Looking for expert Bene opinions!

[Syl]

Looking for some feedback about how common crazing is on the 423 / 473 range, especially around the toe rail? Compression post might also be an issue? So I am looking to purchase a bene 423 and a few things seem concerning (see pictures). I would of course have the boat surveyed before purchase but am wondering if it's even worth continuing to pursue the boat, or are these issues just par for the course in boats that are 20+ yrs old? Thanks for your thoughts.

1) The first picture is cracks found the forward berth underneath the center floor board.

2)) 2nd pic is starboard window frame, cracked all the way through.

3) Hard to see in the pic but there is definitely a valley in the fiberglass stringer where the compression post sits. No crack in the FB glass.

4, 5, 6) Crazing on top side.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

It's a 20 year old boat - it will have crazing regardless of the brand on the nameplate. The "valley" comment might be more troubling - are you implying the mast post has allowed the deck at the mast to sink?

 

[Syl]

The "valley" comment might be more troubling - are you implying the mast post has allowed the deck at the mast to sink?

I could not see any obvious sinking at the mast. At the post base, I would say it was about a 1/4 inch.

There is a Bene 423 at the dock at my marina, an 2004 model that has zero crazing, but he has waxed and buffed that topside every year.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

are these issues just par for the course in boats that are 20+ yrs old?

Just how old is the boat ? I will chase and repair small spider cracks when I'm bored out of my mind and nothing else to do on my 24 YO boat. Just the usual stuff.

What I don't have is interior cracking as you show. The heavy crack under the hatch is an indication there may be serious problems with the boat overall. However, the exterior cracks are not out of the ordinary, except they appear long and continuous along the toe rail. The spider cracks I see on my boat are short and not connected to each other.

My suspicion would be that the boat has been used for racing and shown no mercy or it's been through the mother of all storms at one time. It may be worth pursuing if the price is veeeeeeeeeeery attractive but if it were me, I'd be moseying down the dock looking at other boats.

 

[Hollyberry]

Our (31 yr old) Bene 35s5 has spider cracks here and there but not as extensive as you show.. As mentioned I'd agree the depression at the compression post is your biggest issue, and to me the crack in the hatch frame make me think someone very large may have been heavily tramping around on deck.

Some of this may be the result of a hard grounding, I suppose, an external inspection of the keel and joint would certainly be in order.. is the boat hauled now?


I'd say the ".3" series would be unlikely race boats...

 

[Mechone]

I'd go out on limb that the rigging has been over tightened , which can cause stress cracking and the post sinking . That post needs to be addressed. Myself if the price is right anything fiberglass can be repaired in fact made stronger. Personally to repair I would cut an opening in the side of the stringer with a multi tool and build up under the post with G10 board epoxied in on its end hammering it in to remove deform then re glass opening. It will be stronger than factory transmitting the load down to the hull and keel over a solid block instead of a hollow stringer . G10 will not bend or deform and I have seen tests where carbon fiber failed and g10 wouldn't

 

[Syl]

Mechone, Thanks for your insight and recommendations on how to fix. If I proceed with it, I'll have something concrete to give to the broker. I was thinking more about picture 1 and since it's location is right forward of the forward head, what are the chances this was caused by slings not being in the right location during haulout?

 

[Mechone]

Mechone, Thanks for your insight and recommendations on how to fix. If I proceed with it, I'll have something concrete to give to the broker. I was thinking more about picture 1 and since it's location is right forward of the forward head, what are the chances this was caused by slings not being in the right location during haulout?

Anything is possible the forward and rear sling points should be on a bulkhead ,the front no problem usually the rear is where cabin entrance. Also the slings must go straight up not inwards as this will squeeze the hull cracking gelcoat

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Mechone, Thanks for your insight and recommendations on how to fix. If I proceed with it, I'll have something concrete to give to the broker. I was thinking more about picture 1 and since it's location is right forward of the forward head, what are the chances this was caused by slings not being in the right location during haulout?

What are the chances? Virtually nil.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

What are the chances? Virtually nil.

I'll second, third, and fourth that. Stick with the simple causes. Grounding, abuse, and/or ignorance.

You haven't mention what the engine looks like. If it's dirty and rusty, that's a pretty good indication the boat has not seen the best of care.

If I proceed with it, I'll have something concrete to give to the broker.

You've been given several excuses NOT to buy this boat and yet you still want to go ahead with it ? Regardless of the price, in the end you still have the likelihood that you've bought a boat with problems and quite likely some very large repair bills.

Good luck. You're likely going to need it large measures.

 

[Syl]

Engine was in great condition. Low hours. Almost no rust and no black soot in the compartment. You are right about me saying IF. Temptation is boat has so much otherwise and is really well specked. Best specked bene 423 out there right now. Hard to let go of that but I am emotionally working my way to walking away. What is that thing about not getting attached to a boat when shopping...

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

What is that thing about not getting attached to a boat when shopping...

the biggest mistake boat buyers make.

and (lack of) rust or soot are not good indicators of anything.

 

[Syl]

and (lack of) rust or soot are not good indicators of anything.

Good to know. Thanks. Broker made it sound like was that was golden!

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Good to know. Thanks. Broker made it sound like was that was golden!

another mistake boat buyers make - never trust a broker. While there might be a few with integrity, that’s an exception rather than a rule

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

What is that thing about not getting attached to a boat when shopping...

Almost as bad as buying a new house. Supposedly the average person makes up their mind in something like 5 - 7 seconds of first seeing it. Usually based on the appearance of the driveway and the front door .

 

[Alan Gomes]

The heavy crack under the hatch is an indication there may be serious problems with the boat overall.

Yup. That one gives me the willies. And from the photo, it looks to me as if someone has already applied a filler to it to hide it, and it has cracked through again.

I'd pass.

 

[Tally Ho]

Yup. That one gives me the willies. And from the photo, it looks to me as if someone has already applied a filler to it to hide it, and it has cracked through again.

I'd pass.

Is that crack in the deck layup, or in a trim ring around the hatch opening?

My non-Bene (O’Day 322) has thin plastic or fiberglass trim rings around the hatch openings that are easy to crack.

Greg

 

[SeaCure]

Cracks do bother me. The structure has been put past it’s limit and one of those crack has allowed water in the laminate.
it’s a quick hard no questions asked pass when I see the crack in the hatch frame. I believe the boat has been hit hard and has a lot more cracks than the ones visible. I don’t see any old age glazing. Somewhere there will be a circular spalling hit is my bet.

 

[Mechone]

Is the boat in the water or on the hard? Is there cracking where thre stringers meet the hull? If the boat had been grounded it pops the glue either side of the keel, the keel bolts prevent full separation .Pulls down at front popping and pushes up at back popping the glue , the boat will now not be able to support itself on the keel without the keel pushing up which is a test every Beneteau must have before purchase. Grounding would not cause post collapse . The 423 is a big boat to have a deck stepped mast .

 

[NYSail]

Not sure if you are still considering this vessel. I have a 2005 423.... similar crazing in the deck gel coat. Nothing goes into core.... just minor cosmetics. Interior cracks are not good. Regarding the compression post.... go up on the deck and put your face down sideways and see if the deck dips. The crack in that window frame may be a result of a sagging deck because of a fail compression post base. Let me know if you want me to take a picture of mine for reference. But as was said, for the right price, fiberglass can be fixed to be better. Just have to make sure you account for all collateral damage and its not serious (ie wet deck surrounding mast).

Good Luck!