Hull fairing lost due to sitting on stands

tomwatt · #1 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010

I just got through looking at a serious project boat... which has been sitting on its trailer for about 10 years. It's an Albin Vega, and aside from all the other issues that accrue to a boat that has sat for such a long time, I noticed that the hull supports nearest the bow had deformed the hull as much as 1 1/2 inches on one side, and at least 1/2 inch on the other. I lack enough expertise (and the owner who wishes to see the boat get to a good home doesn't know) about those circumstances to know if this is an irreversible problem or not.
The worst spot is at least 18" in diameter and deformed into quite a dent. Otherwise, the gel coat has a massive case of alligator hide crackling. But those appear to be the fault of the gel coat itself - and not an indication of stress cracking.
Inside the hull I see some evidence of stress cracks along the keel.
So would this be a "run away as fast as possible" boat? Or is it salvageable?

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010

Without photos of the interior and exterior it is hard to say. I've seen many boats that had "boat stand indents" on them that were perfectly fine once they were launched.

tomwatt · #3 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010

Unfortunately, after seeing the depth of the indents, I didn't take photos because I was pretty sure the boat was a no-go. I should have realized that photos were going to be useful, but honestly I was kind of taken aback at the hull condition - both the gelcoat crazing and the hull-stand dimpling.

mitiempo · #4 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010

It's not the one below is it? There was a long thread about it a few monthe back. http://www.sailnet.com/forums/boat-r...vega-27-a.html Quite a project in every possible area.

tomwatt · #5 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010

It is one and the same.
And it looks a lot worse in person than it does in the photos.

eherlihy · #6 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomwatt

Unfortunately, after seeing the depth of the indents, I didn't take photos because I was pretty sure the boat was a no-go. I should have realized that photos were going to be useful, but honestly I was kind of taken aback at the hull condition - both the gelcoat crazing and the hull-stand dimpling.

Listen to your first impression. It is telling you something important.

Consider this scenario; you get a great deal, and bring the boat home, but still have this nagging doubt in the back of your mind. 5 months later, you've torn the boat apart, spent a ton of time and cash, and the end of the projects are nowhere in sight. I assure you that the doubt that you express above will be front and center in your mind.

mitiempo · #7 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010

Tom
Scan through the post I linked to. Most agreed they wouldn't be paid to take that boat. Here are a few more pics. I can't see any part of this boat that doesn't need a total rebuild. Is the owner still actually asking money for it or is he paying you to take it away?

tomwatt · #8 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010

Like I said, it looks worse in person than it does in photos.
The owner is the son of the original owner. And is interested in getting the boat gone within the year. And I'm sure he would like some money for it, although he's gotten very few takers at even the $1500 he was listing it at last. And I am reading through the old thread now.
Now I have to qualify this... I'm not a surveyor... at best I'm armed with Don Casey's "Inspecting the Aging Sailboat" and a tiny bit of experience. But I was really shocked at the condition of the gelcoat. I have a background in paint and industrial coatings, so I have seen cracking, crazing and all sorts of related coating failures. This goes well beyond textbook examples of crazing. I was also surprised at how much sunlight was passing through the exterior into the hull interior... lit up like an amber turn signal!
I was also concerned about possible weakening of the deck due to moisture penetration, but the decks were surprisingly solid (at 240 I'm no lightweight... if it's got give in it, I will find it walking on it).

mitiempo · #9 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010

As I said in the other thread, if one part of the boat didn't need a rebuild it might be worthwhile, but you could build a new boat for the time and money needed by this boat im my opinion. I've only seen the pictures and you say it's worse in person.

eherlihy · #10 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010

That picture on the stbd. bulkhead might be worth somethhing