter 34 Mandeville Louisiana
As in the Monte Python movie “RUN AWAY.. RUN AWAY”.. I have a couple of issues with the survey, though.. There is no balsa core in a 31.. A3 finding.. There is no requirement that a boat be retrofitted to current standards.. A great idea, yes, but it should be written that it is not required. I have a problem with generalized statements.. A professional should write the problem down (as he did in a couple of places) If he didn’t know what the core was, then write that, not state that it is balsa.. Again, I’d run away from that one.. and I’d not use that surveyor again either. I am with Maine do some reading and investigation yourself first.. Good Luck..
 
Sep 21, 2009
385
Hunter 34 Comox
Keep looking

As someone who just spent the winter cleaning up and retro fitting my ol 34, I agree, move on. I didn't have half the problems this boat has and it is still a lot of work. No matter what the surveyor knows or not, if she be de-laminating and showing high moisture content, you don't want this one. Cheers
 
Sep 25, 2008
615
Morgan 415 Out Island Rogersville, AL
I concur with the general advice.

I've bought 5 boats in my life. Every one needed some work. Boats in turn-key condition are rarely up for sale, and when they are they are priced very high. (However, the high price is often cheaper in the long run.)

Also, I've never been very impressed with any of my surveyors. However, because I always get insurance, I use them but take their reports with a grain of salt.
 
Feb 6, 1998
11,760
Canadian Sailcraft 36T Casco Bay, ME
There is no requirement that a boat be retrofitted to current standards.. A great idea, yes, but it should be written that it is not required.
There is a "requirement", by your insurance company, if you want insurance. Surveyors, when they see what is considered a dangerous violation, generally only have one way to suggest a fix, and that is to current standards. This is quite standard industry practice. Reputable surveyors always make suggestions that are in-line with ABYC and insurance companies generally want noted dangerous items fixed to these standards.

Imagine a surveyor noting an item, and its fix, that is outside accepted industry practices and the insurance company signing off on the survey and the outside ABYC "fix". Well next thing you know a child is killed in an electrical fire or LPG explosion and the insurance company and the surveyor are being sued for wrongful death.:cussing: This is why suggestions are usually always made to accepted and well vetted industry practices such as ABYC as it removes a lot of liability from the surveyor and insurance company. A surveyor who wants to make their own suggestions, that do not align with accepted industry standards, can get hung out to dry.

If it was not a noted item then no worries and no standards adherence. There are likely hundreds of current standards violations on a mid eighties Hunter but only the "dangerous" ones get noted so thus the boat is still not required to come up to current standards only those items that are gross and dangerous violations are required and only IF you want to be insured.
 
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