I am considering doing the liveaboard thing and am looking around for boats. I was hoping to find something in the 40-50k range.
I found a 1980 Niagara 35 that was recently surveyed and is going for 45k which is about 25k cheaper than others for sale. The Niagara I understand has a balsa core which is known to get issues.
The survey has some worrying issues listed on it and I am wondering if this is something I should pass on. Specifically it mentions:
"Random hull laminate moisuture meter readings below the waterline were elevated as follows: starboard side low (11-15) throughout with occassional readings of 16. Starboard "low moderate" aft becoming "high moderate" (21-26) in the amidships sections and moderate (16-20) forward. Readings above the water line were for the most part low but were elevated to "low moderate" extending above teh waterline to port/amidships. The more elevated metere readings to port indicated that moisture has migrated into the laminate and in this instance the core on the port side."
"Random soundings of the external hull laminate revealed fairly extensive core separation/delaminations in the port forefoot area,port/amidships below the vessel name, and keel (extends up to port topsides), to starboard below the waterline and from the bow. The keel was found in good condition. spade rudder in good condition although minor delamination separation in the lower port face. "
The dealer suggest said it wouldnt be an issue but I am reading that moisture in the core is a bad/expensive thing to repair. he suggested just injecting some fiberglass in the crinkly bits when i walk on the deck, but I am really concerned about all the areas below the water line.
Should i pass on this. Will i find a boat older than 25years that doesnt have core issues?
I found a 1980 Niagara 35 that was recently surveyed and is going for 45k which is about 25k cheaper than others for sale. The Niagara I understand has a balsa core which is known to get issues.
The survey has some worrying issues listed on it and I am wondering if this is something I should pass on. Specifically it mentions:
"Random hull laminate moisuture meter readings below the waterline were elevated as follows: starboard side low (11-15) throughout with occassional readings of 16. Starboard "low moderate" aft becoming "high moderate" (21-26) in the amidships sections and moderate (16-20) forward. Readings above the water line were for the most part low but were elevated to "low moderate" extending above teh waterline to port/amidships. The more elevated metere readings to port indicated that moisture has migrated into the laminate and in this instance the core on the port side."
"Random soundings of the external hull laminate revealed fairly extensive core separation/delaminations in the port forefoot area,port/amidships below the vessel name, and keel (extends up to port topsides), to starboard below the waterline and from the bow. The keel was found in good condition. spade rudder in good condition although minor delamination separation in the lower port face. "
The dealer suggest said it wouldnt be an issue but I am reading that moisture in the core is a bad/expensive thing to repair. he suggested just injecting some fiberglass in the crinkly bits when i walk on the deck, but I am really concerned about all the areas below the water line.
Should i pass on this. Will i find a boat older than 25years that doesnt have core issues?