Survey Question

Hollyberry · Mar 31, 2023

Such issues are repairable, even DIY for some.. and not uncommon on a nearly 40 yr old boat. The delam/moisture doesn't sound too widespread considering...
A repair of the mast area problem would require pulling the rig.... and some recoring/glass work.
Your insurer may well want a more current survey so you'd get a 'second opinion'....
I'm assuming there's no indication that the issue was addressed by the seller?

Don S/V ILLusion · Mar 31, 2023

Greg_D said:
Any rough idea on how much something like that would cost?

Anything is repairable for a price.
Depends on how extensive the damage is, i.e., is compression post base in tact, rotted core material, bulkhead rot, etc…, any and all of which can be high cost issues far exceeding the value of a 30 ft 40 year old boat.
i once looked at a boat with similar deck compression problems and walked away once I found it.

Hollyberry · Mar 31, 2023

Generally I'd say you're more likely to find similar issues in similar aged boats than not. As Don said, it's easy to rack up professional fees that exceed the value of the boat.
If you have adequate DIY skills and understand the issues, materials cost alone for such repairs is not prohibitive. However yard fees, mast in-and-out, haulouts do tend to add up.
Of course if you find a boat without such problems you'll pay more but be much further ahead in the long run - or even the short run!

Joe · Mar 31, 2023

I'd make my offer contingent on a new survey.

BigEasy · Mar 31, 2023

I had a similar issue on a 1988 Hunter 33.5 many years ago; however, in my situation the wooden compression post had rotted because of deck leak under the mast wiring run. The repair cost was approximately $4K, over 20 years ago. In your case, it appears that the deck core is compromised. As @Hollyberry mentioned, repair will include mast removal & recoring the deck where the moisture damage has occurred. Problem is, you (or the yard) will not completely know the extent of damage until the work is underway. Also, it has been approximately four years since the survey, so undoubtedly there will be more damage if the present owner did not have it repaired. If it was repaired, I would have your surveyor re-evaluate the repair as well as the entire boat. If it was repaired to your satisfaction, proceed accordingly. If it hasn't been repaired, I would walk away from this one ; there are many Catalina 30s out there to consider.

Crusty Ol Salt · Mar 31, 2023

Greg_D said:
Any rough idea on how much something like that would cost?

First I would get a new survey. This will insure the issue has not got worse over the past 4 years,

I did a quick look, my best guess would be a price range of 10 to 20k. These are broker deals so they are cream of the crop.

Find a local yard and ask for an estimate and deducted the cost repairs from the asking price.

Even if you do the repairs, you should value your time and material cost equal to the yard.

Crusty Ol Salt · Apr 1, 2023

Greg_D said:
Sounds expensive!

Remember those are broker prices. The best of the best.

Don S/V ILLusion · Apr 1, 2023

Greg_D said:
Sounds expensive! I looked at the boat again today and didn't see any obvious signs of water incursion. I used a moisture meter as well. I do plan on getting another survey and I'm going to tell the owner that it's going to have to be a screaming good deal for me to go forward with the purchase.

In boats like this with a sunken mast step, other insidious problems often exist. For example, if the current owner sailed th boat with loose rigging caused by the mast step problem, damage to the chain plates and attachment points often results as does fatigue in many components. Moisture and water intrusion can result in unexpected areas. And moisture meters used by untrained eyes can be very misleading.
i say this not to rain on your parade but to highlight the realities with a boat which obviously has not been well maintained.

Hollyberry · Apr 1, 2023

Electric drive.... hmmm... better consider your intended usage.. Is there a charging generator? Don't think electric is up to any extended cruising, more 'in and out of harbour' at this stage. The wind doesn't always blow...

Ward H · Apr 1, 2023

I’d be concerned that the recent install of the electric drive doesn’t perform as expected is the reason for selling the boat. Appearing to be professionally installed doesn’t mean it will push the boat fast enough to get through bad weather or high winds or motor home a few hours if the wind drops to nothing.
I doubt it adds any value to the boat.

Having the wet deck under the mast professionaly repaired will probably cost the value of the boat.
Does the deck under the mast look like a bird bath? Does the head door open close without rubbing on the overhead or cabin sole? Cracks in the overhead or Deck near the compression post?
These are warning signs that the deck has sunk and needs to be repaired.

Another thought. Tons of help on this site for fiberglass repairs and diesel repairs but maybe not so much if you have electric drive issues.

Ward H · Apr 1, 2023

Another thought. Survey was before new electric drive. It will be interesting to hear what the new surveyor says about it. And your insurance company.

jssailem · Apr 2, 2023

Greg_D said:
long time lurker here, first time poster. I am looking at a 1984 Catalina 30 tall rig and thinking about making an offer.

Hi Greg. Welcome to the forum and your first query. After reading the above posts and your responses, it sounds like you have become smitten by this boat. That is a good thing.

Reading your sign on about me data,
Catalina 22 US Conroe Not much. Just getting started.
I get the feeling this boat feels like a dream date with the prom queen.

Greg_D said:
There are lots of upgrades on the boat and she's ben maintained pretty well. The diesel was removed last year and a new electric motor and the associated batteries and switch gear was installed. It looks like a clean/professional install.

Your ask about costs of repairs to a wet deck lead me to think you have a practical/frugal side.

The choice is yours. Things about the boat that cause pause are a wet deck at the mast. As @Don S/V ILLusion and @Crusty Ol Salt shared can be the type of issue that can suck money or time from sailing.

It can be done. Is that the way you want to spend your summer. It will take several months. Likely more if you DIY the project. With the mast down you’ll find other neglected issues that will all be safety issues with the rigging - it is a 38 year old boat. Budget $4-7K to make them good. You will want the mast and rigging able to weather one of those freak storms that occur near/off the Texas coast in Gulf waters.

Let’s say you do go forward with the purchase and get the boat safe again to sail, are you going to be happy just cruising the Bay returning to home marina every night? As @Ward H has shared, an electric motor is a new and limiting auxiliary power source. When the weather is perfectly calm, sun shining bright, full batteries and no electrical gremlins in the system “All will be well”. You’ll be the boat owner gliding silently through the water. We all dream about those moments. Mother Nature doesn’t always play nice.

If you want to survive you need to consider the worst weather you can imagine, then picture yourself a cork on the waves.

praying you have enough energy to climb that mountain and the one behind it and the next one home to your loved ones and safe harbor.

As much as many of us would like the electric motor to be a sailboat auxiliary the state of the art is still in its infancy. It is not about the motor, it is the ability to have and store enough energy on board the boat.

If A project is your desire go for it. Even Prom Queens deserve good lovers.

If you want to focus on sailing and just day sailing find a boat that is ready to go with a sound hull, rigging and deck.

Which ever you choose, know that unlike that new car, once you consummate the deal you will be opening your wallet again and again as a boat is like a mistress and there is never enough bling.

Good luck

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