Windy 37

[Greg2]

Windy have always had a reputation for building quality boats and I have always liked the look of the hard top version. Thing is there are one or two on the market currently but one has osmotic blistering and another may have high moisture content in the hull. Now this seems a bit strange for 'quality' boats but their marketing blurb talks about a diferent kind of lay up which reduces the weight of the boat by 20%.

Question is are there inherent problems with these boats and in particular does the lay up have have any inherent problems?

 

[gjgm]

Windy have always had a reputation for building quality boats and I have always liked the look of the hard top version. Thing is there are one or two on the market currently but one has osmotic blistering and another may have high moisture content in the hull. Now this seems a bit strange for 'quality' boats but their marketing blurb talks about a diferent kind of lay up which reduces the weight of the boat by 20%.

Question is are there inherent problems with these boats and in particular does the lay up have have any inherent problems?

I dont think there was anything particular about the lay-up, other than they called it Windtec, or something, and was additionally strong,devincel (not that unusual)minimal drop-in trays etc. The newest boats are infusion lay-up, and all infusion boats are lighter.
Only from what I have read, but there is osmosis and there is osmosis, and I guess the age of the boat will give some clue.The odd small blister may well dry out on its own. I think any boat that has been in the water for a while shows a high moisture content when it comes out.
This is the only time I've heard of it on Windys, so I dont think its inherent, no.
Same surveyor?

 

[volvopaul]

Ive seen many windys, the earlier 32/33 35 mistral etc circa late 90s with osmosis at a rate you would find on an early Princess, in my opinon not acceptable on a modern boat, have a walk into Berthons and look at the for sale line up, you will see a few with copperbot on, these are usually the one that have suffered in the past, talk to any southcoast surveyor they know them well, sometimes well enough to put you off, I was too one a big windy fan, nearly bought a 37 hardtop, but combined with the hull problems and the yanmar/mercruiser drive marriage was enough to send any man insane with worry about his investment, thats why ive got a Princess.

 

[Greg2]

Thanks Paul. It is Berthon that has several on offer. I share your view that osmosis or high moisture content on a 1998 - 2000 boat doesn't sound like good news. One has KAD 44's so maybe a better option but the osmosis thing would be a concern.

 

[PowerYachtBlog]

Windy.... We have a few Windy's here and only one the great super sea worthy 9800 suffered blisters. AFAIK
I would not worry much aboud osmosis as if you fix it well it gives a stronger hull. Is not good for Windy but for you it might be a bonus, especially if you get a discount on asking price. Which you should!

We also had one of the 32 Tornado in 2005 here and this, as the yard where I put my boat told me suffered hull failure problems after a couple months. The boat was changed by the yard, but the replacement also had hull problems but to less degree, and this was repaired.

 

[Greg2]

Windy.... We have a few Windy's here and only one the great super sea worthy 9800 suffered blisters. AFAIK
I would not worry much aboud osmosis as if you fix it well it gives a stronger hull. Is not good for Windy but for you it might be a bonus, especially if you get a discount on asking price. Which you should!

We also had one of the 32 Tornado in 2005 here and this, as the yard where I put my boat told me suffered hull failure problems after a couple months. The boat was changed by the yard, but the replacement also had hull problems but to less degree, and this was repaired.

Thanks. I know that osmosis isn't usually a major issue but I suppose what would concern me is the perception it creates when selling on. It can put buyers off, after all why buy a boat with osmosis when there are plenty around that don't have a problem.

Bit of a concern to hear about hull failure on the 32. Now that has to be uncommon on any boat???

 

[PowerYachtBlog]

Bit of a concern to hear about hull failure on the 32. Now that has to be uncommon on any boat???

Not as much as you think or they want u to beleive!
But again Windy delivered the goods here by replacing and repairing.

If an osmosis repair is done to 100% by pros and with Epoxy, no other standard factory boat will be better off to this.
That is unless you buy a boat built with Epoxy, and there are very of these around. Hinckley comes to mind, and some other small builder may be from Italy.

 

[Greg2]

Viewed the three Windy 37's that are currently on with Berthon. The Broker (Hugh) was very helpful and he was completely up front about the two boats that appear to have problems and the detail he provided was reassuring. Quality boats - not sure if the layout is for us but have to say that I like them nonetheless.

 

[Red]

Although it is not good for the seller it is good news for the buyer, buy it cheap, get it fixed and have some cheap fun. Make sure you get it repaired by a pro otherwise you will have a problem when it comes to sell. The good news is that if you buy a Windy you will be so pleased with it that she will be a keeper........

 

[biofilm]

Windy boats

Just had a survey on a Tornado (1998) which was reported to show no evidence of osmosis. There are some other issues, but apart from a few minor cracks, the hull was in good shape.

 

[rafiki_]

Just had a survey on a Tornado (1998) which was reported to show no evidence of osmosis. There are some other issues, but apart from a few minor cracks, the hull was in good shape.

Do you mean cracks or crazing in the gelcoat. I would not consider any crack as minor.

 

[gjgm]

Do you mean cracks or crazing in the gelcoat. I would not consider any crack as minor.

Of course they can be minor, as opposed to structural. It just depends on where and why.

 

[biofilm]

Cracks etc

I have been told that they are not structural, and that the hull is dry. The 'cracks' will need to be ground back and filled according to the surveyor. There are some other issues to be addressed, so not quite there yet.....

 

[rafiki_]

I am guessing these "cracks" are therefore crazing, if they can be ground back and refilled. Should be OK.