99 270DA with delamination in deck

[400north]

Hey and thanks in advance for any insight anyone can provide.

I’m currently looking to purchase a 99 270 Sundancer with the 9’2 beam. I just had the boat surveyed and it came back with moderate moisture in the starboard bow deck, with the starting of delamination. The surveyor said this wasn’t an issue at this time and not to worry about it for years to come as it’s an older boat and not structural.

This doesn’t sit well with me because I would expect some kind of moisture in a boat of this vintage, but not delamination. Am I correct for thinking this or just being too picky? Does anyone know what the deck is cored with? Balsa? Has anyone else had this issue? I’ve alread read the whole late ‘90s 270 thread and didn’t see anyone else mention having a similar issue.

Again, thanks for any input.

 

[Stee6043]

Fixing rotting decks is very pricey. And if you’re hesitant (which you should be) imagine how the guy buying it from you in a few years will react.

It’s a common problem, sadly. But I’d generally hold out for a dry boat. Unless it’s priced $10k+ below blue book.

 

[400north]

Fixing rotting decks is very pricey. And if you’re hesitant (which you should be) imagine how the guy buying it from you in a few years will react.

It’s a common problem, sadly. But I’d generally hold out for a dry boat. Unless it’s priced $10k+ below blue book.

Thanks. This is what I expected to hear. It’s too bad because it’s a nice, clean boat otherwise.

 

[btyman11]

It should be a balsa core deck with a solid core hull. I do agree with the 10k price reduction on sale. If you were to fix thats what the cost could be thousands. When I purchased my 340 I had moisture and a soft spot around one of my hatches that was leaking. I did get the proper price off in case I ever wanted to make the correct repair. Instead I messed around with a product called Injectadeck and Ive been nothing but pleased. Area is now structurally sound. 2 years now since doing it and the area is hard as the day it was done. Also the area has not spread. Not saying its the right or wrong repair but I also didnt drop 10K on the job and had nothing to lose by trying the repair.

 

[boatman37]

Sort of off topic but can inject a deck be used from underneath? Meaning will it flow upwards? My swim platform has a soft spot and the plan was to drill the underneath and inject it from the bottom side

 

[btyman11]

Im not 100% sure but I dont see how it would be any different. It finds all the voids as it expands.

 

[boatman37]

i would think it would be ok but just wondered if anyone tried it

 

[sbw1]

There is an old trawler at one of our local marinas that I watched being surveyed years ago. The guy that bought it is on a budget and casual in his approach to maintenance. The surveyor hit many areas of the foredeck with his rubber hammer and each time it sounded like someone playing a tambourine due to delamination. The boat is still in use by the same owner maybe 15 years after the survey, and other than a paint job gets little else in the way attention. We see it go by our house every summer, sometimes with 10 or more people walking around on it. So maybe deck delamination is not a deal killer.