Hi all. I‘m looking at buying a 1982 Javelin, and the one potential issue is this rotted floor of the forward bulkhead compartment. It’s basically a glassed-over wooden shelf that makes it so that what you store up front is level with the flood or the cockpit, only now the fiberglass is torn and the wood rotted and splintered. Obviously water has gotten in. What I can’t tell by sight, and can’t easily find online, is how much wood is used in the construction of this hull that might be compromised if things are wet? Are there wood stringers or supports elsewhere that are at risk? Or is everything structurally important just fiberglass, and this one rotted piece is annoying but not a structural issue? Curious if others have seen similar issues or have more technical knowledge of the 80s Javelins. Thanks for your thoughts!
Help! Rotted wood in 1982 javelin - structural or aesthetic issue?
- Thread starter jakenelson345
- Start date
I think I would pass on the purchase.
It is repairable - a poster on this forum has observed that almost anything is repairable on a boat. But why take this on? We can't see how the wood panel attaches to the hull or the full dimensions of the shelf. So we can't see what a replacement would entail. A partial repair might include scarfing new plywood into the existing. Doable but time consuming. I guess you could sister a piece of marine ply over the excavated defect by gluing it. Fugly -but probably would work.
On small boats I would assume that all components are structural. There just isn't room to put in un-needed components.
It is repairable - a poster on this forum has observed that almost anything is repairable on a boat. But why take this on? We can't see how the wood panel attaches to the hull or the full dimensions of the shelf. So we can't see what a replacement would entail. A partial repair might include scarfing new plywood into the existing. Doable but time consuming. I guess you could sister a piece of marine ply over the excavated defect by gluing it. Fugly -but probably would work.
On small boats I would assume that all components are structural. There just isn't room to put in un-needed components.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 24,511
Good morning @jakenelson345 and welcome to SBO.
Looking at a mature boat, be it a 14ft daysailer or a 35ft cruiser, there will be issues that have been neglected or, in many cases, have just lived past their life expectancy. If you find a boat that provides or can be made to provide the activities you desire, and is in a price range you find comfortable, then jump in with both feet.
The boat you describe is like one of those old cars found in a barn. It was a great car when new. It may be a great car when the rust is knocked off and the engine is replaced. But all of these repairs are needed before you can make a run to the grocery store for beer. The car becomes a project and a passion to complete.
If the javelin is just a boat you want to sail, and there is a question about seaworthiness, check the hull and the rig. The inside deck looks like it has been wet and then dried over many seasons. If you are thinking 5 years' worth of work, I could sail and do a rebuild on this boat. Make it really cool, but would I recover my time and money then, it is probably a bad "investment".
Looking at a mature boat, be it a 14ft daysailer or a 35ft cruiser, there will be issues that have been neglected or, in many cases, have just lived past their life expectancy. If you find a boat that provides or can be made to provide the activities you desire, and is in a price range you find comfortable, then jump in with both feet.
The boat you describe is like one of those old cars found in a barn. It was a great car when new. It may be a great car when the rust is knocked off and the engine is replaced. But all of these repairs are needed before you can make a run to the grocery store for beer. The car becomes a project and a passion to complete.
If the javelin is just a boat you want to sail, and there is a question about seaworthiness, check the hull and the rig. The inside deck looks like it has been wet and then dried over many seasons. If you are thinking 5 years' worth of work, I could sail and do a rebuild on this boat. Make it really cool, but would I recover my time and money then, it is probably a bad "investment".
@shemandr and @jssailem - thanks for both of your thoughts. I was able to have someone who knows a little more actually check out the boat, and with their new info and mulling everything over I think I’m going to go for it. It was very helpful to hear your slightly opposing opinions and see how each sat with me. Thank you for helping me get out of my head and one step closer to sailing. Glad to also have found an online community I can learn from and contribute to here 
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 24,511
It is a process. Best of luck. I suspect the value of a Javelin with the issue you described would likely be $400–$900 (or less) in a private sale. If the hull is otherwise sound, the rigging/sails are usable, and it includes a trailer value is at the upper range. A good galvanized trailer adds $300–$800+; a poor one detracts. Glad you have someone to help you value the opportunity. Nothing is as good as seeing the boat and sounding the hull when you are searching for a fair value.