2007 C-Dory Cracks

T

ThousandIslander

New member
Hi Everyone,

My 1986 Classic 22 is coming along but I just came across a good deal on a 2007. I'm either going to buy it in the morning or head home and get back to work on the Classic.

The 2007 is in good overall condition but it has some fiberglass issues that worry me. I have posted pics in my album.

1. The fiberglass under the steps is delaminating from the floor. There doesn't seem to be any exposed wood but....

2. The transom has a crack on one end with fibergass cloth showing. The transom also has a metal cap...is this cap standard equip on a 2007?

3. In the cabin floor there is what looks like a repair with a layer of fiberglass cloth.

Any thoughts on any of this? It's an estate sale and the price is very good but....

Thanks in advance for any input!

John
 
ThousandIslander":3b7y1ppd said:
Hi Everyone,

1. The fiberglass under the steps is delaminating from the floor. There doesn't seem to be any exposed wood but....

2. The transom has a crack on one end with fibergass cloth showing. The transom also has a metal cap...is this cap standard equip on a 2007?

3. In the cabin floor there is what looks like a repair with a layer of fiberglass cloth.

Any thoughts on any of this? It's an estate sale and the price is very good but....

Thanks in advance for any input!

John
Click to expand...

What I would want to know is how the rest of the transom, and hull bottom sound out, looking for dull/hollow spots. Also a moisture meter, even a cheap Home Depot type will give you enough information to determine if the core is affected.

Both of these fiberglass repairs are easy.

The area by the step, suggests that the tabbing which holds the step in place is delaminating form the bottom of the boat (inside hull). That just needs grinding fair, and using some epoxy and glass tape (cloth). But, if there is water intrusion into the hull, high moisture content in the hull, area which is "hollow" and suggests delimitation of the fiberglass on the inside of the hull, has delaminate from the balsa core, then you may want to pass on this boat. This is not a place where normally there is water intrusion--normally around screw holes, so you want to look at the screw holes, back out a couple of screws, and see what is going on. The definitive way to see what the core is like, is to drill a test hole, into the core--then fill with epoxy. Not sure that the "estate" will allow that...

The transom cap should be a plastic material--the photo looks like that is what it is, and tha tis normal. Again, just being the glass, is not enough to say "walk". Tis may be a manufacture defect--where a layer of glass was too thin, or a blister broke.

I wonder if this boat was left out in the weather during the winter freeze and thaw cycle? The moisture under a layer of glass will cause delaminate, as it expands and contracts.

The cabin floor? Is this forward, where the forward platform (smooth) for the Porti Potty is located, and the intersection of the sole of the cabin itself. (rough)?

If so, again this looks like tabbing,. Not sure if it is a repair, or was again a factory "defect". I have seen cracks there, with no problem. Often they are due to the boat being run hard, and pounded--but not always. Is there any tabbing delimitation along the V Bunk platform?

As long as the core seems OK, this would not be a deal killer.

Send me a PM with the price if you wish--I'll give you my opinion--also a couple of other photos I may recommend.
 
Depends on the price, but my opinion from the pictures are that the issues are superficial. For a very few $ they can be fixed. I would be more concerned with the engine and how many hours are on it, and the electronics. The pictures you supplied would not be something I would have likely noticed. Anything less than about $35K is a bargain. Does it have a trailer? What engine does it come with?

When I bought my '08, it had a dime sized hole in the transom (up high). I filled it with epoxy. Problem solved. End of discussion. I did not bother with a moisture meter.

C-Dory boats are built simple and robust. If you cannot find any structural problems with the boat when you buy it, it is unlikely that any will develop while you own it, provided that you don't willfully abuse it (even then, there is not much to go wrong). IMO if you have any reasonable experience with boats you will be able to determine on your own whether a C-Dory is sound or not by yourself, you should not need a surveyor. Again, this is MO, your comfort level may vary.

IMO, these boats are pretty much bulletproof and they will tolerate a lot more abuse than you will.
 
Gotta disagree somewhat with the other posters. It looks to me like that boat has been hit or had something heavy dropped in. I'd definitely have an experienced professional surveyor look at what might be hidden. Just from what you've shown, you'd better build in 5 grand for professional repair by subtracting that from what you'd be willing to pay if there were no issues. I don't like the looks of the floor, particularly.

At the very least, those bits of damage should be a red flag to look deeper into the history of the boat and to have a pro check it out.
 
P.S. From the picture of the "cabin floor repair", I don't see a repair. Maybe the PO just added some sealant at the cabin/hull join (my boat has this).

I would look closely at the trailer (if the boat comes with one). I spent more time and money getting the trailer in shape than I did on the boat itself. If I had paid more attention to the trailer I would have negotiated a lower price on the package due to the trailer condition. It looked ok, but I ended up replacing or repairing the entire trailer brake system. Apparently, it hadn't worked for years when I got it. I was more focused on the boat at the time so I didn't pay very much attention at all to the trailer.
 
Thanks for the quick reply everyone!

The cabin floor section is the rough part just before you enter the cuddy. It could be factory but the fit and finish seems much too poor...I just can't figure what could need to be repaired in that location.

I like the idea that the delamination near the steps could be due to freezing. It has spent at least one winter outside. I tried to dig into the split with a screw driver and it seems like it's solid epoxy under the tab. I suspect it is ugly but not a stuctural issue...should be an easy fix.

Transom is rock solid, no flex when pushing on raised motors. Probably fine.

I did pull one fuel tank and everything looks/sounds solid.

Trailer is in great shape, single axle but good tires, brakes look good, etc.

Side note: if I buy this I will probably sell the Classic 22, it's just about ready to repower and use. Lots of time and $ invested but price will be low if anyone is looking.
 
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