Looking at a 1994 HB Sunstar

[capjak]

The HB has cracks on the outside siding. Not sure if this is a big deal to fix or not or if it is sign there is probably other damage?

Any helpful tips/thoughts. Also had 2 soft spots on top deck fixed last year near the front/back stairs.

Needs to be repainted, carpet etc...

Has a smell inside as well but it has not left the dock in about 2 years, although it was moved last year to a new slip otherwise just sitting, still winterized..

[BananaTom]

Read This thread:

http://www.houseboatmagazine.com/for...D-THIS-WARNING

Get an out-of-water survey.

[BananaTom]

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http://www.houseboatmagazine.com/201...tar-houseboats

[easttnboater]

Explain "cracks" on the outside siding.

[capjak]

Sorry Correction its a stardust not sunstar.

The outside wall "cracks" look like they go all the way through the fiberglass panels that are on the side of the HB and some have been patched (can see the patches).

A few look like they go all the way through the fiberglass panels on the outside wall other seem to be minor more hairline surface stress/cracks.

To get insurance wouldn't there be a survey required?

[Zilpo55]

Sorry Correction its a stardust not sunstar.

The outside wall "cracks" look like they go all the way through the fiberglass panels that are on the side of the HB and some have been patched (can see the patches).

A few look like they go all the way through the fiberglass panels on the outside wall other seem to be minor more hairline surface stress/cracks.

To get insurance wouldn't there be a survey required?

I don't recall ever seeing cracks in HB fiberglass like the ones you're describing. Maybe the vessel had a rough ride being moved(?) It might be worth sending some pics to the factory (now Trifecta Houseboats) for advice. I strongly recommend a survey, regardless of what insurance says. They will assess the crack issue for you in addition to finding any other problems.

[capjak]

Good feedback on getting it looked at/assesed survey...

It has been sitting for over 12 years at its slip so not sure if cracks were there the whole time it looks more like sun damage/age related. The HB needs restripeing paint etc..

[Stmbtwle]

If the fiberglass is over wood you likely have water intrusion. Wood expands when it absorbs water and can break the fiberglass. The soft spots in the deck are also from water getting in. Repairs are expensive.

I'd pass it up. At the very least have a surveyor check it out.

[easttnboater]

I also have never seen cracks like that in the outside walls. As others have said, the walls are basically 3/4 plywood with fiberglass on both sides. I have seen the painted stripes - especially black ones - crack, but that is just the paint. If the fiberglass is actually cracked through to the plywood underneath, I would run, not walk in the other direction.

You did not say the size of the boat or where it is located. An in water insurance survey will be somewhere in the $1,500 range. Out of water will cost another $2,000 or so. After sitting in the water for at least 12 years, it is going to have to be pulled and the outdrives serviced. If the boots are intact and the outdrives are OK, then you are looking at $3,500 to $4,000 to do a normal service. If the drives have problems, then it could be much, much more.

Bottom line - unless you are looking for a project boat and are getting a very good deal, you should run away.

[capjak]

easttnboater it is a 18 x 85 foot boat located in midwest. Probably can purchase for 110,000 but I feel closer to 90K would make it worth a rebuild if needed. Everything worked 1 1/2 years ago when I checked. The fiberglass is indeed cracked through in a few spots, it is not just the paint but the paint is cracked also and needs a new to be redone. Yes it will need pulled for new boots and engines serviced, new carpet inside and out, redo of top gel coat I figure all in probably another 40-60,000 dollars.