Hi Everbody,
I am examining a Red Witch for possible purchase. Of concern to me is a crack in the starboard cabin wall around where the top deck meets the sides. Also some of the bulkheads do not meet with the top deck. The crack would be about a millimeter wide on the surface and about 50 mm long, but dont know how deep it is. The port side looks much neater with the top deck resting on all the bulkheads. Much appreciated for advice
Thanks,
Norm
Norm,
The crack may be just in the gelcoat and of no importance. The bulkhead bit is hard to comment on with out a picture. Bulkheads are normally installed in glass hulls with a cushion, they do not usually meet the glass hull or deck to prevent hard spots. There is usually foam or something similar that fits in the gap and glassed over.
It all depends on what your paying for this boat. Add some more details in your profile section including where you are in the country, you may have a fellow lister nearby.
Thanks Ramona,
Have updated my profile. From what you describe, there is no structural requirement to attach bulkheads to the deck. The crack does not go to the outside and could be the result of very thick gelcoat. The bilge area visible from the cabin has salty water in it-tastes the same as the swan river. It has not leaked back out with the boat standing on it's trailer. I guess I should be looking at a leak above this level. The hull has no visible osmosis blisters and there was a bilge pump lying nearby. I'll ask the owner how fast it is leaking.
Red Withes are cute little yachts.... very safe (bottom very heavy) but not that performant! Go for a sail before buying and ask for a demo on trailer launch and retrieval procedure as you will need a very deep ramp (not many of them in the San) or crew of 3 minimum (you will have to detach the trailer from the car to reach deep enough water) as they are a pain in the bottom type of boat to launch and heavy procedure. Look for something with a lift keel instead! Hope that will help!
Good luck with the purchase!
Few are getting sailed at my club and we have a deep ramp.... come and have a look if you want!
Also what is the asked price??
Good luck with the purchase!
