syscode
Active Member
we talk about a day sailer/racer
Water in the hulls - a foam sandwich dilemma
- Thread starter syscode
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ridgy
Well-Known Member
I'm vaguely familiar with this boat having nearly bought it myself a couple of years ago and even discussed it with Mr Woods himself . The only reason that I don't now own it is that after agreeing a price the chap decided he wanted more money for it.
Most old boats have a bit of rain water in the bottom. If you are attracted to the sailing qualities of it then you are unlikely to find anything as fun for the money.
I subsequently acquired a less racy 25R this year and that has leaking windows which I'm getting round to fixing this week so that often has water in.
They are such simple boats and easily fixed.
Most old boats have a bit of rain water in the bottom. If you are attracted to the sailing qualities of it then you are unlikely to find anything as fun for the money.
I subsequently acquired a less racy 25R this year and that has leaking windows which I'm getting round to fixing this week so that often has water in.
They are such simple boats and easily fixed.
syscode
Active Member
Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Yes, One reason for looking in a Strider direction comes from how simple and fun these boats tend to be.
However, this one was built with thin hulls that were thickened later by current owner. I want to make sure that the leak is easy to fix rather than the possibility we get a hull fixing process.
srm
Well-Known Member
Why? surely a seamanlike precaution in any boat and better than messing around with a portable pump, or sponge and bucket.
Neeves
Well-Known Member
I'm not sure we know your problem - except fear of the unknown (in which case make an offer that reflects your doubts).
But you mention its a cat but the design quoted is a tri. You are fearful of foam construction but there is no indication the construction is questionable.
The only definite feature is that the hatches 'might' leak - so its equally vague.
On the positive - you seem to know what, you think, you want - which implies you have sailed on something similar - ask whoever took you sailing to come and look at this yacht.
A hard sailed sports yacht at the age of 20 years is going to show some wear, tear and modification, unless its a 'Class' yacht.
Jonathan
But you mention its a cat but the design quoted is a tri. You are fearful of foam construction but there is no indication the construction is questionable.
The only definite feature is that the hatches 'might' leak - so its equally vague.
On the positive - you seem to know what, you think, you want - which implies you have sailed on something similar - ask whoever took you sailing to come and look at this yacht.
A hard sailed sports yacht at the age of 20 years is going to show some wear, tear and modification, unless its a 'Class' yacht.
Jonathan
simonfraser
Well-Known Member
agree, Strider simple boat, had one some time ago, easy to fix, great to sail
i put one of the dagger boards against a conceate slip at pace, tore an impressive gash out of the hull
straightforward to repair (did not sink due to the bulkheads fore and aft)
if it's cheap enough for the budget, go for it, only live once
Bouba
Well-Known Member
The other problem is the carbon fiber that was added by the owner....without an autoclave he would have to use impregnated cloth (out of Autoclave carbon fiber) but that still needs an oven to cure
syscode
Active Member
ok.
This particular strider was built as an experiment.
Experimenting what?
How thin can a strider hulls get.
The builder told me he didn't think it will last longer than a season.
This explains why, 20 years After the boat was made, the hulls needed a bit of work. The work was done with Carbon fibre rather than GRP.
So yes. A few alarm bells.
I like sailing boats - not fixing em. Usually windsurfing and this comes as an attempt to do something different. Don't want to end up spending resources fixing.
Yes. Based on my concerns + the fact the owner seems dismissive of these points, Offered about half the asking price.
The owner made a counter offer, and I try to weigh whether to take the risk of ending up fixing the boat.
I would not mind paying a bit more and feeling relaxed that in case the boat needed work it will come because I effed up one way or another while sailing it
Neeves
Well-Known Member
ok.
This particular strider was built as an experiment.
Experimenting what?
How thin can a strider hulls get.
The builder told me he didn't think it will last longer than a season.
This explains why, 20 years After the boat was made, the hulls needed a bit of work. The work was done with Carbon fibre rather than GRP.
So yes. A few alarm bells.
I like sailing boats - not fixing em. Usually windsurfing and this comes as an attempt to do something different. Don't want to end up spending resources fixing.
Yes. Based on my concerns + the fact the owner seems dismissive of these points, Offered about half the asking price.
The owner made a counter offer, and I try to weigh whether to take the risk of ending up fixing the boat.
I would not mind paying a bit more and feeling relaxed that in case the boat needed work it will come because I effed up one way or another while sailing it
I have to wonder why if you wanted knowledgable advice you did not mention all this at the outset.
Your complaint was there was a little water in the bilges, maybe leaking hatches (maybe not) - turns out the hulls are eggshell thick and maybe similarly strong - or perfectly seaworthy considering she is getting on for 30 years old. And considering she is 30 years old - what actually needs fixing - you have not mentioned anything significant (other than wet bilges).
Now if you said she was falling apart, hence the carbon upgrade etc etc
If you really wanted help ..... I don't understand your reluctance to be more open.
But don't get me wrong - we all volunteer our advice - we have no expectations - but we do like to help (as best we can).
You will get a whole heap of new replies now - totally unrelated to what was offered previously.
Jonathan
syscode
Active Member
Probably right.
Initially, thought there might be a certain broad rule-of-thumb people can use.
Evidently, in hind sight, a bit of a mistaken perception.
Cheers for pointing this out.
B27
Well-Known Member
That's nonsense. Lots of carbon work is done with dry cloth and laminating resin just like glass.
Neeves
Well-Known Member
If I was young, or at least thought I was young 
and had the cash - I might be persuaded to buy an experimental, on the edge, yacht - especially if it had survived over 20 years.
It is a well known fact 20 somethings will live forever (that changes when you get a bit older)
One problem is that there is now stiff competition, foils, kites, Moths - not ignoring Dad's Merc
But then - I have not seen the current option and not being young - I'm now boringly unadventurous (testing out lightweight chain, anchors and snubbers are not in the same league.
.). My risks now are not risks - but based on data not on the 20 something's decisions - driven by heart.
Jonathan
and had the cash - I might be persuaded to buy an experimental, on the edge, yacht - especially if it had survived over 20 years.It is a well known fact 20 somethings will live forever (that changes when you get a bit older)
One problem is that there is now stiff competition, foils, kites, Moths - not ignoring Dad's Merc
But then - I have not seen the current option and not being young - I'm now boringly unadventurous (testing out lightweight chain, anchors and snubbers are not in the same league.
.). My risks now are not risks - but based on data not on the 20 something's decisions - driven by heart.Jonathan
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ridgy
Well-Known Member
Neeves
Well-Known Member
B27
Well-Known Member
If you question the construction or condition, the way forwards might be to engage a surveyor.
It might be a good idea to talk to an insurance broker or two, to understand what they want regarding surveys and acceptable moorings for a boat like this.
The boat in post 20 seems like a bargain if the work done a few years ago was done well.
There will always be work and costs on any boat.
I have only been on a Strider twice, in fairly light weather, I thought it was great.
I think taking one around Britain is above my level of either bravery or patience to wait for the right weather, but I'm not really a multihull sailor.
I have sailed many monohull from dinghies upwards, and most have been a long way from upright at some point....
I would suggest having a clear idea of when and where you wanted to sail it,
It might be a good idea to talk to an insurance broker or two, to understand what they want regarding surveys and acceptable moorings for a boat like this.
The boat in post 20 seems like a bargain if the work done a few years ago was done well.
There will always be work and costs on any boat.
I have only been on a Strider twice, in fairly light weather, I thought it was great.
I think taking one around Britain is above my level of either bravery or patience to wait for the right weather, but I'm not really a multihull sailor.
I have sailed many monohull from dinghies upwards, and most have been a long way from upright at some point....
I would suggest having a clear idea of when and where you wanted to sail it,
B27
Well-Known Member
Me too!.
It's one of those things, when someone takes a photo of your boat, there's usually something grossly out of place, like that fender.
Neeves
Well-Known Member
boatmike
Well-Known Member
Current owner sanded hulls and thickened with CF????? Why???? I would NOT buy ANY foam cored hull without a proper survey. Either pay for one or walk away. This sounds like a wrong un.......
Chiara’s slave
Well-Known Member
The survey might be as much as the boat. Live a little, if he likes the boat, problems are going to be a DIY fix. It’s not falling apart, and it’s a very very good, known design. Mine was built in 1984 and it’s still sailing, I see her around from time to time. Fab little boats, fast, tough, seaworthy.
B27
Well-Known Member
It's basically dinghy money and to some extent dinghy tech and dinghy solutions.
Light trailerable hulls relatively easy to work on.
At this price point, you will expect every boat to be something of an ongoing project.
The capital tied up is small compared to what I'd expect to spend on it over a few years, or maybe lose on it when selling.
But it could be a steep learning curve.
As an alternative to a survey you could get a boat repairer to have a look at it. If the boat has been sailed since it was last worked on, any gross problems will be fairly obvious.
To some extent, it's a matter of talking to the seller to understand if it's the boat for you.
Light trailerable hulls relatively easy to work on.
At this price point, you will expect every boat to be something of an ongoing project.
The capital tied up is small compared to what I'd expect to spend on it over a few years, or maybe lose on it when selling.
But it could be a steep learning curve.
As an alternative to a survey you could get a boat repairer to have a look at it. If the boat has been sailed since it was last worked on, any gross problems will be fairly obvious.
To some extent, it's a matter of talking to the seller to understand if it's the boat for you.
