On 29 Jan 2007 21:09:22 -0800, "Chuck Gould"
wrote:

I hope you're not referring to the bogus nonsense posted by David
Pascoe........

If so, my favorite shot is the one where the failed backyard repair,
(looks like automotive bondo) is represented as typical OEM
construction

Pascoe may not be that far off the mark. I've known quite a few
owners of balsa cored boats who have experienced *serious* structural
issues. These are boats that were designed for off shore sailing and
built by reputable folks. Very few of them last more than 10 or 15
years.

On Jan 29, 10:28�pm, Wayne.B wrote:
On 29 Jan 2007 21:09:22 -0800, "Chuck Gould"

wrote:
I hope you're not referring to the bogus nonsense posted by David
Pascoe........

If so, my favorite shot is the one where the failed backyard repair,
(looks like automotive bondo) is represented as typical OEM
construction

Pascoe may not be that far off the mark. *I've known quite a few
owners of balsa cored boats who have experienced *serious* structural
issues. *These are boats that were designed for off shore sailing and
built by reputable folks. *Very few of them last more than 10 or 15
years.

Pascoe claims that most fiberglass boats are built over cores
consisting of junk materials and putty-type fillers. He doesn't
concentrate on balsa.

http://yachtsurvey.com/Fiberglass_Boats.htm


The 3rd and 4th photos on that page obviously show failed repairs. Why
would the builder randomly toss a section of junk putty into the
laminate, and how could you possbily continue the layup of a boat
(from the outside in) and leave trowel marks on the *outside edge* the
bondo?

The Sea Ray that he shows in that item is 16 years out of date.
According to the dates he has written on the scraps in the upper left
photo, it's a 1991.

Chuck Gould wrote:


The Sea Ray that he shows in that item is 16 years out of date.
According to the dates he has written on the scraps in the upper left
photo, it's a 1991.


Most likely the SeaRay in the photo was built in the 80's. As Chuck
eluded to, all mfg'ers have made substantial changes in their mfg'er
process since then. It would not be prudent to make your buying
decisions upon upon 20 yr old data. That being said I would be hesitant
to buy a less expensive boat with balsa core hull below the water line.
If so, I would want to verify that all thru holes and high stress
areas, such as stanchions are solid fiberglass and are reinforced with a
backing plate. Cruiser online sales info, went out of their way to
discuss the metal reinforcing plate on their high stress areas, but did
not mention solid glass around their thru holes. I would contact
Cruisers directly to verify that info.

I did a lot of research before buying my last new boat. SeaRay's were
vastly overpriced, but good boats. It came down to either a Cruisers,
Inc. 3950 aft cabin or a Carver that was about the same size and
configuration. I went around to the shipyards and surveyers in my
area, and hands down, everyone recommended the Cruisers. Very good
construction, well made, "built like a Hatteras" was one of the
comments. I bought it and was very happy with it until sold. They have
a good reputation, and the factory was very helpful when needed. That
all being said, the local dealer was crap, and is now out of business.
If you're buying new, the local dealer is at least as important as the
boat, since they assemble it on site and do all the warranty work.
Check them out as well.

If you're buying new, the local dealer is at least as important as the
boat, since they assemble it on site and do all the warranty work.
Check them out as well.

Well, they do assemble a number of things after taking delivery from the
manufacturer. So you definitely want to make sure they've got their act
together for doing stuff like that. Ask to see how your model of boat comes
delivered. Be wary of how things are added aftermarket. Anything putting a
hole through the hull damn well better be done right. You don't want to get
stuck in the middle of a ****ing match between a half-ass dealer install of
something and the manufacturer's warranty on the hull.