SailNet is a forum community dedicated to Sailing enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about sailing, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, repairs, reviews, maintenance, and more!

Coronado 35 w/ soft decks - run?

5592 Views 11 Replies 8 Participants Last post by calden, Oct 15, 2009

rvatdi

Discussion Starter · Oct 14, 2009

I have come across what seems to be the perfect boat for me. A recently repowered Coronado 35. I understand this boat to be a solid glass hull and a laminated deck. I understand they are built very solidly but Im concered with how soft the deck feels.

At 10k it seems like it might be an alright deal but Im worried the deck will be a deal breaker.

Anyone have any advice for a first time buyer.

Thanks!

Phil in VA.

Save

1 - 12 of 12 Posts

deniseO30

· #2 · Oct 14, 2009

run! Unless you love the idea of tearing up the decks and redecking the boat. That means you will be working on the boat forever and never sailing! Your not going to find many boats in that size/price range that don't have issues like that. I've a couple of spots on my cabin roof that are soft but I plan to use skylight hatches there.
good luck!

Save

Faster

· #3 · Oct 14, 2009

Run.. as fast as you can!

Save

rvatdi

Discussion Starter · #4 · Oct 14, 2009

I found this article which doesn't look toooooo horrible:

Pearson Triton #381 Glissando | Deck Recore Project

How much would work like this run in a yard? 1000 or 10000?

I dont plan on doing much bluewater cruising just some island hopping south.

I am really drawn to the two cabin setup available on the
1. Irwin CC (32 or 37)
2. Coronado 35 CC
3. O'Day 32 CC.

I saw an Irwin 32 who's deck was a bit less soft but had cracks like crazy especially where the mast met the deck.

Id like to find something at or below 15k to leave some wiggle room for refitting.

Any and all advice is appreciated!

Phil

See less See more

Save

Faster

· #5 · Oct 14, 2009

Finding a mid 30s foot CC boat capable even of Island hopping for under 15K will be a serious stretch. And likely false economy to boot. You'll end up spending that much or more to "fix her up" if you truly make her seaworthy.

Sorry to be blunt, but IMO you'd be better off to adjust a) your sights down to a tough smaller boat, or b) up your budget to a realistic value.

Save

mitiempo

· #6 · Oct 14, 2009 (Edited)

The deck job on Glissandro would be a lot closer to 10,000 than 1,000 in a yard. This work is better done by you for the cost of materials and a LOT of labour.
Brian

Save

xsboats

· #7 · Oct 14, 2009

Coronado 35 with solid decks? I'd still run.

Save

calden

· #8 · Oct 14, 2009 (Edited)

I recored half the deck of a San Juan 21 and redid the transom, too, and I found out it is a low-fun project. It is much more involved than doing cosmetic work or fixing small areas of fiberglass. It's extremely messy and wearying work. It's not technically hard, but if it's not done correctly you'll get to rip it out and do it all over again.

IF:
-you have done recoring before
-you already have the tools (4" grinder, FeinMuliTool, scrapers, dremels, etc.)
-you don't mind working with these tools upside down right over your face
-getting clouds of fiberglass dust in every nook and cranny of your being
-you don't mind working with epoxy resin for extended periods of time
-you have the time to set all this up and do it in a heated area (it's getting winter-ish)
-you are exactly sure how much of the deck needs to be redone and truly don't mind putting in the time if it's more than a few square feet
-you're absolutely sure that this boat is the perfect boat for you in all other ways

THEN:
-make a low bid for this boat and realize that you are going to be spending a lot of non-sailing time in it.

If you kind of want to be a boat fixer kinda guy then it might actually be fun, but if you're thinking it's a good way to get a deal on a larger boat I really think you'll wind up being quite frustrated. Personally I'd much rather spend a few more thousand bucks and get a boat that has solid decking and replace the rigging or lifelines or sails or something.

Let us know what you decide to do.

Carlos

See less See more

Save

chuck53

· #9 · Oct 14, 2009

In case you haven't seen it, there is an O'Day 32' CC in Norfolk.

Save

resdog

· #10 · Oct 14, 2009

You don't want to buy a deck core job for your first boat. You'll never buy a 2nd good boat after that experience. Even if the Coronado was in excelent shape you'll wind up losing your money when you decide to sell. Keep looking - in my opinion.

Save

mitiempo

· #11 · Oct 15, 2009

I'd say keep looking - there is so much out there at a good price. Better sailing boats than a Coronado 35 as well.
calden - I'd never recore above my head - so much easier to do a good job from the top.
Brian

Save

calden

· #12 · Oct 15, 2009

mitiempo said:
I'd say keep looking - there is so much out there at a good price. Better sailing boats than a Coronado 35 as well.
calden - I'd never recore above my head - so much easier to do a good job from the top.
Brian

Oh yes, I've learned that lesson. I had read that some people actually flipped the entire San Juan 21 over in order to recore, so the cabin ceiling was easier to work on. "Hunh," I thought, "why would anyone go to that much trouble?"

And now I know why.

I should have done that or the alternative, which is to cut the fg off from the deck, along the non-skid lines, recored, then epoxied it back on and fixed/tolerated the joint lines.

Carlos

Save

1 - 12 of 12 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month