spider cracks on transom

[scott g.]

i'm considering the purchase of an '86 25.5. after a thorough once over, she appears to be a good buy. however, i do have some concern with some spider cracks around the lower rudder mount. the owner states that they were there when he purchased the boat and that they haven't gotten worse. any advice on repairing these would be great. thank you very much.scott g.

 

[R. Mewhinney]

What's a through once over

When you say a thorough once over, do you mean by a reputable surveyor or yourself? If by a surveyor they should be in a position to provide advise on the severity of the cracks and appropriate methodology for repair.If the once over was yourself, given you have a concern, I would consider obtaining a survey to verify the overall condition of the boat. A reputable surveyor should be able to provide information on the condition of the boat including things you don't see on the surface.With information from a surveyor, and a better understanding of required repairs and costs, it may warrent further price negotiations with the current owner assuming you are still interested.If the survey verifies your opinion that the boat is sound, then you know that you have a sound boat.

 

[Scott]

Crack worries

Scott:This a great boat (I have had an '84 for just under a year) and it is common to find some gelcoat cracking at stress points. Your post doesn't make clear whether the cracks are on the rudder or on the transom where the rudder is attached to the hull.I reinforced my outboard mount this past spring and learned that the transom is cored with plywood which is quite thick. If the cracks are on the transom, and unless there has been moisture accumulation and rot at this point, I wouldn't worry about it. Get a surveyor to look at it, and make sure the gudgeons for the rudder are properly bedded (with 3M 4200 or the equivalent silkaflex product) and tightened.If everything else checks out, you will be pleasantly surprised at the combination of speed, strength, and liveability which was designed into these boats. The cast iron keel requires a little extra maintenance and vigilance every haulout, and she requires a reef at 15 knots, but this boat is otherwise a low maintenance machine with a high fun factor.Good luck to you and keep us posted on the outcome.