I am about halfway through restoring a 1984 422
cutter,
hull #18 so have had a pretty good look under the
hood. The
price on the ketch listed in PC is really attractive unless there is a serious problem with the boat. Some comments and suggestions.
1. Check the
Pearson 424 owners site. The only difference in the two models is the
cockpit location and
cabin layout so any information there about the hulls, rigs, drive train, etc will apply to the 422.
2. Several common problems with the 422/424
a. Leaky ports and hatches. I see the plywood veneer around the hatches is painted white so it has either been replaced or repaired. Check to see if you see fresh leaks. Ports may need rebedding.
b. Cabin sole is thin veneer. Photos show this boat with carpets so the sole could be trashed. Lowers the value,
c. Floor supports under the sole. Check for separation and rot. Not a commom problem but worth checking.
d. One of my few complaints, little on deck storage. No cockpit lockers: port side is walkthrough to aft cabin, stbd is the galley and aft head. Only deck storage is the lazarette on the aft end of the cabin trunk.
e. V-Drive. Access to the stuffing box is tight but doable. Check it carefully and make sure you have wrenches to reach and the nuts aren't jammed. Access to the shaft log and hose that attaches to the packing gland assembly is impossible. If this hasn't been inspected or replaced lately DO IT. This is a potential boat sinker and since it is hard to reach tends to get neglected.
3. Caution. There was a 422
for sale in TX area that had some seious problems with
rot in the sole and bulkheads. Never got the full story but it had either sunk or had a serious, neglected leak problem. Make sure this isn't the same boat.
4. Standard older boat issues.
a. How old is the rig? Mine was original. Looked perfect but considering the age I replaced it. Cutter cost for all new wire, Staloks, toggles, turnbuckles and chainplates a bit over $3000 in parts.
b. Engine. Original was Westerbeke W58 or W60. This one lists a Perkins. Check hours and condition.
c. Blistering is not a common or serious problem with Pearsons. Mine had a lot of small, very shallow blisters, just under the gel coat. Did a peal and saw no deeper problems at all but do look.
Those are the main things that come to mind initially. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions.
Skip