To Buy or Not to Buy

[Caleb Krisher]

I'm considering purchasing a late 70's Hunter 25. Most areas of the boat looks OK with one major exception ... the mast step area. It appears from the photo that the plywood core is exposed. There is no evidence overhead in the cabin of blistering. Is this boat salvageable? I have the experience and ability to handle the job; the question is ... how far into the core can moisture wick from this area? All opinions appreciated.

 

[Ed Schenck]

How much?

How much time do you have Caleb? And would you rather sail or work on the boat? And do you trust that, considering this damage, the rest of the boat really is solid?Core repair is not that difficult and only moderately expensive(if it is DIY). Pick up a copy of each of the West System booklets, about $3. each. Related Link and then "Product Information".Personally I would be really concerned about the rest of the boat. Obviously a good($400.?) survey is in order here.

 

[Bill Todd]

Water can go a long way

Given time the water can get everywhere the core goes. I had a cored boat where the entire core got saturated with water from a single crack below the water line. I'd certainly have the owner prove the area around trhe mast step has a dry core before you make an offer. Another alternative is to have a repair yard look at it and give you a repair estimate. You could use that in your price negotiations.

 

[Jack Harness]

H25 mast step.

I have just had some repair work done on my Hunter 25 this spring. The area around the mast suport was water logged, I also had the mast set back about 2". I can put you intouch with the person who did my repairs, I'm in the phone book, Jack Harness, Neenah.

 

[Jim]

h25

I would notbuy the boat unless I considered the price really cheap. There are a number of h25s in the world without such problems which can be had for under 5 grand. regards, jim

 

[Caleb Krisher]

The price

Thanks for all the responses. I've done plenty of glassing on another Hunter prior to this. However, never a core problem. The boat will be cheap ... $1,000. The real expense is buying a new trailer at $3800 to transport the boat 1200 miles back to Wisconsin.

 

[Pops]

THE H 25 HAS NEVER BEEN AN EXPENSIVE BOAT

When you finish the boat and outfit it, the boat will be worth about $2000. I am a very proud owner of a 1975 h25. I love the boat. It sails great. Everything on my boat works. I was very lucky that it had been raced the year before I bought it (the owner put some money into it). I beat my friends consistently (that's the best part). I have a 2002 9.9 Suzuki 4 cyle on the back. The outboard is worth more than the boat. If I had to; do re-coring, total paint job, gel coat repair, new head, keel bolts, all new electrical,etc, etc, I would not have bought the boat. It is a fine boat. It's a great design. I love mine, but, I think you should look around for a better deal. Hell, I'll sell you mine for what you are going to pay by the time you are done, $8000 for a $2000 boat.