Hairline cracks or "crazing" near mast!

[Les]

I am looking at buying my first boat. I found an Oday 23 but I noticed some hairline cracks near where the mast is connected to the top. I don't know a lot about sailboats yet. Is this a serious problem? Should I still consider this boat or walk? Thanks for the help.

 

[Claude L.-Auger]

Have it inspected by a competent rigger

Before you commit to a deposit. A mast is subjected to a lot of stress from all the forces at play when sailing. Those cracks could reveal dangerous and cause and accident. Unless you can convince the current owner to put in a new mast or the boat is a real steal, I'd probably walk and keep looking. Good Luck

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Survey

Les -I agree with Claude that you ought to have someone experienced look at the deck with you to see how bad it is. I disagree about the likelyhood that its terminal, however. If its just superficial, there may not be much to worry about. If, howevever, there is damage to the laminate at the mast step you are looking at a repair. It may be something you can negotiate on price and have done, it may be something you don't want to get involved with. Either way, a surveyor can tell you the score.Jusin - O'day Owner's Web

 

[Bill Robb]

Might just be cosmetic

In the 7 years I have had sailboats, I've seen a lot of very tiny stress cracking on many. In most cases it is caused by the flexing of the fiberglass at that point and the three surveyors I've talked to say that it's usually cosmetic and doesn't affect the integrity of the boat. Just use better backing plates when you re-bed the offending fitting. The mast is a different situation. Have it surveyed and have an expert tell you exactly why it's cracked. Could be simple or ....