[paulopinto]

Hi all,

I'm reviewing this Morgan 34 for purchase. The boat was salvaged from a hurricane in 2005 and has been fixed and upgraded by the current owner.

The toerails have been replaced with 3" wide "StarBoard" with screws every 3.5". Combings too have been replaced with "StarBoard". (see attached pictures) I guess the idea is to avoid maintenance costs.

I'm not familiar with "StarBoard", the reviews say its a good material but does not offer structural strength. Is this suitable for toerails?

Any thoughts?

Thank you,
Paulo

 

[aeaston]

From the pictures, it looks like it's being used more or less just for cosmetic reasons to hide the marks where the original toerail would have been. If all those fittings (stanchions, blocks, cleats, etc.) that sit on the toe rail are actually thru-bolted right through the toe rail and deck, then I would think it would be fine, since the strength would actually be coming from the deck underneath, with the starboard acting as more of a spacer.

 

[krisscross]

Looks very well done. I'm not sure you need a lot of structural strength from this material in these applications.

 

[Yorksailor]

After a hurricane in 2005 I watched someone repair a boat with hurricane damage and the cosmetic result was great. The boat had been an insurance write-off.

Problem was that having watched the hidden chain plate repair I would only feel safe on the starboard tack!!!!

You need to know the extent of the damage and repair and not the cosmetic result.

Phil

 

[tschmidty]

Looks like a good use of it. Teak is not used for structural purposes either in that application.

 

[DonScribner]

Paul,

For what it's worth, I think they did a great job, especially using the non-skid Starboard-AS. The material is UV stabilized and abrasion resistant. It will probably outlast you and me.

 

[single2coil]

Remember Star board has no strength, tension or compression. As was mentioned it is purely cosmetic. Before considering purchase get a Very Good Boat Survey. Many problems can be well hidden by Boat Flippers. Just like flipping a house. Its what you can't see that later will haunt you. Don't be sucked into just because it is a good price , it is a good boat. Please just make this a Wise Purchase