Hello,
I am considering the purchase of a 1978 O'Day 30 project boat and was wondering a few things. First, is there a core in the deck or is it solid molded fiberglass? The seller claims the deck has a couple of soft spots, and there are a couple of cracks on the bow rail. I would imagine it would have to have a core if it is able to get a couple of soft spots. I have read that to fix that type of problem you may have to drill a hole in the soft spot and extract as much rotten wood as possible, then fill the void with epoxy. Is this procedure practical, and does it result in a good repair? Are cracks in fiberglass repairable(I realise the bow rail is part of the lifelines, but am curious)?
I am certainly not averse to some elbow grease, and it may even be a bit fun but I don't want to put the time and money into it unless I will end up with a great boat when I am done. This particular boat appears to be in almost sailable condition so it could be enjoyed for the rest of the summer before much of the real work begins.
Is anyone aware of any "gotchas" with this type of boat? Are there any major repair issues with this brand/model of boat? Any other thoughts on O'Day 30s?
Thank you
I am considering the purchase of a 1978 O'Day 30 project boat and was wondering a few things. First, is there a core in the deck or is it solid molded fiberglass? The seller claims the deck has a couple of soft spots, and there are a couple of cracks on the bow rail. I would imagine it would have to have a core if it is able to get a couple of soft spots. I have read that to fix that type of problem you may have to drill a hole in the soft spot and extract as much rotten wood as possible, then fill the void with epoxy. Is this procedure practical, and does it result in a good repair? Are cracks in fiberglass repairable(I realise the bow rail is part of the lifelines, but am curious)?
I am certainly not averse to some elbow grease, and it may even be a bit fun but I don't want to put the time and money into it unless I will end up with a great boat when I am done. This particular boat appears to be in almost sailable condition so it could be enjoyed for the rest of the summer before much of the real work begins.
Is anyone aware of any "gotchas" with this type of boat? Are there any major repair issues with this brand/model of boat? Any other thoughts on O'Day 30s?
Thank you
