[C320-list] Pre-Purchase Survey Recommendations - Need Advice

[Scott Thompson]

I agree. My boat is also of similar vintage (older by a year) but I'd be 
surprised if a survey turned up anything close to that much required 
work. Sorry I can't provide cost estimates, but my boat hasn't had most 
of those problems, and to the extent that it has, I've usually fixed 
things myself. The list may be indicative of significant neglect. 
Substantial interior leaks often indicate a combination of hard sailing 
(lots of sailing in big seas that stresses joints and seals) and poor 
maintenance. On the other hand, surveyors are paid to find problems and 
sometimes go overboard. Make sure you agree that all of this needs to be 
done.

Scott Thompson
"Surprise" #653 (1999)

On 9/22/2020 2:46 PM, Dennis Cookson wrote:
> Hi Mike, as a co-owner of a similar vintage 320, I’d suggest you think very carefully before buying this example unless you’re getting it for a very good price. From what you’ve said here it’s clear that it has not been at all well maintained by its former owner, and there may be other things wrong that come to light only after purchase. For instance, have you had the hull checked for moisture content, do the engine mounts need replacing, what is the state of the windlass & anchor chain, and you don’t mention the engine controls or the steering system. How about the fuel tank, refrigerator, autopilot, navigational instruments, mast-top equipment, the list goes on.
>
> If you are paying professionals to do the work outlined below then you are likely well into five figures: the standing rigging replacement plus works on the chain plates alone could amount to $5,000 depending where you go.
>
> Personally, I would suggest you might look for a better-maintained example - I’m particularly worried about the evidence of long-standing leaks into the salon, and plumbing leaks, as other damage may have been done that are not yet evident.  Even if you get this yacht for a good price there is loads of work to be done before you can enjoy it!
>
> Good luck,
> Dennis Cookson
> #577. 1999
>
>> On 22 Sep 2020, at 19:02, Mike Johnson <mikejohnson999 at hotmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> Hi Everyone - Hopefully in a couple of weeks I can call myself a Catalina 320 owner. I think these boats are the perfect first family sailing boat and I can't wait to get on the water. I am also particularly encouraged by this community of owners who are ready to give advice and knowledge whenever someone needs it. (Thank you!)
>> We have an accepted offer in on a 2000 Catalina 320 and just received back the prepurchase survey report. Without going into too much detail, I would like to ask this group approximately how much it would cost to have the following work done. I realize much of this work could potentially be completed by myself but I am in need of approximate values to go back to the seller and finalize the sale. Of course, some might term many of these items just normal wear and tear but others may think differently.
>> What is the consensus/advice/approximate values on the following list of surveyor recommendations:
>>
>> Attend to the following about the spar, sails and rigging:
>>
>>   *
>> Almost 20 year old standing rigging. Industry standards would suggest the age of the standing rigging is cause enough for replacement. What appears to be pits in the lower swages of the port and starboard upper shrouds were visible after cleaning corrosion from swages. Abundant corrosion on chain plate caps, gaps in chain plate bedding and what appears to be cracks on the headstay chainplate after cleaning corrosion with wire brush suggest the need to remove chainplates for inspection of portions hidden from view, re-bedding and in the case of the head stay likely replacement.
>>   *
>> Replace the worn components of the running rigging; jib sheets, spare halyard, main halyard mainsheet and boom vang lines.
>>   *
>> Re-stitch sacrificial cover on genoa.
>>   *
>> Replace cracked hoses on a wholesale basis below the head sink; head sink drain, ice box drain and head intake plumbing.
>>   *
>> Replace rusted hose clamps on fittings of holding tank below starboard salon settee. Clean evidence of leaks directly below fittings.
>>   *
>> Fully seat hose over nipple of galley raw water foot pump intake seacock and add secondary hose clamp.
>>   *
>> Renew antifouling paint.
>>   *
>> Service toilet that would not draw in flush water.
>>   *
>> Attend to heavy corrosion on water heater, cure leak in plumbing of outlet side.
>>
>> Attend to the following about the engine:
>>
>>   *
>> Change all fluids, filters, set valves, have injectors serviced and perform all other routine maintenance procedures.
>>   *
>> Replace cracked hoses for raw water injection/ exhaust vented loop antisiphon fitting.
>>   *
>> Clean and treat corrosion on engine mounts, adjust mounts to better dampen the excessive vibration of the engine.
>>   *
>> Cure the ongoing leak from the engine’s raw water pump at engine speeds in excess of 2900 r.p.m.
>>   *
>> Replace the cracked hose for the water heater’s engine heat exchange plumbing. Replace cracked exhaust hose from muffler to discharge fitting.
>>   *
>> Sediment in coolant overflow tank, cloudy coolant in heat exchanger, suggest the need to service the engine cooling system.
>>
>> Evidence of long-standing leaks in cabin interior present as damaged cabin sole and moisture trails on the hull topsides inboard. This damage is particularly bad in the forward cabin and salon, inboard of head compartment. Persistent rain on survey day showed these areas were actively leaking. Cleaning lenses of deck hatches, port lights and re-bedding chain plates, stanchions and other deck hardware will all work to slow these leaks. Replacement of cabin sole may be required as the veneers have lifted and sole appears wavy in these areas.
>>
>>
>>

-- 
Scott Thompson
Surprise, #653