Should I don't buy the boat because of this?

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by vicpr25

It's being advertised as the 1972 Contest 30 Mark II.

Well, I don't know the boats but if Sailboatdata is right, there is a mistake somewhere.
https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/contest-30-mk-i/
https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/contest-30/

There is no Mk II shown

Have any other pictures of the boat?

[5BTM]

Found these.

https://shestakovyachtsales.com/yach...ex-english.pdf

Saiboat data has it as a MK I.

https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/contest-30-mk-i/

[vicpr25]

Originally Posted by 5BTM

Found these.

https://shestakovyachtsales.com/yach...ex-english.pdf

Saiboat data has it as a MK I.

https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/contest-30-mk-i/

I noticed the one in the PDF has a volvo while the one I went to see has an atomic 4, but the rest look very similar.

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by vicpr25

I noticed the one in the PDF has a volvo while the one I went to see has an atomic 4, but the rest look very similar.

That must have been a replacement engine. It was all Volvo Penta and Bukh diesels in those days for this type of boats in Holland.

[ArmyDaveNY]

The comments here wisely recommend a survey or a good look by a competent friend or acquaintance. What is the asking price? If the price is low enough, it may be worth buying even if there is some damage.


IF the price is exceptionally low, and IF the damage is not too severe, consider it a disposable vessel. Sail it until it is no longer wise to take her out then sell off anything of value and dispose of the hull and anything left over.

[vicpr25]

Got a response from the owner, who last bought it in 2002:

1. The boat had some crevasses in the keel are, it was fixed with epoxy and the did not reappear.
2. He believes that the cracks are the result of too thick polyester resin based slurry deteriorating over time, and are cosmetic rather than structural.
3. He mentions the surveyor who looked at the boat when he bought it was not concerned, and he ignored it. He thinks that a simple sand and fill with an epoxy based filler will take care of the issue.

What do you guys think? (FYI, Asking ~5k)

[stormalong]

So again, is it internal ballast?

[vicpr25]

Originally Posted by stormalong

So again, is it internal ballast?

I asked that an hour ago, hopefully I get response tomorrow.

[Madehn]

If they are asking 5k for the boat then I don’t think you have a lot to lose. Sail it until then if you had to part it out you would not be out much. Don’t see signs of water ingress. Take somebody else not emotionally involved to look at the boat. Then decide. Does not look like a huge deal but is hard to tell from pics. Maybe pay a surveyor a limited amount to look at that one issue.

[Don C L]

It is very odd to replace a diesel with an Atomic 4 IMO. Is Felicity the boat you looked at? Felicity has a Volvo diesel according to the info.

[JPA Cate]

Lots of old boats had Atomic fours.

I didn't like the look of the keel area either, but boatpoker must have had a reason for suggesting concrete was part of the ballast. He has shown himself to be quite knowledgeable, about a variety of boats. The OP could send him a PM asking whether he would be so kind as to explain what he thinks is going on there.

I am not wise enough to comment, myself.

Ann

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by JPA Cate

Lots of old boats had Atomic fours.

I didn't like the look of the keel area either, but boatpoker must have had a reason for suggesting concrete was part of the ballast. He has shown himself to be quite knowledgeable, about a variety of boats. The OP could send him a PM asking whether he would be so kind as to explain what he thinks is going on there.

I am not wise enough to comment, myself.

Ann

I have sailed a Dutch built boat with concrete encapsulated ballast. It used to be an option for the buyer, lead or concrete ballast.

If this is encapsulated ballast then I would surely buy this boat for $5k and take an angle grinder to it to find what is under this that is causing the problem, then fix it.

These old Contests aren't fast sailors but they are solidly built, high end boats.

[vicpr25]

I was reading online about Contest 30 here:

https://www.sailnet.com/threads/cont...est-34.274057/

They mention the Contest 30 Mark II and I quote:

The encapsulated lead ballast is set low, such that she is not a tender sailer.

So it seems that it does have an encapsulated lead ballast. At least based on the owner from that post..

[stormalong]

Originally Posted by vicpr25

I was reading online about Contest 30 here:

https://www.sailnet.com/threads/cont...est-34.274057/

They mention the Contest 30 Mark II and I quote:

So it seems that it does have an encapsulated lead ballast. At least based on the owner from that post..

So if that is the case get a survey to determine if there is any external keel damage. $5K sounds like a good deal for a 30 ft Contest if there are no major issues. If you have to know what is under that new glass work grinding it out, although filthy work, it is not difficult.

[UFO]

Originally Posted by vicpr25

Apparently had the rigging serviced around 2020,

That does not mean very much!!



You need to find out the date the rigging and all hardware fittings (make sure Turnbuckles etc were also replaced with the wire, otherwise no insurance!) were last replaced - If over 10 years, then you need to replace the rigging and hardware - An expense to keep in mind when making an offer if you get that far.