Gurus:
We are getting a pre-purchase survey survey done later this week on a 1987 E32-3. The surveyor who is aware of this wonderful community very astutely commented: "As I'm sure you have studied the Ericson owners site and blogs in great depth, please advise (or send me links) to any known problem areas of this model you would particularly like me to check during the survey." I already like this guy!
Christian got us off to a good start based on his superb work on Theloneus:
--Pedestal, engine controls on the pedestal, steering linkages, radial (quadrant), steering cable sheaves. It is fairly common for the base of the aluminum pedestal to suffer very bad corrosion, which is not an easy fix. If the steering system is by Yacht Specialties/Merriman, they are long out of business and parts are scarce. If it;s a YS pedestal, the wheel nut probably says "YS".
--Rudder tube and packing gland. The tube houses the rudder post. The packing gland sits on top of it and prevents water entering under power or sail. The bronze gland should make a good seal with the tube. A leak there only occurs while under way, notably when under power at 6 knots. Check this after you return from the sea trial. Remove engine compartment siding and crawl head first into the after berth.
--Main Hatches, opening ports and fixed lights (glass windows). If original the hatches are probably crazed--replacements are expensive if you cant live with the old ones.. Check the veneer under and around the other portholes and windows. If the veneer is discolored or wet or crumbling the ports leak and need to be removed and rebedded, and possibly replaced.
--Cabin sole (meaning the cabin floor). Expect varnished teak and holly plywood installed in several sections. Can this be refinished or is it ruined? If ruined, tends to be expensive to replace.
--Cushions and upholstery. The originals may well still be fine, or may have been replaced with new by now. But unacceptable cushions/foam is a very expensive deal, and there are about 15 cushios on the boat.
--Diesel. There are several upgrades due this era of boat. The new type alternator bracket goes under the alternator--the old one goes over it. Under mean an upgrade was accomplished. In the cockpit, see if there is an ammeter next to the tachometer. If so, there is a wiring fix due in the future. These and other electrical upgrades are not a big deal, but will wind up on your list if you become owner. It would be nice to hear the surveyor say, "lots of electrical upgrades on this boat."
Thank you in advance. We want this boat, but we want to go into it with our eyes open and a realistic idea of major projects.
Any and all other thoughts and comments are welcome!
I promise that I will become less needy, more fun and pay it forward once I get a little more experience! :tongue:
We are getting a pre-purchase survey survey done later this week on a 1987 E32-3. The surveyor who is aware of this wonderful community very astutely commented: "As I'm sure you have studied the Ericson owners site and blogs in great depth, please advise (or send me links) to any known problem areas of this model you would particularly like me to check during the survey." I already like this guy!
Christian got us off to a good start based on his superb work on Theloneus:
--Pedestal, engine controls on the pedestal, steering linkages, radial (quadrant), steering cable sheaves. It is fairly common for the base of the aluminum pedestal to suffer very bad corrosion, which is not an easy fix. If the steering system is by Yacht Specialties/Merriman, they are long out of business and parts are scarce. If it;s a YS pedestal, the wheel nut probably says "YS".
--Rudder tube and packing gland. The tube houses the rudder post. The packing gland sits on top of it and prevents water entering under power or sail. The bronze gland should make a good seal with the tube. A leak there only occurs while under way, notably when under power at 6 knots. Check this after you return from the sea trial. Remove engine compartment siding and crawl head first into the after berth.
--Main Hatches, opening ports and fixed lights (glass windows). If original the hatches are probably crazed--replacements are expensive if you cant live with the old ones.. Check the veneer under and around the other portholes and windows. If the veneer is discolored or wet or crumbling the ports leak and need to be removed and rebedded, and possibly replaced.
--Cabin sole (meaning the cabin floor). Expect varnished teak and holly plywood installed in several sections. Can this be refinished or is it ruined? If ruined, tends to be expensive to replace.
--Cushions and upholstery. The originals may well still be fine, or may have been replaced with new by now. But unacceptable cushions/foam is a very expensive deal, and there are about 15 cushios on the boat.
--Diesel. There are several upgrades due this era of boat. The new type alternator bracket goes under the alternator--the old one goes over it. Under mean an upgrade was accomplished. In the cockpit, see if there is an ammeter next to the tachometer. If so, there is a wiring fix due in the future. These and other electrical upgrades are not a big deal, but will wind up on your list if you become owner. It would be nice to hear the surveyor say, "lots of electrical upgrades on this boat."
Thank you in advance. We want this boat, but we want to go into it with our eyes open and a realistic idea of major projects.
Any and all other thoughts and comments are welcome!
I promise that I will become less needy, more fun and pay it forward once I get a little more experience! :tongue:
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