Creaky decks

[Chestdoc]

I was recently looking at a 1975 Alberg 37 and noticed that the deck on either side of the boat (near the shrouds) creaks when you walk on it. There are a few fine crazed type cracks on the surface. The surface does not feel spongy or sound dull to percussion however. Haven't been below to examine the bulkheads. Does this sound ominous for a boat of this age? She looks in good condition otherwise. Thanks

[JimsCAL]

I would guess wet core. Someone exerienced with a moisture meter and hammer should be able to deterimine if that's the case.

[hellosailor]

Fine crazing on the gelcoat could just mean a typical old boat with a too-generous gelcoat, which will craze as it ages.

But the creaking noise indicates the deck is flexing, and it shouldn't flex near the chainplates. You need to check below, and probably have an experienced surveyor or fiberglass man take a real close look at the deck. Or, set aside a generous escrow in case it needs deck work.

[DrB]

My deck creaks in some spots but very far away from the chain plates. When I tap on it with a mallet, it sounds solid. I haven't done a moisture meter on it, but my surveyor a few years ago found no moisture in the area when he did. The decks near the plates doesn't flex. I checked underneath the plate inside the cabin and I don't see evidence of water.

My deck it 31 years old and never been altered. I also don't have stress cracks in the area or fittings. Overall I have very few deck stress cracks. I am going to rebed all the hardware next winter and paint the deck. I'll check for moisture then. I have not water stains inside , but I have a plastic headliner.