Hull Repair After Water Intrusion

[cutlass]

I'm looking at buying a cat that is perfect except that its had some repairs for water intrusion in the hull 6 months ago. The hull is balsa cored.

Firstly there was a small section on the bridge deck.

And secondly an area 45"L x 18"W on the hull that was also repaired following the keel being bent (the keel is also fixed now).

Should I totally disregard this boat?

Or if the repair was done well is it still ok?

[DeepFrz]

I think a lot depends on the reputation of the yard that repaired the boat. Can you talk to the yard foreman or supervisor about the repairs?

I would disregard if it wasn't professionally repaired, if only because you don't know the skills of the worker.

That is my opinion.

[minaret]

If you do buy it, make sure you buy a decent moisture meter and do your own readings first. Only way you will know if you have a water intrusion problem elsewhere. It sounds from your description like the boat grounded and there was water intrusion into a hull which is cored below the waterline as a result. If they repaired it right away the area of intrusion could easily be that small. But I still wouldn't buy it just because it's cored with balsa below the waterline, if that's the case.

[Boracay]

I would have thought that it would depend on the price and the opinion of a competent surveyor with experience in balsa cored cats.

If you can talk to a yard with experience in this area so much the better.

But if its suspect and the price advantage is not there why take on the worry?

For me the real question would be "Can I live with the repair at the likely selling price?".

[Blue Stocking]

Originally Posted by Boracay

I would have thought that it would depend on the price and the opinion of a competent surveyor with experience in balsa cored cats.

If you can talk to a yard with experience in this area so much the better.

But if its suspect and the price advantage is not there why take on the worry?

For me the real question would be "Can I live with the repair at the likely selling price?".

Agree completely.
and balsa can be repaired effectively.
A very popular down-easter style of sportfisherman built in the 60-70s
used balsa below the waterline.
The area around the rudder stalk stuffing box worked, and the balsa turned to mush.
I know of 2 where the inner skin was removed with a skilsaw, the balsa scraped out, area cleaned and PVC core used, and reglassed.
seating area for the stuffing box made of solid glass. Boats still in service after 20yrs.

[cutlass]

Thanks a lot for the replies.

How reliable are the moisture meters? Ive heard some negative comments