Tommy,
As Rich said, seawater in the skeg is not unusual. My boat’s skeg was actually leaking a little at the bottom, trying (in vain) to drain itself when the boat was hauled out. So I helped it by drilling holes high & low, port & starboard, and flaring them out with an angle grinder & padded sanding disc to expose the under-laminates. I left it opened up that way as long as we were on the hard, with heat lamps on it 24/7. When it was as dried out as possible I ‘glassed it closed again, finishing it with gelcoat (photo attached) and bottom paint. No problems since, and that was 9 years ago.
When you find your “deal” on one of these beauties, be aware that (1) you generally get what you pay for, and (2) they are all endless labors of love. Personally, if I were buying a 424 again knowing what I know, I wouldn’t be hunting for “neglected and cheap.” I’d pay a fair price for one from an owner who has already spent all the years and dollars to renovate, refit, improve and maintain her, someone like Rich or Pete Dubler… or me. 😉 In the long run you’ll wind up tens of thousands of dollars and several years ahead that way.
Good luck,
Tor
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Silverheels, P-424 #17
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Attachments:
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