should I have bought it???

I am looking to buy my first boat and came across some points that I was unsure of.  As a first time buyer it's hard to know what is acceptable and what isn't.  The points I was unsure of when viewing a laser where 2 chipps in the deck about little finger nail size in total.  The owner said there are no leaks and the water hadn't affected the deck underneath.  Would these have been a problem or just superficial?  The second point was when the boat was upside down and viwing the edge where the different layers can be seem, the outer white finsh seemed in some places to be pulled away.  there where small gaps between the surface coat (Gel coat?)and what looks like laminate layers.  some where filled but the owner said the fills where how he recieved it from laser from new and they weren't repairs.  So are the unfilled bits a problem?  Would they have also needed repair?  These things would be handy to know when next viewing a boat.

 

PS  If anyone in the oxford/ west berkshire area would like to show me what to look for on their laser to give me an idea that would be great

Two key checks that are potentially expensive to fix on lasers. Mast socket wears through - fill the mast socket with water and see if it leaks anywhere. Tap/push the side decks to make sure they haven't delaminated from the hull.

Also worth checking the top mast doesn't have a permanent bend by sighting along it. Most other things are easy diy jobs. The laser website has a section on repairs. If you're reasonably practical and can follow instructions even a small hole or crack can be sorted (just lots of elbow grease required).

Hope this helps. Try and find someone from the local sailing club to go with you.

Originally posted by alex d The second point was when the boat was upside down and viwing the edge where the different layers can be seem, the outer white finsh seemed in some places to be pulled away.  there where small gaps between the surface coat (Gel coat?)and what looks like laminate layers.

The laser is constructed from a hull and deck moulding glued together.  The join area is quite large as it includes all of the rolled over edge but Laser sometimes leaves the odd little gap where the glue hasn't fully filled the gap between the deck and hull mouldings.  These appear as voids when you look at it upside down and are normally very shallow and don't impact the strength of the boat.  Laser do sometimes fill these as well.  I certainly had some on my new boat.

As long as the two mouldings are straight and undamaged in the gap area I think that you are looking at voids so don't worry.  If the boat doesn't leak there is almost certainly no problem.

The deck gelcoat is easily repaired and should only impact the price you pay!  Do, do, do check the mast step for wear at the deck level and around the bottom as this is a ##!!## to fix.

Cheers

Ian