SO40DS Stringers

[cpetku]

Had a survey done on a 2004 SO40DS today and both stringers appear to have wiked up moisture through the limberholes in the compartment aft of the one with the sump. The frame members appear to be fine. This was analyzed using a digital moisure meter and percusion test (wood hammer).

The surveyor indicated the next step would be to have the selling broker drill a hole in the stringers to confirm the severity of the problem. He feels that these can be replaced if necessary without compromising hull integrity.

Does anyone have enough first hand experience with this to comment on if it can be properly fixed or if it's a huge red flag and I should walk away as allowed in my contract if the survey is not acceptable?

The other issues discovered on survey can be readily addressed and just need to be arbitrated for financial responsibility (buyer/seller).

[so40gtb]

Is this the stringer between the galley and the main salon? We had a 2000 SO40 surveyed on Friday and the moisture meter indicated some water in that area, though the percussion test was OK.

[cpetku]

That would be the a good estimate of the location. On the SO40DS the battery bank is located in the first compartment forward of the stairs. The next compartment forward is where the boat I looked at is/has develped an issue. What called it to my attention was a dark stain coming out of the limber hole and onto the hull.

I'm assuming this was an incorrectly sealed limber and that for all of the others in the boat which seemed ok, a simple application of CPES can be used to eliminate the chance of their developing this issue if they have similar factory quality issues. However the ones that read full scale on the meter and sounded dead will probably have to be replaced. I know this is a common issue with small power boats, but didn't expect it on a much more expensive yacht. Then again I did find a posting for a couple of Jeanneaus having issues with rot under compression posts that was fixed but at a high cost.

The good news for you is based upon our locations we are not talking about the same boat. You may want to doublecheck the limberholes after purchase as a maintenance item and research resealing the wood edges of the holes and sole with epoxy.

Due to age (8 years) my surveyor also recommended rebedding all of the stantions including slightly over-drilling the holes and sealing the fresh wood surface with eopxy to avoid any additional moisture in the decking.