Hi All.
Had Wildcat 2002 model, bought in 2006. Loved the boat and sailed it for four years. Surveyed when bought, no problems detected. Surveyed out when on dry for
anti-fouling after two years (2008) no problems.
Wanted to upgrade to bigger cat in 2011-
sale was signed pending
survey on Wildcat.
Survey done - DISASTER. Could not believe survey result, had it redone at different harbour different, also independant
surveyor - SAME RESULT. Had reputable yacht
builder look at it with the view of repairing it - would not even consider doing the
repairs. Boat was
sold for less than HALF its value to somebody willing to take on the risk and the
repairs.
What were the problems:
a) Massive
delamination spots, both hulls inside and outside of both hulls.
b) Paper thin fibre glass on some part of starboard inside
hull.
I am not writing this to debate Wildcats, they are very good(well designed) and comfortable boats to sail in any seas but in my case I had to conclude the following:
1) The boat was seemingly without problems for a couple of years as evidenced by surveys.
2) Problems developed following an 18 hour trip in very rough conditions.
Thus, it seems that through natural laminate stress the fibre glass skins sheared away from the inner
core. This may be due to bad building practise OR posibly due to problems with the resin/glue deteriorating with time.
Conclusion: The boat was good for years but problems apparently developed when hulls were stressed causing
delamination.
Thus, please have regular surveys done when you own one of these boats.