What to look for??

I have only seen pictures of the boat, but we all know about pictures. What are some things that I should look for or look out for?

Are there any major problem areas?

Thanks, Russ

First off, could you be a little more specific on what type of boat we are discussing here. That will help to narrow down the topic to specific answers to meet your needs. Thanks

Terry

The biggest problem, try to purchase just one! lol

It is a Clipper Marine 21 foot Flush Deck made in 1976. I can't tell anyone any more. I have not seen it yet, but would like to have a little heads up on what may be some problem areas.

Russ

On any of the swing keel boats check out the keel trunk just forward of the keel for damage from the keel dropping forwards uncontrolled due to a broken keel cable. Also check the keel cable and winch. I understand you can see the attachment point using a flashlight and viewing from the underside of the boat. The hull should be solid throughout with no soft areas when firmly pushed upon. Also check the deck surfaces for spongieness under foot. Another important area is the mast post. This is the area directly under the mast step on the top deck. There must be no rot in this area as it transfers a lot of stress from the mast. Look for water streaks at through hull fittings and hardware as this is a possible sign of water incursion into the plywood coring. Remove all covers inside looking carfully for signs of rot also. Probably a dozen other things I am forgetting this late at night. Anyone else?

If the boat is full of water, that is good news, and bad news. Good news, it is water tight. likely to also keep water out when sitting in water. Bad news, sitting water can damage things inside the boat.



Many a neglected sailboat will fill with rain water, and get trapped in the bilge and cabin.



Sails are an important part of any sailboat. Inspect each sail for rot, mold, discoloration, tears, loose stitching. If the sails are bad, figure about a grand each to replace them.



Sails can be left stored in a sailboat, and the trapped rains in the inside of the boat, destroys a good sail pretty quickly if left to sit in water.

Stainless steel rigging should look clean, and all fastening hardware still present. A bend or kink is a bad thing, be careful straightening it, as that may do more harm. Signs of cut strands of wire means the rigging needs replaced. Figure about a grand for that.



The trailer is important. It should not look rusty. Bearings should look a little greasy, not dry. A dry bearing is a real problem.



Ideally, the seller should take you sailing in your possible purchase. This has never happened for me, but a great many mysteries could be avoided with a couple hours on the water.

Thanks to you both. I will probably head up to look at it the first week of August. The owner lives in the Spokane area. I live down in Southern Idaho. The pictures of the boat look good, and it appears clean. I have owned a couple of small sailboats, but this is going to be a major undertaking.

One other question. Is there a site that may have info based on hull number? The sails on the boat have a number on them and if it was like my Finn that is also the hull number.

Thanks, Russ

No great resources on hull numbers. One guy was collecting them once, but he was eater by whales. (or other lame excuses why he collects info and does not share it)



Try this



http://web.archive.org/web/20021017010424/http://www.angelfire.com/ca/ldrust/cm21.html