On a 1985 E32. I was really nervous (still am) but the survey experience was very positive. I used Ron Grant who I found on these pages. In fact, I probably would not buy a boat if this website did not exist. It's very comforting to know that there are so many experienced Ericson owners out there, especially here in ffice:smarttags" /><?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com
<ST1lace w:st="on">Los Angeles</ST1lace></st1:City>. I narrowed down my boat search to Ericson, and only Ericson thanks to the glowing reports from the owners. Anyway... down to business... The boat has seen very little sailing use but it was a live-aboard. There are lots of little things that need to be fixed (hopefully by the dealer - a trade-in boat) but I was wondering about the big things like blisters. There were some very small blisters (about 1 inch wide) just above where the keel connects to the hull. I was told this is normal and can be fixed easily.
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My question is this: Is this really normal? Would it be very unusual for a 1985 boat to have zero blisters? There were no signs of blister repair and none above or below this one area. And no hollow spots or damp areas. <O></O>
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Also: I enclosed a picture of the leading edge of the keel. As you can see it is separating very slightly from the hull. I was told this is also normal and that the keel bolts should be tightened every five years and this area can be ground down and patched over. After looking at the pics it looks like there might be a bulge around that area. Not sure if that is from past repairs or a blister.<O></O>
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Question #2: Is this separation normal? and is it easy to fix? <O></O>
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Thanks so much for your help. I need to decide in the next day or so whether to buy the boat. What do you guys think? I really want to buy it but I don’t want an endless headache.
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My question is this: Is this really normal? Would it be very unusual for a 1985 boat to have zero blisters? There were no signs of blister repair and none above or below this one area. And no hollow spots or damp areas. <O></O>
<O></O>
Also: I enclosed a picture of the leading edge of the keel. As you can see it is separating very slightly from the hull. I was told this is also normal and that the keel bolts should be tightened every five years and this area can be ground down and patched over. After looking at the pics it looks like there might be a bulge around that area. Not sure if that is from past repairs or a blister.<O></O>
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Question #2: Is this separation normal? and is it easy to fix? <O></O>
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Thanks so much for your help. I need to decide in the next day or so whether to buy the boat. What do you guys think? I really want to buy it but I don’t want an endless headache.