Get a thorough survey by a surveyor who is competent with older wooden yachts.
Most aren't. These boats are not simple and diagnosing them isn't, either. The
surveyor's report will give you the full list of deficiencies, recommend
materials and methods of repair, and estimate the costs. I'd be surprised if the
prescription includes marine plywood.

S&S was arguably the best US yacht designer of the period. Their boats were built
to the very highest standards and anything less than top grade repair work will
destroy the value of the boat. If you can't afford to do it right, leave the boat
to someone who can.

Jim

Monarch Canvas wrote:

Help!
I have run across an absolutley lovely 1954 Sparkman and Stephens 39ft
yawl.Double hull. Its one major problem is rot amidships from the shear to 5
planks down. The owner has tried to minimize the damage, but has deferred this
too long. I am afraid about what could be cooking between the hulls right now.
the hull is mahogany but I am thinking that marine plywood ripped to planks
would be better. ANyway figuring on replacing the whole midship section, does
any think I may be able to do this for around $10k US or less?