Another Survey Result - all comments welcome!

[adrian.oliver]

Hello all,
Still lurking and determined to find the 26x for us! We have had another boat surveyed - all seems OK(?) but a few points raised. I would be really grateful for comments on the importance and ease/cost of repair of any of the following comments:

1. *Rudder connecting rod makes contact with the weather deck at both outboard ends and starboard rod end contacts side bulkhead // relieve and align.
2. Water ballast control outlet valve has a broken handle // replace.
3. Elevated moisture readings, (off scale Tramex, scale #2 NSB) over transom at and above water-line // remove thru bolt at transom and examine in order to determine core status. Hammer soundings do not confirm any apparent delamination.

Many thanks in advance. This is a fantastic board and it never ceases to amaze me how much info gets passed on - one day I hope to be able to contribute myself!

Adrian

[Frank C]

Well items 1 and 2 are trivial, wouldn't slow me down in the least. Item 3 is a puzzle though. I don't think there's any wood in the transom, regardless of model year, but I'd crawl back over the aft berth with a light and start studying from inside too.

You didn't say what year 26X you had surveyed, but if those are the only comments, I'd question the surveyor's thoroughness.

• 1. Open all the hatches, aft berth and elsewhere, to see if there's water evidence.
  
  2. Are there no thru-deck mods ?? ... which is where I'd want to know about moisture readings. Sloppy thru-deck work would be one important turn-off, for me.
  
  3. Examine the rudder brackets carefully for cracks, breaks, other damage (they're expensive, and not even sure if they're still available). Stainless brackets are better than aluminum - '99 & later should be stainless.
  
  4. Test drive the outboard, or at minimum, start it and listen. Quick, easy start? Check the smoothness & feel of steering system. Steering isn't too expensive to fix, but it will take a hundred, plus a day.
  
  5. What model outboard is it? IMO, it's the single greatest variable in resale value, therefore in my offer price. Does it look like it was professionally installed (well-founded, well-centered, cav-plate at the hull bottom, etc)? Do I even want it ??? I'd value a carbed 2-stroke at negative $300 - got to uninstall, and get rid of it!
  
  6. Is the mast up? Actually, I might prefer if not, since the boat is happier for long resting periods without the rigging strain. Depending on age, you may just choose to replace all the standing riggging ... for about $250.
  
  7. Does it have sails? If you want all 3 sails replaced, might be ~ $1000. Have the halyards & sheets been catching UV for years? Another $300 to replace them.

None of this is unique to this boat, but I'd expect a survey to comment on each item. I'd have been totally clueless about buying a used Mac - couldn't find one so I bought new in August '99. After 5 years with one, I'd not hesitate to buy "the right one" used.

In summary - your 3rd item is significant - can't say how serious - but there's lots of other stuff to consider, too, especially the outboard motor. Hope it helped. Buddy-up with a nearby 26X owner, and you'll find it easier. Not near SF, are you?

[waternwaves]

Dont mean to cause problems here......but the tramex 115 is optimized for building materials not boating materials....

see the disclaimers with the tool.
Also, calibration of elements for reference is critical.
I suspect that their may have been .....issues.... affecting the accuracy of the device in this particular application.. also....copper bottom paints nearby will also cause false readings.

Tramex 115

Tramex TR250