Transom moisture

flying_steve

New Member
Aug 25, 2017
25
Barrie, ON
Boat Info
1999 Sundancer 290
Engines
Mercruiser 4.3 EFI w/Alpha one
Hi all,

Considering the purchase of a '99 Sundancer 290. Had a survey done with some questionable results. Interested in your opinions:

"The moisture content of the hull below the waterline ranges from 1.0 to 5.0%, which is high in many areas. The moisture content of the transom above the waterline ranges from 0.1 to 2.0%, which is acceptable. The moisture content of the transom below the waterline ranges from 2.0 to 5.0%, which is high in many areas (most of the wetted transom was over 4.0% moisture content). The moisture content of the swim platform ranges from 0.1 to 2.5%, which is slightly elevated but within acceptable limits."

And this:

"The outdrive bellows and hoses are quite worn, and all should be replaced before further use of the vessel. The outdrive shift bellows are both 100% worn, with much cracking—if these bellows leak this may result in vessel submergence. The u-joint bellows are not completely accessible for assessment. Both exhaust bellows are 100% worn and badly cracked, and the starboard bellows was not suitably fitted. The port outdrive outside water house is also cracked from age—and if not water-tight, could result in the port engine overheating. "

I can get the purchase price down to offset the bellow repairs, so it's really only the moisture that concerns me. But am I wrong in that the 290 hull isn't a wood core? If not, what is the concern with moisture?

Thanks.
 
I personally wouldn't have them price it to offset the cost of the bellows - I'd have them replaced pre-close. That seems to be one of those projects that can have the potential to open a can of worms (sometimes expensive worms) in other repairs.

My understanding is that there isn't any wood below the waterline on a 99 of any size. That said I still think I'd pass on this boat. There are a lot of 290's out there. It sounds to me like the 290 you're looking at could be due for some major outdrive repairs. That's a lot of cabbage...
 
There is no wood coring in the hull below the waterline, they do have coring on the topsides. Agreed on getting the drive repairs done before closing, that's what we did with our 290. It ensures you can walk away should they find massive repairs that they might not want to fix as part of the deal.

Shameless plug (not sure where you're located) but our 290 is available. http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1998-sea-ray-290-sundancer-103136296/
 

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