Went to see a hunter 22

[quiggers]

I've posted a bunch so apologies in advance.

I went back to look at a hunter 22 today close to me.

Few observations I would like to know if I should be concerned.

I noticed a bunch of water inside.
Namely in the bilge, around the swing keel bolts and in the space under the cockpit, behind the stairs and sink,, where the cockpit drain lines run...

Now, its been sat in a driveway for 5 months so its not taking on water floating at a slip clearly.....

The companion way isn't secure as I guess most boats aren't and we have had some heavy heavy rains in the last two weeks. So it clearly has to be rainwater...

The bilge pump is located under the sink and what I think is an icebox....which is also full of water.

As I crawled around it looks like the area the bilge pump is located is higher than both the inspection area where the swing keel bolts are and also the area behind, directly under the cockpit, where the cockpit drain lines come down and run out.

FYI, there is a bilge pump but it isn't connected, so am aware its not working...

So my question is....

1. Is the bilge pump in the correct place to catch the lowest lying water. And would rain water, with a non connected bilge pump overflow into those other areas ?
2. Is it possible the cockpit drain lines are leaking and are able to make their way from those lines into the bilge pump cavity and the swing keel attachment cavity ?
3. Most importantly, how important and easy it is to determine if this should not be happening, or is simply an insecure companionable, or drain lines ?

If the boat was floating at a dock, I may be more concerned.

My 13 year old said, its a good thing that no water is leaking out, so none should leak 'in lol.

 

[shemandr]

Your thirteen year old is wise beyond his years. "The boat holds water." But you need a boat that is water tight - or nearly so.
Tell the seller to rid the boat of incidental water and you'll come back to look at it. The bilge pump may have run the battery down and the owner didn't bother to remedy that. Or does it even have an electric bilge pump? And the weight of all that water may distort the hull if on bunks or rollers - check that.
The seller has told you he doesn't give a damn about the boat. Look for a fire sale price. Or just walk on by.

 

[quiggers]

Yes, that 13 year old is wise and a better sailer to boot...

To be fair to the seller, they moved out of state and were going to use it but due to circumstances I won't divulge means they can't.

They did have all the standing and running rigging replaced and the swing keel serviced in 2024 at a reputable marina Inc bottom paint I was made aware prior that the bilge pump was disconnected in their absence.

Trailer, serviced with tires, bearings and lights.

It appears the boat was well treated and intended to be used, but circumstances have forced its sale and its sat in a driveway with no tarp to allow viewing in his absence.

So I dont think its neglect, I'm trying to find out if its a normal state of affairs given the position its in. Or abnormal and to walk away.

Appreciate any insights from those familiar with the 22.

 

[rgranger]

In almost every case, bringing an old neglected boat, back to life is more expensive than finding one that’s already in decent shape and ready to go. It’s a buyers market. The only exception that I’ve experienced is when the sales have been stored inside and the trailers in decent shape And it comes with a functional outboard. And then because the boat is in such bad shape you can get it for a few hundred dollars. I want spot on McGregor 22 for $900. There was an entire suite of racing sails kept inside in a closet, a decent trailer and a functioning outboard motor, but the boat sat under a pine tree, got covered with lichens, and a hornets nest had made a home in the galley cabinets.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Water in the bilge would be low on my list of concerns but could be an indicator. I'd be looking for rotten wood and stains around fittings that could indicate a leak