Gelcoat cracks near maststep and on hull

[Peter McCartney]

I am considering purchasing a 1978 Hunter 30. It has had no upgrades, extra equipment or replacements and is priced accordingly (12K). It is cosmetically challenged, but appears structurally sound save for the two issues i am inquiring about here.first, there are gelcoat cracks forming a ring around the mast step. There is no apparent depression (although the mast is currently down) so i dont know if this is normal flexing or a likely sign of deterioration of the base, core, or of the compression post farther down. I was not able to observe the I beam. Second, there is a 4-6" diameter area of gelcoat cracks in the starboard hull ca dock height. On the inside of the hanging locker, the fiberglass roof liner has noticeably rough edges where it clears the tab for the chainplate. I am curious to know if this jagged edge is typical of hunter finishing or if it perhaps suggests that the area had been widened to allow access to repair either the hull or the chainplate tab in this area and the fabric reglued over it. needless to say, at this price minor gelcoat cracks do not bother me if thats all they are, but i am curious if any existing owner recognize these as signs of hidden problems. I can supply pictures of the areas in question for anyone interested in looking at them. Thank you for your input.

 

[iansan19175]

Gelcoat cracks at mast base

The cracks at the mast base are common to the Cherubini Hunters of that era. The cast aluminum mast step allows water to enter the space between the hull and the headliner and deteriorate the top of the wooden support post and make the balsa core between the two surfaces soggy. Also, the presence of moisture in the bilge causes the I-beam on the keel to rust away. Both of those conditions are easily correctible. However, if you have it done by a yacht repair facility, it will cost more than $2,000 and less than $4,000. I would not let this condition deter me, however. It is an excellent boat for the money and if you're at all handy, the repairs are simple and not terribly expensive. Further, correction of the problem is easy also.The condition you describe in the hanging locker is not typical, in my experience, and probably indicates some sort of repair. Perhaps the damage to the hull in that same area is related. The hull is extremely thin, less than 1/2 inch by most reports, in that area and becomes much thicker towards the keel. Therefore, the hull at the toe-rail will flex upon impact with something without necesarilly doing serious damage to the boat.If you are not discouraged by this report, email me @ isanderson@cox.net and I will describe at length the repairs I made on my '79 H30 for the same problemsIansan