400da Structural Issues/stringers

[margarita jane]

Hi... need some opiions/advice, please..... am in midst of purchasing a 10 yr old 400DA with Cats and survey person emailed an issue of the port inboard stringer with elevated moisture levels of 15 to 18% range and some evidence of "possible decomposition may be occuring" one 18% reading is below an engine mount and other bad areas are near limber holes. All other stringers read in normal range...any possible ideas for dealing with owner/broker on repairs as I don't want to give up on boat yet as it is in mint condition and has been well cared for? any ball park figures for stringer repair/replacement?

 

[Skip]

Candidly, in this very strong buyer's market, I'd slow down and keep looking.

Consider this vignette: let's say you buy this boat, the moisture issues are repaired, and you find yourself running in 6-8 footers with your family aboard. You now have about 1400 pounds of Caterpillar iron supported by stringers that were wet and are now repaired. How comfortable will you be at the helm when 41 feet and 12 tons of Sea Ray drop into the trough you did not see coming?

How do stringers get wet? My bilge stays dry. I work hard to keep it that way.

Again, this is a hypothetical. Your experience may vary. There are some great deals out there. If it were my hard earned money, I'd keep looking.

My .02.

regards
Skip

 

[Four Suns]

That is a good question... maybe Frank W. has an answer as how stringers get wet... My bildge typically has spider webs growing on the the front bilge pump area... If I get water in the bilge working, I vacuum it up right away.

Probably like that boat the other day that had a "water line" in the bildge.

 

[Carver370]

Call these guys, they have done some nice work for a lot of people in similar situations. They will dry the area out and repair it better than new. www.dryboat.com

 

[margarita jane]

Thanks for info, guys...that is a good question! there is no evidence of bilge water lines or even a trail from a leaking hose or fitting or rudder shaft... and stringer did tap out solid as did other stringers,deck and hull and transom(core samples should be done later this week)

 

[fwebster]

Since you mentioned core sampling, you are already where I'd send you on this one.

I am troubled to see where the 2 sited you mentioned could be subject to much if any water intrusion. THe limber holes drain the bilge compartments to the bilge sumps and all should be above the sump water level. that means they are essentially dry except when water is passing thru them. The engine mount is the same. Unless there is a drip directly on it, it is dry.

All wood contains some water. It is possible that your surveyor picked up a false reading due to the density of the wood in the stringer. It should be kiln or air dried pressure treated wood but it could have varying densities across a section due to knots, sap wood etc.

What is important is that you find out whether or not the core inside the stringer is wet. You can only do that by drilling the stringer. This is a destructive test so the holes must be repaired when you or done. The seller should have the boat repaired, if there is a problem. You should have your surveyor insopect the repair process at every stage and advise you as to whether or not the boats value is going to be affected or if there will be a continuing structural issue here.

Only then can you make an informed decision to buy or cancel the deal.