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Jeff...good post. Certainly gave me a few things to think about and I guess I disagree only in terms of what I'd say to a buyer that is on a budget.
1. Fiberglass may lose some strength as you say...but the layups on some of those Taiwan boats like the Tayana back then were so robust that most of them are for all intents and purposes bulletproof. Not to worry.
2. Teak decks I agree are NOT a plus for cruising...but a lot of great boats come with them. If the deck is in great shape, I wouldn't walk away from such a boat simply because of teak decks...just be very sure.
3. A bottom peel/repair that last for 10-15 years is likely to be sufficient. And as you say...no one realy knows how long they'll last...maybe as long as the rest of the boat. Worst case...you do it again in 15 years.
4. My offshore insurance with a hurricane box costs about 2% of hull value and has a 4% deductible. I believe smaller boats might pay a higher % of hull value as things such as liability are not related to boat value and are fixed values.
We agree that newer fiberglass is better than older...
We agree that no teak is better than teak...
We agree that no blisters ever is better than fixed blisters
I just think that there aren't too many 80-90K base price boats out there that are both bluewater capable/comfortable and won't have at least some of those issues...so I don't think they are deal breakers...and lots of folks are cruising out there happily in old boats that had blisters repaired and teak decks. I have one friend that has done 2 circumnavs in a boat with 2 out of three of those problems and another that has done 1 in a boat with 3 out of 3 of those problems...and they are still sailing!
As you say...it is all a matter of perspective...and your post certainly gives them some things to think about as they make their choices.
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Now on to sailing fool... that is in IDIOTIC response about one of the most revered and recommended Robert Perry designs for bluewater cruising on a budget. On that basis you'd also be rejecting Passport, Mason, Taswell and many other fine boats that make your C&C look like a toy! A LITTLE knowledge is a dangerous thing!
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