1997 Grand Soleil 50

[chriscd]

i am seriously thinking about purchasing a 1997 Gran Soleil but have some questions.
In general what do sailors think of this boat?
The original teak deck has issues. It was glued on but has had some screws added in places where it is coming up. What is under the teak? Is the deck plywood or what?
I am looking for info about the construction of this particular boat.
It is a sloop rig, aft cockpit, looks to be in very good shape except for the teak deck issue. They are asking $200k.
Any other issues I should think about?

[Polux]

Originally Posted by chriscd

i am seriously thinking about purchasing a 1997 Gran Soleil but have some questions.
In general what do sailors think of this boat?
The original teak deck has issues. It was glued on but has had some screws added in places where it is coming up. What is under the teak? Is the deck plywood or what?
I am looking for info about the construction of this particular boat.
It is a sloop rig, aft cockpit, looks to be in very good shape except for the teak deck issue. They are asking $200k.
Any other issues I should think about?

That is something that unfortunately I have seen in some boats, I mean screws to hold a teak deck that become unglued. A bad idea that can lead to water coming on the deck core. You should pay to someone with a decent equipment to see if that deck had already water on the core or not and after that repair correctly the deck with glue (not easy). The deck is a sandwich and I don't know if they used at that time balsa for the core or PVC.

The boat is well built and the quality is above the one of mass produced boats but I find the price high. That is an old design. Some years after they made another 50 that is a much more modern design and you can find it for less than what they are asking for that boat:
2004 Grand Soleil 50 Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

[chriscd]

thanks for your thoughts. i like the older design better. will have the deck imaged for dampness inside, but would still like to know what it is cored with.
also would like to have a ballpark estimate on the cost of removing the glued teak and replacing with non-skid. i am in southern california.