Ray,
First I have a real problem with anyone responding to queries when they have
no experience or specific knowledge of the subject and yet it happens all
the time in these use groups. Out of all the responders to your query only
Ken Marino should have responded.

For the benefit of all, steel boats offer the most for the least. The very
best yachts are made from steel. There are many good reasons why that is so.
However, they do have a poor reputation with the uninformed for a few
reasons. The first is that steel boats are virtual stones and cannot get out
of their own way and that can be true IF the boat was built from a design
not specific for steel. The second is that rust is a killer and the risk
cannot be economically mitigated. This is patently untrue. It is a risk, but
very easily prevented and most importantly, very inexpensive to deal with if
it should occur. The last is ugly, yes, they can be, but they don't have to
be. Did you ever see an ugly Super yacht?

Steel boats go away from the inside. Condensation is the killer. Stop
condensation and they will last forever. I had a freind that built a 28'
steel sloop and lived on it as a university student. He had no money and
couldn't afford paint. When he graduated he sold the badly rusted boat, but
the bottom of the boat was still shiney steel. No bottom rust in 4 years in
salt water. The inside of the hull must be sprayed with insulation material.
There are a few materials that work, but not many. The first is polyurethane
foam, another is special cork based materials. All others are suspect and
due dilligence and scrutany is required. Another problem area is teak decks.
I could write a book on that subject alone. The last area to be mindful of
is dissimilar materials, potential electrolysis and the electrical wiring
system. The hull must never be electrically connected to the wiring system
in any capacity, even earth. If any of these situations are discovered
during an initial inspection, a very serious survey should be undertaken.
Hulls that have not violated these very basic rules will outlive you.
Steve

"ray lunder" wrote in message
...
Anyone owned a steel hulled sailboat in the 40 foot range and have
some advice on what to look for when buying one? Thanks as always.