Hi all,
I just joined the site after a few years of lurking. I recently purchased a 2000 Hunter 212. This is my first boat, although I have previously raced Santana 20s and J22s pretty regularly. So, while I can sail (well, I guess that depends on who you ask!), I am new to boat maintenance and repair. Just FYI, I am from San Diego, but recently moved to the DC area. My hunter will be sailed in the Potomac and the Chesapeake.
So, being new, i have a few questions:
(1) ACP Repair. I have read the posts in several forums concerning ACP issues on this boat. My hunter has a few seemingly cosmetic cracks in the cockpit and around the windows (all about 2-4 inches, not wide or deep). She also has a large 14" crack on the deck just above the starboard window (starting at the back corner of the window, trailing back towards the companionway). First, is it worth repairing the smaller cosmetic cracks? Second, could anyone point me in the right direction with regard to any official or unofficial repair procedures. (Some of the links on past forums are broken, or the linked website is dead.) I will probably prep (drill stop, Drexel a wedge around and in the crack, and sand), then fill with the suggested Devcon plastic weld. Is it worth adding some fiberglass over the crack, or doing anything else to strengthen?
(2). The side windows on her leak pretty badly. They are cracked, and they are no longer holding a seal well. I will definitely need to replace these windows. I'm thinking of even replacing them with fiberglass covers (opaque, white), as I imagine new plexiglass or other plastic glass windows will probably just crack again due to stress. Of course, I would prefer to have translucent windows, but i imagine replacing them will be (and probably continue to be) expensive. (As some of you probably know, both port and starboard windows are one piece, about 2-3 feet long, 10 inches high, and, most importantly, they are substantially curved. It's this curvature that I think will make any fabrication quite expensive.). Thoughts or suggestions?
(3). The cabin collects some substantial condensation (e.g., under the cushions). While not an immediate priority, I'd like her cabin to be water and condensation tight. I imagine some of this is due to the shoddy windows and window seals. Also, this could be a result of the companionway slats and top not being weather sealed (I don't think they were meant to be). Perhaps the condensation issue is normal for these types of overnight capable day sailors? Again, I am inexperienced when it comes to ownership and maintenance. Thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks in advance for any replies. I'm excited to finally be an owner, as well as to begin contributing to the forums! I look forward to your responses!
Al
I just joined the site after a few years of lurking. I recently purchased a 2000 Hunter 212. This is my first boat, although I have previously raced Santana 20s and J22s pretty regularly. So, while I can sail (well, I guess that depends on who you ask!), I am new to boat maintenance and repair. Just FYI, I am from San Diego, but recently moved to the DC area. My hunter will be sailed in the Potomac and the Chesapeake.
So, being new, i have a few questions:
(1) ACP Repair. I have read the posts in several forums concerning ACP issues on this boat. My hunter has a few seemingly cosmetic cracks in the cockpit and around the windows (all about 2-4 inches, not wide or deep). She also has a large 14" crack on the deck just above the starboard window (starting at the back corner of the window, trailing back towards the companionway). First, is it worth repairing the smaller cosmetic cracks? Second, could anyone point me in the right direction with regard to any official or unofficial repair procedures. (Some of the links on past forums are broken, or the linked website is dead.) I will probably prep (drill stop, Drexel a wedge around and in the crack, and sand), then fill with the suggested Devcon plastic weld. Is it worth adding some fiberglass over the crack, or doing anything else to strengthen?
(2). The side windows on her leak pretty badly. They are cracked, and they are no longer holding a seal well. I will definitely need to replace these windows. I'm thinking of even replacing them with fiberglass covers (opaque, white), as I imagine new plexiglass or other plastic glass windows will probably just crack again due to stress. Of course, I would prefer to have translucent windows, but i imagine replacing them will be (and probably continue to be) expensive. (As some of you probably know, both port and starboard windows are one piece, about 2-3 feet long, 10 inches high, and, most importantly, they are substantially curved. It's this curvature that I think will make any fabrication quite expensive.). Thoughts or suggestions?
(3). The cabin collects some substantial condensation (e.g., under the cushions). While not an immediate priority, I'd like her cabin to be water and condensation tight. I imagine some of this is due to the shoddy windows and window seals. Also, this could be a result of the companionway slats and top not being weather sealed (I don't think they were meant to be). Perhaps the condensation issue is normal for these types of overnight capable day sailors? Again, I am inexperienced when it comes to ownership and maintenance. Thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks in advance for any replies. I'm excited to finally be an owner, as well as to begin contributing to the forums! I look forward to your responses!
Al
