Gould 0738 wrote:
The ruse will be up once she starts piloting the GB. BTW, it is equipped
with a hydraulic stern thruster that is powered from the engine.



If her GB is set up to back to port, you'll find the stern thruster handy for
coming alongside in a boat with a starboard helm- but otherwise you'll find the
original stern thruster (the prop and rudder) more than adequate.


Anything in particular we should watch for in the survey? Other than
the regular stuff, I am interested in any blistering of the hull and of
any water intrusion through the teak deck screws.


You'll probably need to be prepared to accept some minor cosmetic blistering,
below the waterline, on a boat of that age. Yes, watch the teak decks, (he says
after replacing the coring under a lot of his own decks).

The advice about the fuel tanks is good. If they prove to be bad, consider
negotiating
a reduction in price sufficient for a complete replacement- but there is now a
less expensive alternative. We have a company in Seattle that cuts a large
inspection hole in the side of the tank,
gets inside and cleans everything up, and then epoxies the interior to seal up
any leaks. You can then "save" the difference between a full replacement and a
rebuilding of the fuel tanks in place for the
scores of little things that even the best surveyor will miss.

There is a lot of wood in that fiberglass boat, and especially if it has been
stored outside you will want to look very carefully at all structural elements.
Your surveyor will keep a sharp eye out for "tea stains" along the flybridge
cowling- brown marks that form when water passes through decomposing wood and
carries along some of the color.

What type of dinghy davit? There have been issues on similar boats where crane
style davits, not installed with the greatest care when the boat was
commissioned or by the after market davit company have compromised the
integrity of the superstructure.

As for the mast and boom, is it wooden or
aluminum? If wooden, check it very closely for wood decay.

It is almost certain that on a vessel of that age somebody has cobbled on the
electronics- fine, but keep a sharp eye out for electrolysis and grounding
issues.

See if you can find a brand of varnish with
horses on the can, and be sure to remind Mrs. E. that the newly acquired teak
forest, with all the requisite sanding, varnishing, and other
chores are hers to deal with. A lot of the GB's at least had the door and
window frames painted out, reducing maintenance there considerably.



Thanks for the suggestions Chuck. For some reason I have more interest
in this boat buying process than that I have had in any of the other
boats we have owned. I suppose it's because you learn more each time
but I also think it's due to the flavor of this particular boat and my
wife's excitement. When we walked down the dock to the slip for her to
take a look at it she stopped as soon as she saw it and just grinned
from ear to ear and said, "That's it! I love it! That's my boat!"

BTW, the masts and boom are aluminum. Although there is a nicely
varnished dinghy cradle over the aft cabin, it doesn't appear to have
been used. The boat comes with a small zodiac and outboard that are
currently stored on the swim platform.

We sure have a lot to learn about trawler style boats. Wait until she
finds out there is a sail for the aft mast and boom.

Thanks again,

Eisboch