Looking at a 1990 Sea Ray 24’ Laguna Center Console, how to inspect a hull/things to look out for?

[Mwilson18]

Going to check out a center console that appears to have sat uncovered for a couple years. 1990 Sea Ray Laguna center console, 24’

I’m inexperienced with hull inspection, aside from the basics of looking out for cracks and transom flexing. I’m more-so concerned about the wooden stringers/framing members, as I’ve read that this model didn’t particularly preserve them well during production (and sitting uncovered particularly worries me)

What’s your go to buyer’s inspection for detecting these warning signs? Anything to look out for with this model/year in particular? Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[MikeSchinlaub]

Honestly, after 35 years you should just expect all of the wood to be rotten anyway.

Look in the engine bay and ski locker if it has one. Look at the condition of the stringers, motor mounts, and transom if you can see them. It should be pretty easy to tell if there has been water intrusion. If you even slightly suspect it, assume everything is rotten.

 

[Mwilson18]

Honestly, after 35 years you should just expect all of the wood to be rotten anyway.

Look in the engine bay and ski locker if it has one. Look at the condition of the stringers, motor mounts, and transom if you can see them. It should be pretty easy to tell if there has been water intrusion. If you even slightly suspect it, assume everything is rotten.

Good to know, wasn’t sure if any of the members would be exposed. It’s a bit of a project boat so I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to suspect the worst!

 

[tpenfield]

Given enough time water soaks through fiberglas. Additionally, during the manufacturing process, lots of holes are drilled in the bulkhead and stringers.

Bring an ice pick and see what pokes through. I agree with the others - you have about a 95% change of finding some level of rot in the structure.

Good on you for knowing it is wood.

 

[Mwilson18]

Given enough time water soaks through fiberglas. Additionally, during the manufacturing process, lots of holes are drilled in the bulkhead and stringers.

Bring an ice pick and see what pokes through. I agree with the others - you have about a 95% change of finding some level of rot in the structure.

Good on you for knowing it is wood.

Will do! Seems like rot is an even likelier scenario than I thought. Thanks for the reply

 

[Scott Danforth]

Boats are designed to last 15 years

A 1990 searay will guaranteed have rot unless it's never been in water

 

[Mwilson18]

Boats are designed to last 15 years

A 1990 searay will guaranteed have rot unless it's never been in water

Appreciate the heads up, that’s the feedback I seem to be getting! Thank you

 

[Scott Danforth]

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[dingbat]

Going to check out a center console that appears to have sat uncovered for a couple years. 1990 Sea Ray Laguna center console, 24’

Not worth your time

 

[Mwilson18]

Start with link 14 in the stickies

How To's and Other Great Information

Disclaimer iBoats has no control over external links contained in stickies and to be aware that links are fluid and may or may not work. 1. Coast Guard Safety Standards for Backyard Boat Builders Verified 2. Fiberglass Information Verified 3. Pouring Foam in's and out's Verified 4A. Basic...

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Funny, I was just on YouTube watching Friscoboater’s stringer/transom rebuild. Seems very involved, not sure if it’s something I want to get into

 

[Scott Danforth]

not sure if it’s something I want to get into

Then I would be looking at 2010 or newer fiberglass boats from a hull stand point. (some were wood free earlier)

then you get into the EPA motors in 2011 and later.

there are some good old fiberglass boats that were well cared for and never let water stand in the bilge. but it may be easier to find hens teeth or frog fur.

being a center console, the boat is built slightly different than its runabout brothers.

 

[airshot]

Be assured the time and money needed to rebuild will never be recouped. The boats actual value will never be returned after many months of nasty fiberglass work. If you don't have fiberglass experience, I would run away...fast !

 

[Mwilson18]

Be assured the time and money needed to rebuild will never be recouped. The boats actual value will never be returned after many months of nasty fiberglass work. If you don't have fiberglass experience, I would run away...fast !

Solid advice, much appreciated!

 

[bakerjw]

It is a nice looking hull from what I've seen. All you can do is look and be aware that it could have wet stringers and more. If in a southern state, it will be better than if it were from a freeze/thaw area.

 

[Mwilson18]

It is a nice looking hull from what I've seen. All you can do is look and be aware that it could have wet stringers and more. If in a southern state, it will be better than if it were from a freeze/thaw area.

I’m in MA so I can imagine the cold hasn’t been nice to it! I’ve been trying to find info on their hull construction, but very little is out there.

 

[redneck joe]

I’m in MA so I can imagine the cold hasn’t been nice to it! I’ve been trying to find info on their hull construction, but very little is out there.

at this point, the construction doesn't matter much at all. It is the care taken and / or what you want to invest of your life to it.

 

[airshot]

Are you prepared to invest 5K and months of work with nasty fiberglass material that require much safety gear to work with it ? And when finished it won't be worth a quarter of what you put into it. ????

 

[redneck joe]

on a 24 it will be more than $5k.
but it would be the boat properly built then maintained.

an old islander or similar can be custom made for less $ and less work, imo