Southern cross 28 what to look at

[Josephcrawl]

I've been offered a free southern cross from a kindly gent.

There are repeated references to the hull to deck joint so obviously that would need a look. Also the balsa cored deck. Anything else I should take a hard look at?

Anyone have experience redoing the deck joint? How bad of job will it be?

Thanks in advance

[Rod B]

Hull to deck joint on the 28 was not sealed using a 5200 type material, at least on the early ones. I suspect water would get into the joint and freeze, pushing it open. Check the chainplates, the two forward plates are mounted on the forward bulkhead, if water has got past the seal on deck it will cause rot in the deck and the bulkhead.
The 28's were sold as factory finished and as kits for owner completion, the quality of the latter varies significantly.

[Josephcrawl]

Luckily this one is factory finished at least it has the badge in the cockpit which I've been told means it's factory finished. Well if this covid business ever ends I'll get to go look at the boat.

[Rod B]

I think they all got that badge, mine has and it's clearly not factory finished. When you get to see it, check the appearance of the interior against pictures of factory finished boats advertised on the internet, nice little boat if it doesn't need a ton of work. Best of luck, let us know what you find please.

[Josephcrawl]

I finally looked at that boat this fall. Unfortunately it had slid to far. The mast was sinking cabin sole was impregnated with engine oil half the pulpit was ripped of and the sails had been left poorly covered. Nice boat sad to see it like that.

[grantmc]

Originally Posted by Josephcrawl

I've been offered a free southern cross from a kindly gent.

Free boat, so run away, run a long way away.
The guy's definitely not kindly.

[Josephcrawl]

I'm on my second free boat. But it does get harder every time.