posted 08-23-2001 10:17 AM ET (US)        

Anyway....the boat needs work, alot of it....checked out everything that could be a problem...drain tubes....condition of fiberglass, transom condition, etc.

Of the many things I saw wrong with the boat that were fixable, one thing I saw concerned me above all else....While standing on the boat(while on a rack) I peered over the port and starboard gunnel and noticed that near the waterline, near the middle of the boat, there was a certain undulation or wavy look to the fiberglass....I don't believe I was imagining this and just wanted some feedback as to whether or not this condition would serve as the death knoll for this old whaler....

Additionally, when I opened the access panels to the gas tanks, the rear tank had what I thought to be an extreme amount of condensation buildup around the tank or at least where I could reach inside and feel.I have a feeling that that kind of moisture should not be present around a gas tank.

Thanks in advance for all you comments and advice.

Cliff
Richmond, Virginia

posted 08-23-2001 10:40 AM ET (US)            

There is nothing unusual, nor catastrophic about the waviness in the sides of the hull. It is present in almost all the boats of that era.

I have been led to believe that it had to do with the foam they used in the hulls at that time. My local Whaler dealer, Terry McCartney of Jacobsen's Boats and Motors, told me Whaler changed foam vendors because of this.

The amount of waviness varies quite a bit. My own '83 OR 18 had it to some degree and I have seen a hull so puckered it was returned, and replaced under warranty. The defect is essentially cosmetic and there is not much you can do about it except enjoy the boat.

posted 08-23-2001 11:03 AM ET (US)            

Thanks for your reply....that is a relief to hear, but I am planning on having a survey done regardless.....

Also I forgot to mention 2 other possible problems:

The owner told me that one of the gas tanks had developed a leak that had flowed into the stern baitwell and that he had to have the deckplates removed and the leak fixed....could water be getting to the bilge and around the tank if the deckplates were not reinstalled properly?

Also, there were a couple places on the hull below the waterline where the gelcoat had been damaged....the worst was the starboard chine where about 6-8inches of gelcoat was missing and the green fiberglass was visable.....how concerned should I be about water intrusion..... and delamination....

The transom also had areas where the backing plate washers had penetrated into the fiberglass as well...

Thanks again for any responses

Cliff

posted 08-23-2001 11:11 AM ET (US)            

I know we talked about price before you saw the boat, but from the description you provide above, $18k is too much for this boat.

posted 08-23-2001 11:15 AM ET (US)            

I agree....the boat needs some work without even taking into consideration the twin 1990 135 hp mercs....one of which I know had had the powerhead rebuilt....the only way I would take the boat would be for a lowball price......maybe 9K...I really think thats all its worth

posted 08-23-2001 01:27 PM ET (US)         

But considerable hull side waviness in other, larger & heavier models is usually the result of long term improper hull support (no keel support) from either a bunk trailer or bunk storage rack. When the keel is not supported, the sides end up taking a lot of the stress, and tend to buckle a little under the load.

posted 08-23-2001 09:23 PM ET (US)            

Seriously, since none of you have seen the condition of this boat, and I know it is only a guess, what would be a respectable lowball...one that would be taken seriously?

Also what is the average cost of a marine survey these days?
Also, I am assuming that I should do the survey before I make an offer...

posted 08-24-2001 03:14 PM ET (US)         

Cliff, you'd be buying a lot of trouble from what you have explained as the condition of this boat. A surveyor isn't going to be of much good just to reaffirm what you have already assessed.

Here is a link to a previous discussion this spring on "oil" can or "wavy" topsides.

http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000642.html

Tom C and Larry G both pretty much explained that this can and does occur.

The reason I bring this back up is to add a point which may or may not be relative.

With all the work and dollars you'll have to spend to bring this 25 back up to shape (Yes you probably do have water in the hull from the areas you mentioned, if she sat for lengths in it) after is all said and done the wavy sides, regardless that they aren't a structural issue, are cosmetic! If and when you ever decide to sell her be prepared to a take major hit since people do buy with their eyes even if you have everything else pristine.

That said, if this 25 was pristine and the only problem was "just" the wavy topside areas would then certainly consider her even at the price he is asking, at present after your evaluation even $9k seems high. Once you leave the under say 22 foot class cost for repairs etc begin to multiple by 2 to 3 fold.

posted 08-27-2001 09:41 AM ET (US)            

Thanks so much for your insight and for answering my questions...the link you added was even more help.

Sorry for my delayed response to yours....but over the weekend I traveled to see the boat again and to shoot a couple more rolls of film......

I am really in a quandery as to what to do.....make an offer or walk away.....I think it really depends on what this guy is willing to take and I am afraid it is more than I am willing to pay..

As they say...whatever the market will bear...

All the points you and others made were good ones and now I think I really just need to weigh the pros and cons......

Thanks again and kudos to this site.....a marvelous resource....and wallet saver.

Cliff