Minor problem? Looking at new-to-me boats

[Quit It]

Hi all,
So, while looking at boats I've seen a lot of similar damage and wanted to get opinions on how bad/easily repairable it is for me. I've done bondo work on cars, but none of that needed to be submerged or water tight.

Here's some of the damage I've seen.


Seems pretty minor - to me, but what do you folks think? I'm looking at cruisers from Rinker, Chaparall, Monterey ect and will have a survey done. I'd just like to know if stuff this "minor" should give me pause before spending $500 on a survey.

Thanks

 

[Quit It]

Re: Minor problem? Looking at new-to-me boats

TTT! Anyone want to chime in?

Thanks

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Minor problem? Looking at new-to-me boats

If you've done Bondo work you can fix that, as long as it has not broken through the hull and caused it to allow water to penetrate into the hull. You will just use water proof materials instead of Bondo materials. Same type of process.

 

[MWBoatFan]

Re: Minor problem? Looking at new-to-me boats

I am no expert, but near as I can tell from those pictures that damage is nothing more than cracked and chipped gel coat. not very pretty but not structural. It shouldn't leak shouldn't cause a problem, short term, but should be repaired. Lots of info here on the board (and in this very sub forum) on what you'd need to repair it and how you'd go about it. IF .... and I say IF this were the only thing holding you back, it shouldn't. That said, usually what you find is people that don't care about running their boat into stuff and beaching it and bumping it into docks and what not (the sorts of things that damage a boat in this nature) don't care to bring it in out of the rain, snow, sun etc. and you end up with a boat that in general was not well cared for. (THAT IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT THING WITH A USED BOAT) Look for one somebody took care of.

 

[Quit It]

Re: Minor problem? Looking at new-to-me boats

Thanks folks. I'm glad it doesn't appear too serious and I'll be able to fix them myself. I do have a surveyor coming to look at it but didn't want to waste money on it if it was waterlogged. That's why I posted here first - I figured you folks would tell me if it was an obvious "pass". Probably a stupid observation, but neither area leaked any water when it was up on the cradle.

The boat is used about 20-30 hours per year and sits high and dry all the rest of the time.

Thanks for the advice about the sub forum, I'll be on it once the surveyor says it's good to go and the boat is mine.