Hi All,
Back in June I looked at a mid 80s Hunter 34, in New Zealand, which is still on the market, and am considering re-visiting.
She's a bit rough, if I'm honest: original Yanmar engine, a horror story of rust and leaking fluids, water pump and exhaust elbow likely both leak (but runs ok), stern gland looks likely to be leaking, gearbox that sometimes vibrates when rev'd quickly, prop shaft coupling flange heavily rusted, electrical spaghetti, flat batteries (house looked very old), mouldy wall carpet and sealant beads in places, bilge full of unmentionable fluids (hidden bilge supposedly opened up already - didn't want to verify!), cabin sole covered in EVA faux teak so guess underneath looked even worse, and no working fridge (just portable peltier units that need immediate removal). Then outside, heavily oxidized gel coat, no working lights in mast, shot clears on dodger, all canvas nearing end of life, main has a hole probably from rubbing on something (patched before), jib has leach chord pocket worn open, both sails below average condition, standing rigging has not been replaced in current owners time, and history unknown, also a couple of soft spots on the deck, adjacent to hatches that have already been replaced in recent years.
But the biggest concerns are the chain plates, and the usual compression post. Closely followed by the unknown cost of doing the standing rigging on this relatively complex B&R setup.
The steel chain plates are clearly rusty, at least what little can be viewed from the small aperture in the fibreglass that the stainless rod passes through. Small flakes could be picked off. But the rod is also rusted for a couple of inches up from the chainplate. Both sides are similar. Please see photo.
I've read about a couple of dismastings on these boats. Would anyone with this unfortunate experience say these chainplates have potential for imminent failure? I wonder if anyone has attempted a temporary (read quick with limited tools) repair? I would need to do something to make it safe for the 120NM delivery, till it could be properly addressed back home.
The compression post is starting to rot at the top, mainly on the aft port corner. The horizontal beam is not showing signs of compressing yet, but there was one tiny hairline crack in the gelcoat. Not sure what the deal is with the stainless plate wedged between the post and the beam? Viewed from aft the plate had an awkward tilt to it - port side a little lower than starboard. I suspect with was a bit of a bodge fix to buy some time for the compression post. Interested to hear what others might know?
So clearly a lot of work to would be required (some jobs requiring immediate attention), and a considerable amount of money to be spent to bring it up to a reasonable (& safe) standard. Also, I have yet to inspect below the water line.
Owner's current asking price is unrealistic in my opinion, but that's something I need to discuss further when I figure out my appetite for the work required.
Would be very interested to hear others thoughts/experience on any of the above, and if there's anything else I should look out for?
Back in June I looked at a mid 80s Hunter 34, in New Zealand, which is still on the market, and am considering re-visiting.
She's a bit rough, if I'm honest: original Yanmar engine, a horror story of rust and leaking fluids, water pump and exhaust elbow likely both leak (but runs ok), stern gland looks likely to be leaking, gearbox that sometimes vibrates when rev'd quickly, prop shaft coupling flange heavily rusted, electrical spaghetti, flat batteries (house looked very old), mouldy wall carpet and sealant beads in places, bilge full of unmentionable fluids (hidden bilge supposedly opened up already - didn't want to verify!), cabin sole covered in EVA faux teak so guess underneath looked even worse, and no working fridge (just portable peltier units that need immediate removal). Then outside, heavily oxidized gel coat, no working lights in mast, shot clears on dodger, all canvas nearing end of life, main has a hole probably from rubbing on something (patched before), jib has leach chord pocket worn open, both sails below average condition, standing rigging has not been replaced in current owners time, and history unknown, also a couple of soft spots on the deck, adjacent to hatches that have already been replaced in recent years.
But the biggest concerns are the chain plates, and the usual compression post. Closely followed by the unknown cost of doing the standing rigging on this relatively complex B&R setup.
The steel chain plates are clearly rusty, at least what little can be viewed from the small aperture in the fibreglass that the stainless rod passes through. Small flakes could be picked off. But the rod is also rusted for a couple of inches up from the chainplate. Both sides are similar. Please see photo.
I've read about a couple of dismastings on these boats. Would anyone with this unfortunate experience say these chainplates have potential for imminent failure? I wonder if anyone has attempted a temporary (read quick with limited tools) repair? I would need to do something to make it safe for the 120NM delivery, till it could be properly addressed back home.
The compression post is starting to rot at the top, mainly on the aft port corner. The horizontal beam is not showing signs of compressing yet, but there was one tiny hairline crack in the gelcoat. Not sure what the deal is with the stainless plate wedged between the post and the beam? Viewed from aft the plate had an awkward tilt to it - port side a little lower than starboard. I suspect with was a bit of a bodge fix to buy some time for the compression post. Interested to hear what others might know?
So clearly a lot of work to would be required (some jobs requiring immediate attention), and a considerable amount of money to be spent to bring it up to a reasonable (& safe) standard. Also, I have yet to inspect below the water line.
Owner's current asking price is unrealistic in my opinion, but that's something I need to discuss further when I figure out my appetite for the work required.
Would be very interested to hear others thoughts/experience on any of the above, and if there's anything else I should look out for?
