Are rotten decks a death sentence?

[Thomas1985]

There is a boat I have run across that has a large price drop due to the discovery of deck rot around the chain plates. Sounds like pretty large areas.

Is this a death sentence for the boat, or is it possible/ financially viable to have large scale deck rot addressed?

To give an idea were talking about large rot areas on a 36 foot boat and $20k price reduction.

[Cheechako]

Wood boat? Fiberglass core issue? Just the teak deck around the chainplates on a fiber glass boat?
Many boats have no core around the chainplates.
Rot? or Wet? or?....

More info.

[boatpoker]

make/model/year ?
.
$20k price reduction on a boat over priced by $20k ?

On some boats this could be a nightmare, on others it could be $5k of grunt work.
Guessing with no info is pointless

[Thomas1985]

Late 1980s fiberglass boat with decks that max out the moisture meter for several feet in either direction of the chain plates.

[boatpoker]

No guesses from me. Still inadequate info.

[Thomas1985]

No, I don’t think it’s a “fake” discount, the boat was super nice looking, and was under contract for significantly higher.

Deck issue was discovered during survey and that buyer ran.

[Thomas1985]

1984 Catalina 36 with wood core decks

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by Thomas1985

1984 Catalina 36 with wood core decks

Those shrouds are through deck rods with T-bolts to a shelf in the saloon. I've never seen the that mount compromised. Check the interior around the t-bolts and see whats going on there. If all that is sound you may be into just replacing some end grain balsa on the side decks. It ain't rocket surgery but it's grotty work. Local glass guys should be able to give you a rough quote per sq.ft.

[TrentePieds]

Isn't the anticipated settlement price for a Cat36 of that age in "good" condition (i.e. no rot or other major issues) as little as 30 grand? Why, then, not just find one in good condition, write the cheque and go sailing?

"Fixing" boats, unless you do it on contract for someone else and that someone else pays you handsomely for it, is a mugs game IMO.

TrentePieds

[boatpoker]

Actual sales data of all 9 Catalina 36's sold through Yacht World since January 2023

[Thomas1985]

If it had solid decks I’d happily consider it at a higher price. Unfortunately the one on the market near here has the deck issue…

I was just curious if it’s a total no go, or if i should consider a repair this large (with a sub $20k selling price)?

My first inclination was keep looking at other boats, but I started thinking surely this boat won’t be scrapped over this, but I honestly don’t know 🤷🏻*♂️

[Thomas1985]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

Actual sales data of all 9 Catalina 36's sold through Yacht World since January 2023

Can you do selling prices for 1987 Catalina 34, please?

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by Thomas1985

Can you do selling prices for 1987 Catalina 34, please?

..........

[Thomas1985]

You the man!!!! Thank you 🙏🏼

[Rohan]

If it's 20k less than what would otherwise be a fair price, then it does sound like a good deal. I doubt it would cost 20k to fix.

Honestly though, if I was that owner, I would pay the 5-10k that it would cost and fix it myself before selling. That way such an uncertain problem won't scare off so many buyers.