How bad can it be ?

[msl]

An Ericson 29 sank, in fresh water, this Winter. It was submerged over a month. It may be auctioned off. It appears that the engine raw water intake and plumbing froze up, broke the hoses and the boat sank during the spring thaw.
How bad can it be ?

[Sailormon6]

A friend had his 25'' sailboat sink in about 30'' of water. After about a week, he had her re-floated, pumped out, loaded on a trailer, and he cleaned her up in his driveway. She had no structural damage, and was beautiful when he was done.

On the other hand, she could have structural damage from when she hit bottom, or if she was pulled out of the water too quickly without letting enough water drain out.

Mud or sand will be in every cushion, drawer, nook and cranny. You''ll need to empty her out and get inside her with a garden hose and go at it. You already know she will need serious work on the engine and plumbing systems, and probably the electrical systems.

She could be a gem in the rough or a disaster.

[JWag]

msl

Sounds like easily $20,000 in repairs (engine, upholstery, refinish interior woodwork, re-wire electrical, replace any electronics/appliances submerged). Subtract that from market value (check yachtworld.com) and you know what you have to pick it up for at auction. Even then, you will be assuming risk for damage that cannot be detected until something fails. Sounds like unless the boat is free, it is not worth it.

J. Wagner
Echappe''
Charlevoix, MI

[jparker11]

msl,

From personal experience, $10K minimum for parts. And the only labor subcontracted out was the engine/transmission rebuild and cushions. Although, not a submersion, the task list would be the same; new hull liners, wood refinish, electrical, electronics, batteries, cushions and sail cleaning/refurbish. Costs include haulout and partial storage, and, of course, E-Bay!! <g>

And our labor, hundreds of hours over two years!!

So, if you want to get on the water, look for a boat in good condition in this price range ($15-20K). If you have the time, need a slower hit on the financial resources, and, want to assure yourself of the vessel''s integrity, raise your hand at the auction.

The only thing that jumps out at me as risk exposure from submersion would be the plywood cored laminates used above waterline taking on moisture. These may have already been saturated and rotting before submersion (common problem for deck leaks).

Good Luck