Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
is it a problem if my starboard bench seat has soft spot/ flex in it? I am buying a 1987 catalina 25. The boat looks really clean and well taken care of.
It won't compromise the structure of the hull if that's what you're asking. The divider on the starboard side settee is pretty much rotted out (divides the settee into two storage compartments) which causes some flex but it's not much - doesn't keep me from sitting there so to me it's not much of a problem.
If you're talking about the cockpit seat, it's a significant concern. In time, it will get worse, not better, and will have to be repaired. It can be, but it's a big job and expensive if you don't do it yourself. Most DIY'ers can't do it without the repair being apparent. If you buy it at a very good price and you're willing to spend the time to DIY, and are satisfied with it being imperfect in appearance, it can be a good buy. A good repair can restore it's structural integrity for a very long time.
I'd suggest you get a repair estimate from a repair shop and deduct the repair cost from your offer. The owner must know of the problem and the cost of repair. If you can't buy it at a reasonable price, walk away.
Steve Milby J/24 "Captiva Wind" previously C&C 35, Cal 25, C25 TR/FK, C22 Past Commodore
It's a good idea to have a survey performed on a 1987 C-25, because then you will have expert advice on what needs to be repaired to be legal, or to be seaworthy, or to be perfect. With that knowledge you can negotiate in a rational way with the seller to reduce the price for those serious defects that need to be fixed.
JohnP 1978 C25 SR/FK "Gypsy" Mill Creek off the Magothy River, Chesapeake Bay Port Captain, northern Chesapeake Bay
That price seems expensive for a boat with moisture/soft deck issues. There are many for sale in the @$2,500-@$5,000 range that most likely would not have such an issue. Any offer you make should be contingent on a survey, which will cost @$350 and may save you@$4,500!
Peter Bigelow C-25 TR/FK #2092 Limerick Rowayton, Ct Port Captain: Rowayton/Norwalk/Darien CT
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.