Hair Line Cracks on Mast Step

[Mike Andersen]

I'm looking at buying a Hunter 27' 1980. I've read thru many posts on this forum. Thanks for having such a great site.I did a top side inspection of the boat today. I noticed fine hair line cracks around the front two corners of the step as well as one back corner. The cabin top at this area is convex and looks good. In addition the two leading corners of the cabin also have hair line cracks. Should I be concerned by either of these two crack areas? Rest of the topside looks clean except for the corner of the hatch being cracked and the starboard side seat having a 1 1/2" x 4" crack/soft spot. Hull looks clean as far as I could see - smooth and clean to about 4" below water (as far as I could see).Thanks in advance for your help - Mike

 

[David Foster]

Hmmm...survey

The only cracks that may indicate a problem are the ones by the mast step. I say may, because they are small, and you don't see any depression of the step into the deck.I'd defininitely make any offer subject to a survey (leaving you the option of asking the seller to fix, or reducing the price for you to fix, or to back out of the deal) for any boat of this size. The moisture and sounding inspection of a good surveyer would give you the best judgement on the cracks. By the way, the survey should also include pulling the boat out of the water for a good look at the bottom.Good luck, these are great cruising boats!David FosterLady Lillie'77 h27

 

[Don Berger]

sounds normal

I'm assuming it's crazing which is to be expected on the boat that age, however, check out the mast step keel post to ensure it isn't causing the problem. Convex at the step is a good sign. The hull survey should give you the "final answer"Don

 

[Mike Andersen]

So far, so good

Thank you gentleman. A survey is definitely on my list to do before handing over any money. Just wanted to be sure that this wasn't a deal killer. Next week I'll get a chance to sail her and see if my creek has enough water to handle her.Good news! The stink pot my wife wants turns out to be not nearly attactive as it first sounded. The only reason I'd consider a power boat is we're on the south shore of LI and draft is iffy in some areas (like my creek at low tide).

 

[Mike Andersen]

Looking even better

Found out the boat has a shoal draft! In my area that's a great advantage. A lot of the Great South Bay is shown as 4' on the charts.Best of all my wife has come on board! She's warming to the idea of sailing remembering when I took her on my father's boat before we got married (22 yrs this Friday).The gentleman selling the boat has his grandkids up from Fla, hope to close the deal early next week (assuming survey doesn't discover any really bad news).

 

[Ed Hopkins]

Welcome to the Great South Bay

Hope all goes well with the survey. The H27 is a perfect boat for the Great South Bay.My 1979 H27,"Mistress" is docked on Mud Creek in West Babylon. If you have any other questions about the H27 or the bay I will be happy to help you.Let us know how the survey goes.EdS/V Mistress

 

[Mike Andersen]

Thanks for the Welcome

I'll be sure to contact you to tap your knowledge of the Great South Bay. Kindly send me an email to duvalst@optonline.net. I'm greatly encouraged by your strong support of a H27 being great for the bay. Even if this one doesn't pan out I've located a couple of others.I've so many questions about the H27 I don't know where to begin, oh, yes I do - READ, then bug people with things questions.