A couple nearing retirement—weekend cruisers on board smaller boats all their lives—were ready to do some longer cruises. After a few false starts and boats that didn’t live up to their listings, the couple found what they believed was the perfect boat. They set up a survey with a highly recommended surveyor and made plans for the boat to be hauled.
From the dock, everything looked perfect, but as the boat was hauled, the sun glistened on the bottom. They saw blisters. The couple began contemplating whether it was worth it to pursue the boat.
Buying or selling a boat can be exciting, but stressful. The seller wants to present his boat in the best light for a quick sale, while the buyer doesn’t want to get stuck with a bunch of problems. Every boat owner has a different tolerance for making or paying for repairs, and there is a balance to be struck among what the boat costs, what you’ll pay for repairs, and what the boat will be worth afterward.
If a large enough problem arises at survey, what will it take to keep the deal from dying a bloody death? (Disclaimer: No boats were hurt in the making of this article.)
Wet Core
Perhaps no finding is more vexing than moisture in the core. Most fiberglass decks and cabin sides, and some hulls, will be composed of a fiberglass skin, a core
