What to look for in used H23.5

[tampastockman]

I am going to Miami to look at the H23.5 tomorrow morning. What kind of things should I look for to make or break the deal. I am told that the boat is sound, but needs tlc to get her water ready. The lady I am getting from doesnt know much about boats so its tough to get to the bottom of what her idea of TLC is. It has the main and hank on Jib and jib bag according to the craigs list posting. I am picking it up for $1500 and I am figuring at a minimum to replace shrouds, forestay, lines and paint. The only pic I have is the one attached. It also is missing the back small starboard window. Thanks for the help and advice.

Anything you think of no matter how basic will be appreciated, as I am a novice sailboater.

 

[inarathree]

For $1500 it's not a bad deal for a boat with a trailer. Check the swing keel for damage, replacement cost is about $1k. Sails material should be somewhat stiff, a new set of sails will run about $1200. Check the out board if you can, a replacement will run about $1200.

When you look at everything, play with it, make winches turn, make sheves on blocks turn, sometimes it's not the big ticket items that cost, you can also be nickeled and dimed to death.

Look for drip marks or water rings.

On the flip side smaller boats have less electrical to them, less thru hills for leaks, and are over all simpler to maintain cause of it.

Look at everything with a critical eye, keep emotion out of it, you can fall in love with her later. Don't feel like you have to buy just cause you drove there. I think most on this forum drove to see many boats before buying.

Take pictures.

Ask questions to yourself and the seller.

Sorry, I have a H22, so I can't tell you specific watch out fors. Hopefully crazy Dave will chime in before you go, he is loaded with good info.

Above all have fun. If it doesn't feel right walk away.

Good luck, let us know how it goes.

 

[SenecaDaze]

From the picture looks like trailer is damaged or maybe they are guide ons that are damaged, trailer looks to be supported by the portapottie and boat by the spare.maybe just my imagination.

Eyeball the mast make sure is straight and no damage.
ask to lay out the sails and check them over good.
take a flashlight with you and look in every nook and cranny inside.
make sure title is clean clear and transferable
make sure there is a rudder.

if all these things are good you would be stealing the boat.
the trailer may be worth that much.

good luck

 

[tampastockman]

Great advice and pointers Seneca and Inara. The rudder is there (behind the boat on ground in pic) , I will surely do my best to check the swing keel (center board?) . It seems that common sense will tell me what i am getting. I am getting there early so I can take my time and see everything in daylight.

 

[DJN51]

That's not stock trailer for the 23.5,to short,check hull where it sits on bunks for any compression to hull.Good luck I love mine.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

It appears to be the correct trailer but some funky guide on boards added by a previous owner. I would delete those owner add on guide boards

If your inspection gives you concern, would you contact me at davecondon@mindspring.com as that would be a good boat for a boy scout camp in VA and I know how to fix those boats as I showed the plans to Hunter way bach when. Many thanks

crazy dave condon

 

[Juice6576]

Check water ballast system

Check under the bunks for cracks in the water ballast tank. Look at the flood valve and make sure you have the tank vent. Check the cabin sole for sponginess. Open the doors in the stern and look at the transom. Check for cracks around the mounting bolts for the outboard bracket and look for leaks around the bolts and at the seam between the hull and transom joints. Check the hand pumps for the sink, the orings can dry out and the handle can wear as well.

 

[tampastockman]

I pulled the trigger and purchased the 94 23.5. It is in dire need of elbow grease and paint. The only structural damage is on the cabin roof above the rear starboard side window. It appears as if a tree or something fell on it. There is a patched hole about 9" square. It has been roughly patched with fiberglass filler and feels strong. The mast, as my luck would have, doesnt appear to be the stock mast. It does not have the hole in it for a gin pole. I will be posting more soon as questions arise. Thanks much to all for the great suggestions and help. This forum is top notch!!!

 

[inarathree]

Search this forum for Maine Sail's directions on how to buff and wax fiberglass. You new boat may only need to have the oxidization taken care of. I, like many other have followed these directions and gone from a chalky finish to mirror-like finish, and a heck of a lot cheaper than reprinting.

And are you in Tampa or Orlando, cause there are many in the area if you need help (nice of me to offer others help).

 

[Mike in Cape Cod]

That is not the original trailer. Too short. Also looks inadequate for the weight of the 23.5.
The port side bunk is not in a position to correctly support the hull and could lead to the water ballast chamber being damaged, I.E. Totaled ! Sometimes a bargain ain't a bargain. Be cautious and look well before you leap. Add up what repairs will cost vs. buying an undamaged used 23.5 ready to sail. A new correct mast will set you back $1500.00 plus shipping and rigging hardware = near $2,000.00 Good Luck !

 

[tampastockman]

Mike, the bunks you see in the pic are actually just guides. The bunks are actually identical to the real 23.5 trailer I have. I will switch the trailers soon. The hull is in real nice shape and the mast is correct for the 23.5. I am assuming it is just a replacement mast. My best guess is that the cabin top damage resulted from a tree falling on the boat and It probably damaged the mast as well. I will be getting her in the water over the next two to three weeks and that will tell the whole story.