Encapsulated lead keel on Vindo 40 advice wanted

[BACUS]

Thinking of purchasing a Vindo 40 in Holland, but have noticed the GPR encapulation over the top of the lead ballast has split and come away in places ( in front part top of ballast only)The boat is over 30 years old and the Dutch surveyor did not seem too concerned.Am i being unduly worried or should i walk away.Thanks for your time.

 

[savageseadog]

Make sure it's lead, not iron in the encapsulation. Can't comment otherwise

 

[Tranona]

The family who built the Vindo are still in business as Regina Yachts. Might be worth checking with them about the construction.

 

[earlybird]

Can't really comment on the keel, but if the GRP retains the ballast, rather than bolts, then I'd be wary. My opinion of the Vindo is based on a friend's ownership of one, a 32? , in the late nineties. A nice boat in many ways, but he had a nasty surprise when being lifted out at the end of one season. The cold-moulded coachroof split away from the deck over some length. I believe water had been getting into the joint.

 

[Pasarell]

I don't know about the Vindo specifically but some encapsulated lead keels had the lead bound with iron strappings. If they get wet the ferrous metal expands as it corrodes and can split the GRP. If that's the case with the boat you're looking at it sounds an expensive repair.

 

[BabaYaga]

I'd be a concerned about what kind of event made the encapsulation split. A massive grounding? Boat beeing dropped from crane? Are bulkheads and mast support looking sound?
In my experience (25 yrs+ with a Vindö 32) the encapsulation over the lead keel is a very strong and trouble-free part of the boat. Should take some violence to make it split and "come away".
As for water ingress along the mahogany super structure, as mentioned by earlybird, I'd be be looking more closely along the bottom edge of the cockpit coaming. Also, the joint between the coaming and the coachroof side is a weak spot. Btw, the coamings are cold moulded but the coachroof sides are massive wood, apart from the "front corners".
Good luck!