hello all,
i am looking at a 1980 gulfstar 44 for purchase. after a two hour self inspection i found a few concerns i'd like to ask about.
the deck was "thumpy" at one of the rear chainplate piercings off the lower spreader. it was not a large area, perhaps 16" square. i suspect that it would be the same sort of repair as most boats with a balsa cored deck. i was unable to get to the chainplates and to find how they are fastened and how dependent they are upon the deck.
in the lazerette, above the skeg (i think) is a steel plate, just forward of the rudder post. it has several not too big (i remember either 3/8 or 7/16s likely)
it appears to be a backing plate of some sort, fairly substantial. it was very rusty, flakey, swollen etc.
my questions are these: what is that plate? how is the skeg attached? integral to the hull? bolted? both?
and, are there any known deficiencies back there?? (or anywhere else for that matter) to be extra cautious with on these boats?
i'm not trying to avoid a survey. i am stupid enough to buy an old boat to live and travel on, but not without a survey. just want to know all i can before making an offer or walking.
otherwise the boat seems solid albeit fairly tired looking.
i hope to get it for in the seventies.
thanks to all,
peter hiltner
i am looking at a 1980 gulfstar 44 for purchase. after a two hour self inspection i found a few concerns i'd like to ask about.
the deck was "thumpy" at one of the rear chainplate piercings off the lower spreader. it was not a large area, perhaps 16" square. i suspect that it would be the same sort of repair as most boats with a balsa cored deck. i was unable to get to the chainplates and to find how they are fastened and how dependent they are upon the deck.
in the lazerette, above the skeg (i think) is a steel plate, just forward of the rudder post. it has several not too big (i remember either 3/8 or 7/16s likely)
it appears to be a backing plate of some sort, fairly substantial. it was very rusty, flakey, swollen etc.
my questions are these: what is that plate? how is the skeg attached? integral to the hull? bolted? both?
and, are there any known deficiencies back there?? (or anywhere else for that matter) to be extra cautious with on these boats?
i'm not trying to avoid a survey. i am stupid enough to buy an old boat to live and travel on, but not without a survey. just want to know all i can before making an offer or walking.
otherwise the boat seems solid albeit fairly tired looking.
i hope to get it for in the seventies.
thanks to all,
peter hiltner