Windancer808
Windancer
Hi guys,
I have looked at a 1968 Ericson 31 for sale today, which can be acquired for next to nothing. The bones are solid, mast, deck and compression look solid and the chain plates and rigging look decent enough. However, there is water coming in from window frames and, from at least two places on deck. I am concerned about standing water in the bilge. Understanding that the Ericson keel is embedded, it is still attached with a keel bolt, is it not?
At least that is what I thing I am seeing. Regardless, my question is, whether or not the inside of the keel can be damaged or weakened over time, by constant water intrusion from leaking chainplates or windows. Does the moisture eventually creep into the keel and cause inside damage? I suppose in '68 the embedded keel material was lead. I would welcome a comment from Ericson owners regarding this potential issue. Once the boat is out of the water I can drill into the keel to fnd out, but would like to know if other owners share the same concern.
Thanks,
Joe
I have looked at a 1968 Ericson 31 for sale today, which can be acquired for next to nothing. The bones are solid, mast, deck and compression look solid and the chain plates and rigging look decent enough. However, there is water coming in from window frames and, from at least two places on deck. I am concerned about standing water in the bilge. Understanding that the Ericson keel is embedded, it is still attached with a keel bolt, is it not?
At least that is what I thing I am seeing. Regardless, my question is, whether or not the inside of the keel can be damaged or weakened over time, by constant water intrusion from leaking chainplates or windows. Does the moisture eventually creep into the keel and cause inside damage? I suppose in '68 the embedded keel material was lead. I would welcome a comment from Ericson owners regarding this potential issue. Once the boat is out of the water I can drill into the keel to fnd out, but would like to know if other owners share the same concern.
Thanks,
Joe