Standing water in the bilge during warm summer months will definitely make the boat stink. The worst of the smell will likely go with the water when the bilge is pumped out. There may be other areas (like bins) with stinky standing water.
Some water in the bilge when the boat is on the hard is not a huge issue, especially if the mast is stepped down below (which provides a path for rainwater). There are undoubtedly some deck fitting drips as well, and the windows may leak (a common C&C issue). There is a lot of good information on this list about re-bedding windows. The “old boat smell” is probably mold/mildew. It sounds like the boat needs a good scrubbing. The cushions may hold on to the smell, which may not be curable (short of replacement). On my old boat, which also came with an old boat smell, we scrubbed every inch, used chlorine-based cleaners where needed (be careful with this around fabrics and wood), and greatly improved air circulation by adding solar-powered fans to the forward hatches. I have the luxury of leaving the boat at a dock with electric service, so I keep a fan running down below. I also leave a dehumidifier running most of the time (which is a bit of a pain to keep removing and replacing when I take the boat out, and adds to the heat down below on warm days at the dock), and I plug in one of those Glade air fresheners into an outlet in the main salon. This combination of things got rid of the old boat smell, and the Boss no longer mentions this issue. Wet rudders are also common, but I’d want to know how it was fixed. Some boat owners with this issue drill a hole near the bottom, let it drain during the off-season, then fill the hole before spring launch. I took more aggressive action and dried mine out completely. Bilge blowers are an absolute must on gasoline powered boats; not so much on diesel powered boats. Still a good idea. Probably about $150 to get one installed. The chain plates should be easy to inspect and must be inspected. The surveyor will likely tell you that he/she will not do a partial inspection on a three-year-old survey, especially since you were not the person who ordered the 2014 survey. Arguing this point is probably a lost cause. Make sure the surveyor knows how to use and interpret a moisture meter. Not all surveyors are competent in this “art.” Good luck! From: Lisle Kingery, PhD via CnC-List Sent: Monday, September 25, 2017 9:53 PM To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com Cc: Lisle Kingery, PhD Subject: Stus-List update on 1987 c&c mkii Hi all, Thanks so much for everyone's replies about the C&C mkii I'm considering. it's really helpful!! I went and took a second look at her today. This time the broker shared a survey done in 2014 by the 3rd owner which he didn't mention during my first visit. This C&C 30 mkii is #21 built in 1987. Overall the boat was rated as "above average" condition when surveyed on the hard in 2014. The only sign of high moisture readings was in the cover of the hatches in cockpit and the surveyor confirmed what the collective list said about the keel - just cosmetic joint separation, not structural, "minor cracking in the fairing compound". I could hear some definite "crackling" sound when walking on the port side deck, but not near the mast or upper deck or anywhere else on the deck. Apparently the rudder had an 18" crack and high moisture ratings and the previous owner claims it was fixed. Estimated fair market value was 34k at the time. other main recommendation was to add a power bilge blower and to inspect chain plates after removing fastened panels. Wondering how much of a PITA this would be? Since 2014, the owner has new main and headsail (2015) and some other updates mentioned in the survey (replacing waste hose that was apparently rated for fuel but not waste, noting a distinct "odor" from the waste system during the survey). Speaking of odors, the boat smelled very badly in the cabin and it appears to be due to nasty yellowish/greenish standing water about 6"+ in the bilge. The boat has been on the hard all year due in part to the elevated water levels on Lake Ontario but still has standing water in the bilge. Thoughts on if this is a red flag? It seems every boat I've looked at that is 25+ years old has some sort of "old boat smell." Need to fix that before the wife and kids take a look. :) Is "old boat smell" curable? I've lined up a good surveyor and plan to run the survey by him to discuss next steps. Perhaps a "partial" survey to address the findings from the previous one, or just do a complete new one? I'd welcome opinions on this point. Thanks again, Lisle -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________ This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish to make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to: https://www.paypal.me/stumurray All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
_______________________________________________ This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish to make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to: https://www.paypal.me/stumurray All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
