Keel and Mast Step questions

[OceanDreamer]

Hi everyone. I am looking at buying a 423 (2007) Beneteau and would like input on a few items I've noticed prior to the survey. Like anyone, I want to anticipate and big surprises and the more input the better. I do know that wear and tear is normal, just want to know if these are significant...

1. The mast step appears to have a slight "cupping" going on (maybe 1/8") around the plate that attaches to the hull. Is that of concern?
2. The Keel Bolts are weeping a small amount and the two forward bolts appear to have had caulk put around them.. I know that won't actually stop water and that it is odd...
3. The Keel itself has rust in patches that are almost entirely on the forward edge.

Are these major concerns or things that maintenance can take care of? Major=more than $3,000 in my definition.
Also, what is a good way to check all these things and the hull grid? I will have a surveyor look, but want to be sure she is sound.

The forward berth has mold in the ceiling area, is that something that is difficult to clean up? Does the ceiling open (panels come off) fairly easily if we want to do it ourselves?

I've included a couple photos to get your thoughts.

Thanks!

 

[jssailem]

You need to inspect the keel out of the water. The image might suggest there was a grounding. This could show up around the keel attachment to the hull (i.e. a smile), and the observed issues with the bolts.

 

[JoeWhite]

I would run away fast. Repair cost is more than 3000. Yes it appears that it ran aground.

 

[shemandr]

The cupping around the mast step is a concern. It would forecast that the material underneath is softening. The material is often wood but I don't speak Beneteau. It's not necessarily expensive DIY but will take man-hours of $125+/hour. It's also taking the mast down and taking a grinder to your new to you boat. Water won't run off the step so it's likely self propagating.
In order for the keel bolts to weep water the seal around the keel must have failed. That is consistent with the grounding theory.
If that is an iron keel I think it would have to be stripped and treated. There's two reason to take the keel off. I can't think of one reason not to. Oh yeah. It's not your boat - yet.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Reality check:
cost to:
1. Step mast, remove mast post, rebuild mast step, reinstall all including retuning rig - $4000 easy
2. Strip and re-seal keel - $2000
3. What -ifs: if keel bolts are rusted, hull grid damage or moisture in the hull - buy a lottery ticket.

 

[Davidasailor26]

I think this is a mixed bag.

1. The mast step appears to have a slight "cupping" going on (maybe 1/8") around the plate that attaches to the hull. Is that of concern?

I presume you mean the base of the compression post that you pictured inside the cabin. The mast step is technically on the deck. I don’t think there’s any wood under the compression post. I’d expect that to be solid glass laminate there. But I don’t have any explanation for the cupping. A surveyor in person probably needs to make that judgement.

2. The Keel Bolts are weeping a small amount and the two forward bolts appear to have had caulk put around them.. I know that won't actually stop water and that it is odd...

The caulk may be from the factory. I know my Beneteau has similar looking stuff there. The weeping and gelcoat cracks are a little more concerning. It’s possible that the cracks are just cosmetic, but also possible that they’re a sign of larger problems like a grounding.

3. The Keel itself has rust in patches that are almost entirely on the forward edge.

Rust on an iron keel just goes with the territory. Generally not a hard fix, and I’d consider it regular maintenance rather than a significant purchase repair item. Rust along the leading edge, especially when not at the bottom where a grounding impact would happen, is probably just cosmetic. The rust along the keel hull joint could be related to the keel bolt issues and be more significant. That might be another “surveyor can tell best” type thing.

The forward berth has mold in the ceiling area, is that something that is difficult to clean up? Does the ceiling open (panels come off) fairly easily if we want to do it ourselves?

Should be a manageable DIY, although the fact that the current owner let it persist and didn’t clean it up could be a sign of their concern of other maintenance items.