wet deck

stm · #1 (**permalink**) 03-10-2010

need help deciding on whether to go ahead and purchase a boat that is absolutely perfect in all aspects except one. the boat is mid 80' that
is beyond excellent. Only issue is that in previous 2006 survey, moisture meter showed water intrusion down the starboard side from the anchor locker, almost to the cockpit. moisture showed right along outside edge.
Water was leaking in from anchor locker and a small crack near the starboard cleat.All leaks have been sealed. Deck currently is rigid, seems very solid. I know that moisture doesn't go away. My question is, I will be paying a premium for the boat, don't mind that. Will the wet deck readings cause me to have trouble selling this boat 5 years from now. Thats assuming no more water intrusion will occur. I don't want to purchase a boat that I won't be able to unload down the road. It's trouble enought selling the good ones. I have a counter offer that I am going to accept if I can get pass this one sticking point.
thanks in advance.

stm · #2 (**permalink**) 03-10-2010

that's mid 1980's, not mid 80 foot.

sailingdog · #3 (**permalink**) 03-10-2010

Yes, the moisture readings are going to be an issue. While you say the leaks are sealed, as long as the core is wet, there is no guarantee that it isn't rotting away as we speak. If you are serious about the boat, get an estimate for what re-coring those areas will cost and work that into your offer.

SPC · #4 (**permalink**) 03-10-2010

I find this issue to be vexing because I am looking for a boat and this deck problem scares the heck out of me because it could easily add $20K or more to a purchase price.

People recommend a surveyor but surveyors have a great gig. They are not liable for problems that they miss or for false positives (problems that they find that are not there). Basically, they are not responsible for much of anything.

A moisture meter strikes me as voodoo or like a devining rod. There are so many variables and reading variations under so many conditions that I think that it is probably a waste of time and money.

If the deck is soft, you have a problem. If the deck is not soft, who knows?

I think that you will find many disappointed buyers that would agree with me.

sailingdog · #5 (**permalink**) 03-10-2010

A moisture meter is pretty easy to use. Maine Sail has a great article on using one... I highly recommend people read it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPC

I find this issue to be vexing because I am looking for a boat and this deck problem scares the heck out of me because it could easily add $20K or more to a purchase price.

People recommend a surveyor but surveyors have a great gig. They are not liable for problems that they miss or for false positives (problems that they find that are not there). Basically, they are not responsible for much of anything.

A moisture meter strikes me as voodoo or like a devining rod. There are so many variables and reading variations under so many conditions that I think that it is probably a waste of time and money.

If the deck is soft, you have a problem. If the deck is not soft, who knows?

I think that you will find many disappointed buyers that would agree with me.

SPC · #6 (**permalink**) 03-10-2010

I'm missing something? Is this isn't how scientific measurements are taken or evaluated? Imagine if measurement of depth or temperature was reported like this.

sailingdog · #7 (**permalink**) 03-10-2010

Unfortunately, the current state of the technology means that without destructive testing, this is the closest you're going to get to measurable readings for cored hulls.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPC

I'm missing something? Is this isn't how scientific measurements are taken or evaluated? Imagine if measurement of depth or temperature was reported like this.

SPC · #8 (**permalink**) 03-10-2010

I would be happy if the professionals who profess to evaluate such things were liable for their judgments.

I live in a world where professionals are sued for damages when their professional judgment is wrong. I don't see that standard for people who do marine surveys.

Gary M · #9 (**permalink**) 03-10-2010

Moisture meters are pretty accurate as I have found out the hard way. Get a good surveyor, there are lots of them but there likely are just as many who are not very good. Ask around, find someone in your area that knows boats.

A good surveyor will be able to tell you exactly what you are dealing with and whether it needs to be fixed and if so what is involved. From the brief description your issue could be fairly serious.

Good Luck

boatpoker · #10 (**permalink**) 03-10-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPC

I would be happy if the professionals who profess to evaluate such things were liable for their judgments.

I live in a world where professionals are sued for damages when their professional judgment is wrong. I don't see that standard for people who do marine surveys.

Surveyors can be and are sued just like any doctor or plumber. Just because we have disclaimers in our reports does not mean they stand up in court.