Old boat on Atlantic crossing

[dahabcon]

Hi, I was wondering what the experts would say about taking an old boat across the ocean? It is an 1977 Contest 34, fairly heavy boat,replaced Rigg and engine, but do you think the age off the hull material itself is getting to become a problem? Is "plastic" non aging in terms of stability? Is there a line of age someone shouldn't cross ?. There is a little bit of noise under way with a lot of wind, sometimes a door is not fitting when sailing to hard towards the wind. What do you think, alarming signs off age? Thank you so much for your consideration!
Claus

 

[Tranona]

No evidence that GRP hulls decay with age - exactly the opposite as the hull becomes a problem when all the other bits wear out and become uneconomical to repair. Plenty of people go ocean sailing in older boats, either because that is all they can afford or they prefer that type of boat. Success is a function of preparation and the capability of the crew and is largely independent of the choice of boat.

Distortion when sailing hard is not uncommon and it may well have been like that from new. However worth checking integrity of the bulkheads and particularly if the mast is deck stepped the structure that takes the compression forces. Also check integrity of chain plates and their attachment to the structure.

 

[Fr J Hackett]

I smell troll

 

[garymalmgren]

What do you think, alarming signs off age?

My first thought of a reply was something to do with ability in bed, but...

To answer your question. "water above the floorboards."

 

[LadyInBed]

Old GRP boats tend to have a heavier hull layup than the modern plastic fantastics.

 

[dahabcon]

Thanks for your answers, mast step is supported with an solid metallic stand. The chain plates have to be checked, I would consider an survey if I decide to equip the boat further for the ocean and leave the baltic.
I'll be happy to hear about further thoughts, thanks again for your time!,

@ Fr. J.Hackett: No troll, from my point of view a serious question, why do you comment?

 

[LadyInBed]

I would consider an survey if I decide to equip the boat further for the ocean and leave the baltic

It's a good idea to fill in an indication of your / boat location in your profile.

 

[john_morris_uk]

If the boat is basically sound, there is no problem with the age of the grp. It’s ability to cross oceans it’s much more to do with the state of the rig the crew and the preparations that you make. The age of the hull is more or less irrelevant.
All IMHO of course.

 

[Fr J Hackett]

Thanks for your answers, mast step is supported with an solid metallic stand. The chain plates have to be checked, I would consider an survey if I decide to equip the boat further for the ocean and leave the baltic.
I'll be happy to hear about further thoughts, thanks again for your time!,

@ Fr. J.Hackett: No troll, from my point of view a serious question, why do you comment?

3 posts since 2005 about a subject that someone owning a Contest 34 and sailing in the Baltic and presumably since at least 2005 should be able to answer for himself if he can't then he would be advised not to venture into the ocean.

 

[[70521]]

Insurance could be a challenge.

 

[steveeasy]

3 posts since 2005 about a subject that someone owning a Contest 34 and sailing in the Baltic and presumably since at least 2005 should be able to answer for himself if he can't then he would be advised not to venture into the ocean.

50,000 posts since 2011. Try a little harder

 

[Fr J Hackett]

50,000 posts since 2011. Try a little harder

Or even 2001