help! need advice about sun damage

lowhk

Recruit
Joined
Jul 25, 2009
Messages
3
Hi -
I have a fantastic opportunity with a 2001 boat with only 20 hours - probably because it has extensive sun damage to the interior. The floor has to be replaced and all the upholstery re-done. The volvo engine seems to be in good shape with good compression. Structurally - is the boat going to be ok? Can that type of sun damage the hull? Will it make it more susceptible to leaks? Please advise if you can! Thanks so much!
 
Joined
Oct 22, 2007
Messages
2,598
Re: help! need advice about sun damage

Some photos would be helpful.

You say it needs to have the "floor" replaced, do you mean the plywood decking, or the carpet? Seems kind of curious that the sun would cause that kind of damage, I'd bet it's been left sitting outside uncovered and it's gotten more than it's share of soakings from rain. If the decking is soft there's likely other water related damage that won't become evident until it's ripped out (wet foam, stringers, maybe even transom).
 

lowhk

Recruit
Joined
Jul 25, 2009
Messages
3
Re: help! need advice about sun damage

Thanks so much for your quick response!
The pix that I took - aren't really great - the upholstery (1/2 of which has already been replaced) is sunburned badly enough that the marina is going to pay for replacement of all of it. They are also going to replace the entire plywood floor and the carpet b/c the floor moves quite a bit. They told me that it moves due to the seaming around the fuel tank. I'm not sure what to believe about any of this. Their upholstery guy does great work and a new solid floor is fine with me... i just don't want any permanent structural damage to the boat. does that help? :)
 

TilliamWe

Banned
Joined
Dec 21, 2004
Messages
6,579
Re: help! need advice about sun damage

The floor is needing to be replaced due to water damage, not sun damage. I can't stand it when "professionals" try to tell prospective buyers such B.S. loaded things, like they are telling you.
Under that water logged plywood floor are probably waterlogged stringers. That is structural damage, and very expensive or time consuming to fix right. BEWARE
 

lowhk

Recruit
Joined
Jul 25, 2009
Messages
3
Re: help! need advice about sun damage

Thank you so much. I think I'm going to skip it. :)
 

Home Cookin'

Fleet Admiral
Joined
May 26, 2009
Messages
9,715
Re: help! need advice about sun damage

A 8 year old boat with 20 hours and "sun damage" to the upholstery and floor structure? In nautical terms, bullsh*t. I bet that boat has been sunk, or stored outside on a trailer with the plug in. This marina that is so kindly doing all this work--I wouldn't go back there either.
 

windsors03cobra

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Feb 22, 2009
Messages
1,191
Re: help! need advice about sun damage

A 8 year old boat with 20 hours and "sun damage" to the upholstery and floor structure? In nautical terms, bullsh*t. I bet that boat has been sunk, or stored outside on a trailer with the plug in. This marina that is so kindly doing all this work--I wouldn't go back there either.

Quoted For Truth.
 

Chiliando

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 10, 2009
Messages
120
Re: help! need advice about sun damage

Run!

From both that boat and that marina.

Once you find the boat you are sure about have it surveyed. Not sure what price range you are in but if price range does not warrant a full survey, then take someone with you that has a lot of experince with boats.

Buying a project boat without knowing it can get very expensive and frustrating.
 

marine4003

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Feb 3, 2008
Messages
1,119
Re: help! need advice about sun damage

As a general rule...if the interior is badly neglected , then the motor is worse. Why? think about how easy it is to maintain the interior..wash..apply 303 or similar..occasionally vacuum carpet. Now..think of what a pain it is to access 90% of the engine...See?
 
Top