Boat Journal

Had the boat survey done today. For those land lubbers among you, it's equivalent to the house inspection you have done before you purchase a home.

Overall, the survey looked good. There were, however, a couple of items that will need immediate attention: there's a 'soft spot' in the deck, with an equally soft spot underneath in the cabin. That means that water has gotten in at one time or another. Depending on how bad the damage is between the layers, I may need to cut out the fiberglass and replace the core (wood or balsa), or I may need to just drill some holes and get the water out. Either one will require drilling a hole to determine the interior damage, which I don't think the present owners will appreciate right now. The other item is the mount for the (steering) wheel. The backplate is corroded and will need to be replaced. Neither item is a show-stopper. But both will give me some room for negotiations.

My contract with the owner says that I'm to give a final decision by Monday, the 4th. But I'm trying to get hold of the broker and ask that date be stretched until I can see a final copy of the inspector's report.