Sadler 34 flexing cabin top

[Scruffy&Salty]

Hi,
We have had an offer on a Sadler 34 accepted and on a pre survey walk around saw a noticeable flex in the cabintop between the hatch and mast. To my untrained ear, tapping showed a lower pitch than around the mast (surely due to the bulkhead) but it didn't sound hollow. I also checked another sadler 34 in the marina which had exactly the same characteristics. The owner of that boat didn't think it was a problem.

My question is, is this something normally encountered on a Sadler 34?

We currently live aboard a Halmatic 30 which is absolutely rock solid- the survey is next week and I would definitely reconsider even though we have been waiting for a great sadler 34 for a long time!

Many thanks in advance.

 

[V1701]

Sounds like a soggy sandwich but I don't know enough about S34s and their construction to comment further. Others will be along...

 

[vyv_cox]

Not all that unusual. Our deck creaked on port side level with the cleat. The surveyor said to keep an eye on it. That was in 1994, sound seems to have gone.
The side decks on the 34 have some foam in them but the coachroof does not. There is empty space between the roof and inner skin through which cables pass. Sounds like yours may have a slightly light layup but no sandwich to worry about.

 

[Scruffy&Salty]

Thanks vyv and v1701, that puts my mind at rest that there is no sandwich construction in the coachroof. I am a little confused about the different layups that seem to feature on these boats but am slowly educating myself. There is tape on most of the windows but no sign of water ingress, looks like recaulking will be a job to do but on first inspection not as urgent as it could be. Access under the deck looks like it will be a challenge to say the least! All good fun?

 

[Malish]

What does your surveyor say, or did you choose not to have one?

 

[Tranona]

What does your surveyor say, or did you choose not to have one?

Read the original post. Survey next week.

 

[vyv_cox]

Tape on the windows sounds ominous. Most Sadler owners suffer leaks from the windows, almost always it is between the glass and frame. Many including me have rebedded them but the only successful long-term solution is to have them done professionally. I suggest you factor this into your negotiations.

 

[Scruffy&Salty]

Tape on the windows sounds ominous. Most Sadler owners suffer leaks from the windows, almost always it is between the glass and frame. Many including me have rebedded them but the only successful long-term solution is to have them done professionally. I suggest you factor this into your negotiations.

Yes absolutely, I saw the following pbo article which confirms it is not an insignificant job!
Resealing boat windows - DIY project on a Sadler 32 - Practical Boat Owner

 

[vyv_cox]

Yes absolutely, I saw the following pbo article which confirms it is not an insignificant job!
Resealing boat windows - DIY project on a Sadler 32 - Practical Boat Owner

I rebedded all of mine at least twice but none lasted more than a season or two. When I finally sent them away to be done I was told that the glass was cut too small for the frames! With replacement glass they have been good for years now.

 

[Scruffy&Salty]

Thanks everyone.... All will be revealed next week, I'll let you know what happens!

 

[vyv_cox]

Thanks everyone.... All will be revealed next week, I'll let you know what happens!

Despite the relatively minor problems that they suffer, common to most boats, the Sadler 34 is a super boat that will be enjoyed by all sailors.

 

[Scruffy&Salty]

Just to follow up, the seller would not admit the windows leaked but also wouldn't let us remove the tape to leak test them as part of the survey.... So we withdrew our offer. Plenty more boats in the sea ?