RickS

Very kind of you Tracy but almost couldn't be further from NW England ? - Boat is on the K & A. Absolutely intend to get a survey - just wanted to check there wasn't anything screaming 'don't do it' to others who know better. I think I shall attempt to paint it myself as I don't think I can afford the prices you mention - I sort of recall reading about DIY painting courses under supervision so there is back up if needed. I shall have to look into those. Dharl - thank you. I certainly shall be getting a survey on any boat I am interested in. Good to be reminded , thanks ? Deteling - thank you also. Reassuring to know about the water. I know the boat has been un-used for a while so maybe not constant vigilance on drips via the stern gland. There didn't seem to be any serious rust around windows or tucked away under vents etc, just general not-great-paintwork. Tracy, I think it is Keith Wood rather than Woods - my fault - as far as I know he mainly did fit-outs but have read that he made shells too. Not sure whether this boat is just his fit-out or shell as well. Yes, by the sound of it, i am worrying too much if people have 30-50 year old boats! ? Thanks again all Rick

Thanks Tracy I have just been looking at chimneys and, even if they are completely knackered, it doesn't seem like a massive expense to replace them, I hadn't realise they were seen as a consumable, but OK with that. I think a repaint is likely needed as the paintwork is tatty generally - as i say it is more the blobs of filler that worry me. Reassuring to hear that it is unlikely to have rusted through. It's a semi-trad, with a pram cover so I am surprised at the water. It's not a lot, but neither is it just a drip or two - I was told that i can expect water in the engine compartment in any boat - which is worrying in itself The boat is a 2004 Keith Woods 64 foot semi-trad. Bit dated but seems sound inside, if slightly cramped. I just like the layout and potential. I don't so much mind buying work, I just don't want to buy massive problems - as i have said my knowledge and experience is virtually nonexistent Thanks again Rick Meant to say - £200 - £300 perfoot for painting Ouch! Hadn't expected that much. Thats the best part of £20,000!!

Hello I have been to see a boat I am interested in again today. I hoped to see it with my head this time rather than just my heart. It is in general need of TLC but reasonably tidy - no obvious damp. woodworm etc etc ? However, there are three areas that seem a bit more serious so i was hoping to tap into the knowledge and experience of this forum - because I have very little in this area myself. 1 The exterior paintwork. Many little rust patches, some pickable with a fingernail but nothing deep. What is more worrying is the occaisional hard blob of what may be filler, and painted over. 2 the chimney from the stove - the joint at the stove itself is abit corroded, but the exterior chimney and collar (don't know the correct terms) are rusted to **** 3 there is a little rust on the floor of the engine compartment - doesn't look serious, but to one side of the engine block is a puddle of liquid, and there is a full bucket and mop on deck, but i don't know if this is from clearing out the engine compartment to be fair. Are any / all of these something you would throw you hands up in haorror and walk away or is this just normal for a slighly tatty 17 year old boat? Really appreciate any help and advice before i commit myself to a possible purchase Thanks Rick

Thanks Howard and Nightwatch for your replies. Very helpful Rick

First post, complete newbie at all this but spent a long time dreaming and looking. I have found a boat I am interested in - got to the point where I realised I would never find the perfect boat, so I had to find the nearest thing and make it perfect :-) It's a bit 'tired' but the price probably reflects this. Haven't had a survey yet but wanted to ask - and apologies if this is bad form - is Devizes Marina a good broker to deal with? Also, does anyone know a good surveyer who works in that part of the world, or who travels? Thanks for your collective help Rick