How bad a sign is a bilge full of water, ashore?

[Greenheart]

I suppose it's fair to say that unattended boats need their companionway hatches covered.

What a pity that owners of boats left ashore to sell at leisure, often seem by then to be so out of love with the vessel that they don't take the time to arrange that small preventative measure.

Jumbleduck, I hadn't forgotten your Hunter, thanks.

 

[UK-WOOZY]

when i got my boat just over a year ago it had been left unattended by the previous owners for about 1-2 years. the bilge was full of water, the cockpit locker was full of water. rain had got in via cracked windows and a hole where missing skin fitting for the bilge pump was. Also when i launched water was coming in via the speed log wheel as the sealant was aged and failing. Iv sorted eveything now of course. New windows, new skin fitting and bilge pump, rebedded the log.

 

[RumPunch]

Been chasing a wet bottom all winter ( afloat ) Having pulled examined and resealed all 20 keel bolts, discovered it's a stanchion letting water in between the hull and the inner moulding, so no obvious route

 

[pvb]

It seems that the relatively complex modern boat with it's myriad of fittings, accessories and production cost cutting is a leak waiting to happen.

I'd disagree with that sweeping statement. Modern production methods mean that today's boat are built with far more precision and thought than in olden times. My 5 year old AWB has no leaks.

 

[agurney]

I am pleased to report the only thing in my bilges is dust.

However I have had to empty bilges of other boats which was due to water collecting in 'unusual' places as the boat had a distinct 'bow down' level owing to the slope on the hardstanding.

I experienced that at Cairnbaan one winter - a combination of bow down and stern to the prevailing wind.

 

[SvenH]

My boats through deck fittings of the side stays were poorly constructed and depended on caulking for water proofing.

As that gets torn every time the mast is stepped it is never water proof and collects a lot of rain water (by means of the stays), as in several liters in a down poor.

Unsure how to explain in English how I fixed it but it is waterproof since...

 

[Greenheart]

I'm emailing a broker who, despite the low price of the boat I'm enquiring about, has been generous with his time and his photos.

What I'm wondering cynically, is whether his keenness is because nobody has shown any interest in the boat, in three wet months.

I've examined keel-bolts before. To me, these look like I'd expect on a 40 year-old boat which hasn't had them replaced...

...the question I ask you gents, is just how much of a mistake you think I'm making if I spend a weekend driving up to see her.

The whole boat is seriously shabby as the broker admits, but has a fairly new outboard. My concern is that the owner may be hoping to recoup everything he spent on the engine and a bit on top, by offering it with the remnants of a yacht attached.

The disturbing thing is that those photos were taken after the chap had shifted the water. I guess he didn't have a sponge.

 

[Yellow Ballad]

Where abouts is the boat? Maybe someone local could have a gander first?

 

[SvenH]

Where is the value for you?

I think that is one of the most important questions.

- Learning what kind of boat is right for you?
- Learning how to work on boats?
- spending time in a satisfying way?

Technically there is probably no reason to buy this boat or to even go looking.
There are plenty cheap boats and it is usually cheaper to buy a good boat to start with then it is to buy a poor one and make it good.

One thing I always consider when going looking for something second hand:
- Am I willing to pay asking price or go back empty handed?
If both are answered with No, then I should not go.

Beware that buying a boat that needs upgrades likely turns out to be a money pit if you lack knowledge on what needs doing.
Replacing keel bolts is not that easy....
Buying a good boat with a poor outboard engine is probably better than buying a poor boat with a good outboard engine.

 

[yoda]

I'm emailing a broker who, despite the low price of the boat I'm enquiring about, has been generous with his time and his photos.

What I'm wondering cynically, is whether his keenness is because nobody has shown any interest in the boat, in three wet months.

I've examined keel-bolts before. To me, these look like I'd expect on a 40 year-old boat which hasn't had them replaced...

...the question I ask you gents, is just how much of a mistake you think I'm making if I spend a weekend driving up to see her.

The whole boat is seriously shabby as the broker admits, but has a fairly new outboard. My concern is that the owner may be hoping to recoup everything he spent on the engine and a bit on top, by offering it with the remnants of a yacht attached.

The disturbing thing is that those photos were taken after the chap had shifted the water. I guess he didn't have a sponge.

I bought a boat that had lots of leaks but the keel bolts were nothing like these. I would walk away unless you are prepared to drop the keel and replace the bolts.

Yoda

 

[John the kiwi]

I bought a boat that had lots of leaks but the keel bolts were nothing like these. I would walk away unless you are prepared to drop the keel and replace the bolts.

Yoda

+lots!
Thats some serious corrosion. I would drop it like a hot tuber!
Spend a bit more up front, it will be less expensive even in the short term.
I wouldn't buy a boat that i couldnt put in the water and sail and motor immediately.
Even so, you need to take a jaundiced look at everything. Sails, rigging, spars, hardware, motor, squabs, water tanks etc etc all cost eye watering amounts to replace. If you buy a boat knowing you have to replace one or other of those things then fine, but if you have to re build the whole thing, then you should run away.

Realistically, it is cheaper to buy a better boat with fewer issues and go sailing than buy an old dunga (kiwi word for clapped out old wreck) and do it up. (Unless you are one of those that actually prefers fettling old boats to using them, and there are a suprising number of these people.)

 

[Greenheart]

Thank you all...the wisdom is so obvious when I hear it from others.

Whereabouts is the boat?

This is almost a bigger problem than her condition. She's on the East Coast, and I'm on the Solent.

So any work required would mean a not-very-short stay up there...possibly as costly as the refit and repairs...

...and the boat wouldn't be fit to sail home (a testing journey, longer than any I've made before) till all's thoroughly ship-shape.

Sails, rigging, spars, hardware, motor, squabs, water tanks etc etc all cost eye watering amounts to replace.

Yup, you're right, this boat is no bargain, and a royal pain as well. A real "dunga".

My boat-shopping is now so predictable. Interested enquiry; excited planning; sober inspection of real costs; relief as I back away.

Buying a good boat with a poor outboard engine is probably better than buying a poor boat with a good outboard...

Thanks, I sensed that already, just needed telling again. :encouragement:

...there are plenty of cheap boats

Cheap ones are certainly cheap, but often for a reason. The irony, as I said earlier, is that most of my favourite classes of small, affordable old cruisers that can take the ground, are much more often for sale in North Wales or Essex, than in the crowded Solent.

But, I'll still be ready when the right boat's for sale at the right price. With no leaky hatches.

:encouragement:

 

[ghostlymoron]

It's not right to say don't worry it's only fresh water not salty - fresh will rot timber whereas salty won't.