I noticed these marks on the side of the hull of a very well used sailboat I am thinking of purchasing. It looks like something that was caused when the boat hit the dock. Is this something that requires repair, or is it just an unsightly mark? Thanks in advance. I am new to all of this.
Hull repair required?
- Thread starter supermatt2
- Start date
What type of boat? It's possible that water could have gotten in some of the cracks which is less of a big deal if the hull isn't wood cored.
I would not worry. I would hope it is only a few inches. That spot could be a compression from a hit. It looks like several hits, maybe against a dock that did some gouging. Maybe you could fill it and gelcoat it. At worst, you would need to cut it out, feather it, and re-glass it. It can be done easily. If it is several feet... it just means more work. Hull damage is repaired. Press on it to see if it feels stable and strong. That will tell you if it needs more than filling and gelcoat. Make sure the price reflects the need for repair.
The picture doesn't really tell the story. But that may be a hard spot i.e. where a bulkhead or other structural element connects with the hull. If so the hull in that area may have water intrusion or softening. So yes it requires expert evaluation.
The broad horizontal gray streaks and scratches are dock rash probably caused by a very dirty fender or no fender and rubbing up against the dock. Those are not a big issue, some time with a rubbing compound and a buffer will take care of them.
More concerning are the cracks radiating out from the large area in the center and to the lower right. How large are they? They look to be the result of a direct impact with something with a fair amount of force. It may be fairly shallow, i.e., only affecting the gel coat or could be more serious causing the glass to delaminate.
If you can sound the hull, it will tell you a lot. Take a hammer with a plastic face or a screwdriver handle and tap on the hull. It should sound solid with a sharp tone. As you hammer closer to the damage listen carefully, if the sound doesn't change, not a problem. If the sound becomes dull, it means the underlying glass has become damaged and should be repaired.
Assuming only minor damage the repair shouldn't be difficult or too costly for a DIY repair. Grind out the damaged glass, lay up new glass and gelcoat or paint the area. Check the West System site for ideas on repairing.
More concerning are the cracks radiating out from the large area in the center and to the lower right. How large are they? They look to be the result of a direct impact with something with a fair amount of force. It may be fairly shallow, i.e., only affecting the gel coat or could be more serious causing the glass to delaminate.
If you can sound the hull, it will tell you a lot. Take a hammer with a plastic face or a screwdriver handle and tap on the hull. It should sound solid with a sharp tone. As you hammer closer to the damage listen carefully, if the sound doesn't change, not a problem. If the sound becomes dull, it means the underlying glass has become damaged and should be repaired.
Assuming only minor damage the repair shouldn't be difficult or too costly for a DIY repair. Grind out the damaged glass, lay up new glass and gelcoat or paint the area. Check the West System site for ideas on repairing.
First, get a copy of Don Casey's book "Complete Illustrated Sailboat Maintenance Manual". In it he shows how to do your own preliminary survey. It is worth its weight in gold. It is an expensive and heavy book. Probably around $100 + taxes.
Second, if you are still interested in buying the boat, contact your boat insurance broker for a list of approved surveyors in our area. Then get a full purchase survey. You will need it to get insurance and you will need a minimum of two million liability insurance to get into a marina. probably around $400-500 plus a half lift at about $200 + taxes.
Third, if the sailboat does not come with an assumable moorage contract, go to all the marinas in our area to see if they have moorage available and put your name on all of the wait lists. It may cost a couple of hundred to be on the wait list. Annual moorage is about $4,000 to $5,000 + taxes per year for a nominal 27 foot boat. Your insurance will be around $500 per year and you will need to spend an average of around $2,000 per year for normal maintenance such as bottom paint every second year and minor repairs, plus any major repairs and upgrades.
Fourth, if you think this is expensive, you should not get a boat. A 27 foot Catalina of that vintage typically has an outboard and should have a buy price of around $10,000 +/- $3,000 depending on condition.
Finally, if you get the sailboat, welcome to the best sailing area in the world.
Second, if you are still interested in buying the boat, contact your boat insurance broker for a list of approved surveyors in our area. Then get a full purchase survey. You will need it to get insurance and you will need a minimum of two million liability insurance to get into a marina. probably around $400-500 plus a half lift at about $200 + taxes.
Third, if the sailboat does not come with an assumable moorage contract, go to all the marinas in our area to see if they have moorage available and put your name on all of the wait lists. It may cost a couple of hundred to be on the wait list. Annual moorage is about $4,000 to $5,000 + taxes per year for a nominal 27 foot boat. Your insurance will be around $500 per year and you will need to spend an average of around $2,000 per year for normal maintenance such as bottom paint every second year and minor repairs, plus any major repairs and upgrades.
Fourth, if you think this is expensive, you should not get a boat. A 27 foot Catalina of that vintage typically has an outboard and should have a buy price of around $10,000 +/- $3,000 depending on condition.
Finally, if you get the sailboat, welcome to the best sailing area in the world.
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That is what a poorly executed laminate repair looks like. Too much filler in a single application caused it to shrink and crack. I would want to know how extensive was the pre-repair damage, including other areas of the hull. A short haul is in order.
