Buying 1988 36 classic

[jpar721]

I'm in the process of buying a 1988 36' classic, it looks like the windows in salon and aft cabin had leaked also the port door frame has water damage. veneer is peeling off, need advice on what other things to look for? Thanks

[Chester B]

We bought a similar boat (same year) several years ago and discovered a lot of leakage in the teak decks into the core. We ended up removing the teak, cutting up large portions of the glass (entire stern, 6 feet up both sides, and the bow) and had to replace the core and then re-glass. Not a job for the faint-of-heart. Deck is now non-skid Awlgrip. Now much easier to clean and much cooler on the feet. We also had leakage around the windows and are in the final stages of repairing the inside damage (either withe new veneer or paint or wall paper); outside has already been resealed and cabin painted with Awlgrip. We also had the bottom peeled because of a lot of minor osmosis and have gone through the engine room replacing many components (fresh water pump, heater, batteries, inverter, battery charger, etc.). Look for fuel tank leaks - that could be a real job. Our Lehman 135 had over 6,000 hours on it which made me nervous but Brian at American Diesel (and every mechanic I've talked to since) and said it's just getting broken in. We had only a so-so surveyor which I was not too happy about. Really look around for a good one. Good luck

[mike66]

There are lots of things to look for. Water intrusion is up at the top of the list. I would buy a boat with zero water damage unless you enjoy chasing down leaks and repairing the damage. But that's me. I just found wet areas above the anchor locker near the Samson post where the washdown hose goes through as well as the windlass wires and an unused drain fitting. I love my boat, but wish I could have afforded a higher end boat.

[Panhdjoe]

May I suggest some excellent reading for any one interested in any of the older 36's http://www.baris.net/boats/lf3/pdf/arti ... awlers.pdf http://www.boatus.com/boatreviews/power/Albin36.asp The first link is about twain trawlers in general the second is a review of the Albin 36

[flavigne]

All those wood frames windows are liable to leak. First, there is a drain hole at the bottom of the frame. You have to remove the screen and clean those holes. It does improve the performance of the windows. For the back window which are not protected by an overhang, I had some canvas shutters done and I am letting them down when it is raining. This has cured the problem. In fact, the window for the shower on the starbord side is covered at all time as any rain produce a high volume cascade at the rear of the flybridge floor... directly into the window.

All 5 windows in the back are covered. The canvas is sliding into an aluminium track overlaping the window.