| Fools rush in?
I am the semi-proud, uber-surprised, and wondering "what the H*** have I gotten into?" new owner of a Hartley 45 ferro project. Boracay asked the salient question: What level of risk are you willing to take? Since I got the boat for $611, I can't quiver too hard in my ten-and-a-halfs about it. A decent survey would cost that much, and if I just give it up and let it go, I'm a $600 fool, not a $30,000 fool.
All that said, if I understand the FC "thing" correctly, just sitting in salt water will not corrode the rods to dust, it takes a big crack from impact to allow and promote the level of rust that would cause severe structural damage. Owner says bilge is dry, no cracks to be seen, hull fair, needing paint. The topsides, formerly plywood and fiberglass, are in mid-reconstruction, as is the cabin area. Here are some photos:
(Not sure if they'll show)
It's gonna take a lot of work, and more cash than I care to ponder, but if the hull checks out and all of the pieces are there as promised, I'm gonna be sailing in salt water for under 10K.
Flame me if you must for buying a boat, ANY boat, sight unseen, but remember even turtles only make progress when they stick their necks out.
John
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