Schoechl Sunbeam 34

[PCP]

Originally Posted by 14gigi

I'm interested in the Sunbeam too...think a 34 with extended swim platform. I check yachtworld and most come with teak but 1 or 2 have had it removed. As the boat was built in 1989-1992? the teal must be at the end of their useful life...would love to hear from anybody who are owned/sailed one of these. I saw one in Italy but plugs were paperthin and some coming out, teak at this point was only 3 mils so didn't buy. Does anyone know what it cost to rip up the boards and replace with glass....not using a boatyard but maybe individual shop good with fiberglass and then add non-skid

I think a better solution would be to replace the teak by some synthetic material or cork/synthetic. That way you don't need to put glass.

Regards

Paulo

[14gigi]

you may be right but when you want a long-lasting surface glass is the way to go....i once got quoted £25 grand on a 35 ft camper nic and that was 10 years ago. Did any Sunbeams come without teak deck? I see one 34 selling in the states, Marlyand, going really good less than dollars 59K.

[PCP]

Originally Posted by 14gigi

you may be right but when you want a long-lasting surface glass is the way to go....i once got quoted £25 grand on a 35 ft camper nic and that was 10 years ago. Did any Sunbeams come without teak deck? I see one 34 selling in the states, Marlyand, going really good less than dollars 59K.

You could do the job. Those materials are easier to apply than real teak.

The Sunbeams were always a somewhat customized boat. Normally they come with teak decks unless the client would have wanted any other thing but that is very unlikely because in Europe teak is very popular in high end boats.

I don't know the condition of the teak but I had seen 30 year old boats with teak decks that could be recovered. Old teak was of much better quality and the thickness they use was a lot more then what is used now. Maybe it is recoverable?

Regards

Paulo

[14gigi]

i think there is always a big money risk buying a boat with teak deck...i think maybe the older najads, contests, certainly swans and baltics came with quality teak and thicker maybe 13/14 mm / 1/2 ins or 5/8 but then you're also seeing 20 yr old boats that were laid with 9mm or 3/8 and you bet after 20 years even with good care you might only have 1/8 left and then you see all the bungs popping out ....at this point there's nothing to them and all you can do is put epoxy over the screws and pray water is not getting in there. Not a good scenerio, and most definately not recoverable. You say Europeans like their high end boats to be teak -- great when you are buying -- but down the road when they try to sell and the teak is past its lifespan, big problem

[PCP]

Originally Posted by 14gigi

..You say Europeans like their high end boats to be teak -- great when you are buying -- but down the road when they try to sell and the teak is past its lifespan, big problem

Not really. Luxury boats are bought by rich guys that sell the boats in average after 5 to 7 years. At that time the Teak is still in perfect shape and it will be for many years more. The teak is not a problem in selling them. For the ones that buy new boats that is not a problem, as it is not a problem for one that buys an used boat with 5 to 7 years. Most of those also prefer boats with teak.

Anyway if I was you I would call a specialist to know what is the real condition of the teak and how much is still left. As I have said that was a luxury boat so it is to be expected good thick teak on the deck.

Regards

Paulo

[14gigi]

Ok i confirmed with Sunbeam in Austria, teak thickness was 9 mm / 3/8 ins, so not much left for sure after 20 years--that's why you see the bungs popping out on these older boats. I stated in my prior post that selling a boat with teak decks can be a nightmare IF the teak is past its lifespan...obviously a boat that is only 7-15 yrs old should not be a problem. However i have seen a very expensive motoryacht 10 years old needing a new deck because the owners wanted it always to look immaculate...so crew were always scrubbing/sanding,oiling or whatever....they basically destroyed the wood.