Sea Sprite 28

 

PRIVILEDGED and CONFIDENTIAL

 

YACHT SURVEY REPORT

 

Survey Report No.  S-31002                         Date of Survey:  6-15-06

Vessel:            LIQUID REFRESHMENTS     Sea Sprite 28

 Location of Survey: Westerly Marina, Westerly, R.I.

 

Report Commissioned and Prepared for:

 

Rick Groleau

Framingham, Mass. 01701

 

Purpose and Scope of Report:

 

The purpose of this survey is to inspect the vessel herein described for general condition for pre-purchase consideration of  Rick Groleau.    This report is priviledged and confidential to him or his interests only.

 

The scope of this survey is limited to visual observed inspection and standard non-destructive methods common to this class of yacht survey.  No intrusive methods are used.  Visual inspection is limited to accessible areas with no removal of normally fixed parts including fittings, tacked carpet, screwed or nailed panels or floorboards, instruments or other components. 

 

Mechanical equipment including engine(s) were limited to external visual inspection and observed performance if a sea-trial was run.   Full condition of mechanical equipment can only be determined by a full tear-down. This is prohibitively expensive and is beyond the normal scope of a yacht survey of this type.     Electronics and electrical items are operated as far as reasonably possible during the survey but inspection is limited to observed performance only.   

 

This report reflects the observed condition of the vessel at the time of the survey.  This vessel is subject to harsh natural marine environment and condition may change at anytime, therefore the information contained in this report is dated only to the time of the survey.

 

This survey does not constitute and inventory.  Additional equipment may be noted on the report but is not considered a full inventory.    This report is not a warranty or guarantee either expressed or implied that unforeseen and/or undetected defects or damage do not exist.  This report is not a guarantee or warranty of the condition, value, or safety of the vessel or any of its individual parts.

 

This survey will be held to the currently acceptable standards for its class.  Beyond that, the surveyor is to be held liable for errors of any kind, including errors of omission, that might be construed as negligent, inaccurate, or as misstatement or misrepresentation.  The surveyor reserves the right to amend or extend this report upon receipt of additional information.

 

Note:  +  indicates generally a “minor” deficiency.

            *  indicates a more important or more costly deficiency.

            ® indicates a Recommendation for safety and seaworthiness.

 

 

OPENING STATEMENT

 

This vessel was surveyed hauled out for storage.  The vessel reportedly has not been in the water last season and so has been in storage for about 2 years.  The mast was stepped and was inspected from deck level only.  There was one battery on board but it was found essentially dead (11.1 volts).  The engine was not operated.  The prospective buyer was present for most of the survey.  The weather at the time of survey was dry and sunny.

 

 

VESSEL IDENTIFICATION

           

            Name of Vessel …………………..  LIQUID REFRESHMENTS    

            Hailing Port ………………………   Chelsea, N.Y.

            State Registration No……………..   NY 4464 FW

            Federal Documentation No. ………
Builder’s Hull I. D. No. ………….   CER27015V81 C           

 

            Builder ……………………………  C. E. Ryder Corp.

            Where Built. ……………………..   Bristol, R.I.

            Year Built …………………………  1981

            Type of vessel ……………………   Sea Sprite 27 full keeled sloop

            Current Owner (as of survey date)     

                        Not known

            Notes and Comments on Vessel Identification:

 

Hull identification found on transom.  State registration number found on bow.

 

SPECIFICATIONS (data from mfg’s spec. sheets unless otherwise noted)

 

            Length (O.D.)   27’ 11”            Length (Overall)  same           Waterline   20’          

           

            Beam     8’ 10”                 Draft      4’ 3”                    Displacement  7,600 lbs

 

            Ballast   3,000 lbs              Sail area   340 sq ft.

 

 

HULL CONSTRUCTION

           

Hull Material and construction:    

 Solid fiberglass laminate with polyester resins

Hull Stiffening method:    

Fiberglass interior stiffening liner

Ballast keel:      

Fiberglass molded full keel with internal lead ballast glassed in place. See Notes.

Through-hull fittings: 

Marlon plastic thru-hulls with Marlon plastic ball valves.

Bottom paint:

Bottom paint brand unknown. 

*  Paint is very heavy build up and very rough.  Needs to be stripped and refinished.

Topside finish:

Original gelcoat.  Painted boot top.  Painted cove stripe in recess.

+  Gelcoat oxidized and weathered.  A good compounding, buff and wax should help.

+  Minor scratches in places on starboard side, transom corners and port side.  Larger scratches on port side about amidships somewhat gelcoat repaired but not well done.

+  Large repair on starboard topside about amidships just below rail.  Repair structurally very sound but the gelcoat is not color matched.  The cove stripe was not remade fair and is slightly warped.  Some minor gelcoat crazing remains.

+  Small damage with partial gelcoat repair on port side just at rail amidships aft.  Cosmetic in nature.

+  Some centerline gelcoat crazing and cracking on stem and at bottom of transom.  Cosmetic in nature.

+  Boot top and cove stripe weathered and need repainting.

Hull Condition Notes:               

            The hull was found properly blocked up but on sandy ground.  The hull shows no distortions however.  The bottom paint is heavy build up.  There is no visible osmotic blisters and the hull laminate moisture tested “dry” except in the bilge area where the water tank and the bilge water was.

 

            ®  There is some hull damage to the bottom of the keel about in the middle and slightly to the starboard side.  There is a small area of cracked and abraded gelcoat and fiberglass.  Percussion sounding indicates that the laminate is delaminated.  There is some weeping of water – probably from the built in water tank, weeping out.  This damage appears to have been since the vessel was hauled as the abrasions do not appear to have been under salt water for any time.  The damage is relatively minor and does not affect overall hull integrity but should be properly repaired to maintain hull integrity in case of future grounding.

 

            *  There is some fiberglass putty globbed around the top of the rudder post tube area just above the rudder blade.  This putty is cracked and loose.  The reason for the putty is not known however the only really logical reason for it being added would be presumably to stop some leaking.  Interior inspection of the rudder tube shows it to be apparently well fiberglassed in place and no apparent leaks noted.  However, the cracked putty should be removed, the area underneath inspected and the area re-puttied if indeed there appears a possible leak there.

 

           

           

           

DECK CONSTRUCTION

 

Deck Material and Construction:    

Fiberglass laminate with foam stiffening core with plywood core in high load areas.

Rubrail and deck edge: 

No rubrail.  Inward flange type joint with wood toe rail fastenings fastening the joint.

Cosmetic finish on deck:

 Original white gelcoat with tan gelcoated non skid areas.

Deck Construction Notes:

 Hull to deck joint very sound and tight where seen.  No leaks noted.  Teak toe rail in good condition but needs refinishing.

+  Low to medium water intrusion noted around many deck fittings as follows:

            Both aft bow rail mount bases, all stern rail mount bases, Both midships area life line stanchion bases, forward ends of jib tracks, port side deck next to cockpit – all along, around the starboard dorade box, around the mast step, along the starboard side of the companionway slider hood,  around the tiller penetration on the cockpit sole.

            These fittings should all be rebedded to stop further water intrusion.  The cores around these fittings still appear to be sound.  It would be good maintenance to rebed all the deck fittings regardless.

+  The deck core appears delaminated to varying degrees along the port side deck between the fuel fill fitting and the aft end of the jib track.  This is probably from water getting in at the fuel fill fitting and/or life line stanchion etc.  There is some gelcoat craze cracking in the area affected.  The loss of core stiffening in this relatively narrow area is pretty minimal and it does not appear to affect overall deck stiffness or function.  Rebed the fittings to stop further water intrusion.

 

+  There is some typical gecoat craze cracking at the forward end corners of the cabin top.  The areas meter with some local water intrusion however the percussion hammer indicates a sound laminate.  Try to seal the cracks to stop water intrusion.

+  There is a crack in the gelcoat from the cabin side across under the aft end of the starboard jib track.  This area percussion sounds as if there is a manufacturing void of some sort under it.  The area meters wet.  It should be sealed but this surveyor doubts that the void goes into the core.

 

+  The gelcoat on deck needs a good compound, buff and wax and should improve it.

+  The teak toe rails are weathered and grainy and need refinishing.

+  The teak cabin trim is weathered and grainy and needs refinishing – the port aft piece is cracked.

+  The teak in the cockpit area is weathered and grainy and needs refinishing.

+  The teak dorade boxes are weathered and grainy and need refinishing.

 

 

EXTERIOR FITTINGS

 

Deck Hardware: 

Aluminum chocks and cleats through bolted.

Lifelines and Rails: 

Stainless steel bow and stern rails

Stainless steel life line stanchions appear good.

Life lines appear in good condition and appear some what recently replaced.

®  Bow rail port aft base is broken.  Needs to be fixed.

®  Stern rail starboard forward base is broken.  Needs to be fixed.

+   Stern rail port forward base was rewelded but the base is not flat to the deck.  It is a little loose and needs to be rebedded.  Old fastener holes nearby need to be sealed.

+  Port life line is a little loose – aft shackle is a little too long.

+  Starboard midship life line stanchion slightly bent.

 

Hatches and Portholes:

Fore hatch and vent hatch: aluminum frame with plexiglass tops and rubber dogs.

4 plastic opening portholes with screens.

2 fixed plastic portlights.

*  Both hatches have heavy age crazing on plexiglass.  They are still usable but may fail if something is dropped on them.  Consider replacing the plexi.

+  Forward hatch gasket has a 2” space in it allowing leaking.  Replace gasket.

*  Rubber dogs on hatches are deteriorating from age and probably will not hold hatches really tight anymore.  Problem is that getting replacements is probably impossible.

+  Porthole screens weathered.

 

Dodgers and Canvaswork:

None.

Helm Pedestal: 

Tiller steered.

Cockpit drains: 

Two 1 ½” drains aft cockpit through hoses to plastic thru-hulls just above waterline.  No seacocks on thru-hulls.  Hoses and clamps good.

 

 

GROUND TACKLE

 

Anchors: 

Danforth 13S  Good condition.

Danforth about 22 (?)  Good condition.

Anchor rodes: 

½” rode about 150’ good condition.

5/8” rode about 250’  good condition.

Windlass: 

None

 

COCKPIT 

            Fiberglass seats with teak coamings.  Fiberglass good.  Usual craze cracking in valleys of cockpit – cosmetic.

            +  Teak needs refinishing.

 

SAILING GEAR

 

Mast:  

7/8ths rigged sloop, single hollow aluminum spar single spreader.

Mast appears very good with no damage or dents.  Finish appears good for age with only minor scratches or abrasions.  Spreaders and mounts appear very good from deck level.  Mast fittings appear sound and secure with only some minor corrosion noted. One screw on goose neck partly loose.

Mast step and support: 

Aluminum step on deck, structural bulkheads and interior liner for support.

+  There is some slight compression of the deck under the mast step.  This is not noted on the interior so the compression is probably due to compression of the probable plywood core under the step.  The moisture meter shows water intrusion but the percussion hammer indicates a sound core.  Pull the step and inspect the wood from the screw holes.  If there is local deterioration it should be corrected.

 

Chainplates: 

Stainless steel chainplates.  Side shrouds bolted to plywood structural bulkheads in good condition.  Stem and backstay straps bolted to hull.  In good condition.  All chainplates have grounding wires.

+  The forestay stem strap does not line up with the angle of the forestay and the toggle is at an angle and side loaded.  It appears it may have been bent.  It should be bent back in line if possible. 

+  Side chainplates are leaking some into interior – water stains on bulkheads – reseal.

 

Standing Rig:

1 x 19 stainless steel wire – appears good as far as seen from deck level.

Terminals:  

Swaged - appears good as far as seen from deck level.

Age: 

Assumed 1981 but age otherwise unknown

Boom: 

Aluminum boom on stainless steel goose neck.

Running rig:  

Double braid Dacron lines.  Main and jib halyards appear newer and very good.

*  All other running rigging is very weathered and worn and needs to be replaced.

® Topping lift line is weathered and worn and needs to be replaced to insure safe boom support.

Winches:  

Lewmar 8 on mast

Lewmar on cabin top

2 Lewmar 10 primaries.

+ all winches should be overhauled and greased.

Sails:  

Dacron main – age unknown, furled on boom, appears very good as far as seen.

+  Dacron Jib/genoa – age unknown, in bag, Good but grommets corroding.

+  Dacron Jib – age unknown, loose in locker, good but some rust stains.

Sailing Gear Notes: 

            +  Flag halyard on spreader – weathered and worn.

            +  Spreader boots weathered and worn.

            +  Windex not aligned.           

 

INTERIOR

 

Joinerwork and Décor:

            Fiberglass interior liner, teak plywood and teak trim.  Fabrics.

            *  Interior needs a very good cleaning.  It is dirty and has lots of mildew.

            *  Upholstery appears physically good but is dirty and mildewed and is rather of ugly décor and outdated.

            ®  Bilge and side settee lockers are very oily.  The oil needs to be fully cleaned out and properly disposed of.  The oil is primarily from the engine oil pan rusting out but is also probably from the fuel tank leaking.  How the oil has gotten up under the settees is still something of a mystery.

            *  The cabin sole is oil stained and probably cannot be cosmetically restored.  It will have to be replaced.

 

Interior deck liner:  

Fiberglass overhead liner for cosmetics and stiffening strength for bulkheads and mast.  In good condition with no cracking.

 

Galley Stove System: 

Kenyon two burner pressurized alcohol.  Not tested.  Appears in good condition.

Refrigeration: 

Ice box built in was found clean and in good condition.

Fresh water System: 

Water tank in bilge (covered in oily bilge water so it could not be inspected).  Foot pump at head sink.  Hand pump at galley sink – worked well.

 

*  There is a tank under the vee berth.  It probably was originally a holding tank but it now seems to be plumbed for fresh water – at least that is how it is now plumbed.  The tank is loose from its position.  The lower supply fitting appears to have been “fixed” at some time with some type of sealant.  The tank should be removed, inspected inside and re-secured.

 

Water heater: 

None

Toilet System: 

Raritan head discharging directly overboard.

There is plumbing through a Y valve for a holding tank but the hose is disconnected and plugged. 

*  All the toilet hoses are old corrugated type and will pass odor and should be replaced.

®  Direct discharge is no longer legal.  A holding tank system needs to be installed.

+  The toilet is missing the valve handle.

 

Entertainment: 

Old car type stereo – ugly.

 

Interior Notes: 

+  Starboard fore cabin reading light not working – switch broken.

+  Head light over sink – broken.

+  Head mirror getting corrody.

®  Wiring behind head and also behind galley is loose and hanging – tag it up so it does not get accidently pulled.  Also, there is a cut hanging red wire behind the head that should be removed.

+  Water leak stains on chainplate bulkheads – reseal the chainplates.

+  Galley sink not draining.

 

PROPULSION MACHINERY

 

Type of engine: 

Diesel two cylinder

Make, Model & HP:  

Universal Atomic.  Model number not readable.  11 hp

Serial Number: 

303311

Age and Hours: 

Reportedly replaced at some time but age unknown.

Controls and Alarms: 

Standard cable controls.  Standard engine alarm but not fully tested (dead battery)

Location & Beds: 

Under main cabin steps and cockpit.   Fiberglass molded engine beds.  Metal with rubber mounts.

*  Mounts are getting in poor condition.  All show some rust and corrosion but the port aft shows excessive rusting and the starboard forward shows excessive rust and deterioration (swelling) of the rubber.   While these are probably still usable to an extent it is getting time to replace them.

Drip Pan under: 

Yes

Transmission: 

Hurth – numbers not readable

Shaft coupling appears very good, safety wired.  Drivesaver between.

*/+  The transmission fluid was found very low – not even reading on the dipstick.  Some was sampled with a wire.  It appears clear but it was brownish in color and smells burnt.  This is consistent with  running with low oil.  There is a possibility the plates have burnt some.  This may cause problems with slipping.   This cannot be told until the vessel is put in gear underway. The fluid should be changed and then changed again after running for a while to flush the system of old fluid.

 

Stuffing box:     

Bronze traditional packing type.

®  Stuffing box needs overhauling.  The hose clamps are rusted and need replacing.  The hose is old and should be replaced.  The packing box should be cleaned up and repacked.

 

Exhaust System: 

Dry line out of engine with lagging in good condition.

Steam hose to Vetus muffler, muffler in good condition.

Steam hose from muffler to transom exit.
®  Exhaust hose in poor condition.  Very Age cracked.  Replace.

 

Cooling System: 

Cooling intake thru-hull with screen on exterior in good condition.  Hose to raw water pump, raw water pump to engine to thermostat to riser.

*  The raw water pump shows evidence of leaking – possibly at the hose nipple fitting, the end plate gasket or the shaft seal.  The mounting plate is also showing rust.  The pump should be removed and fully overhauled with new shaft seal, impeller, gasket etc.  hoses should be replaced.

 

Starting System: 

Standard starter motor.  Appears in good condition. Wire connections good.

+  When an attempt was made to start there was no response from the starter or solinoide however battery voltage was very low.  This may simply be the case, however there is the possibility that the solinoide is frozen after a long storage period.

 

Electrical System: 

Engine electrical system appears in good condition.

 

Propulsion Notes: 

Engine has had a new oil pan installed very recently – the engine probably has not been operated since.  The big question is: was the engine running when the lube oil leaked out of the pan?

 

RUNNING GEAR

 

Propeller: 

!3” diameter, pitch unknown.  Two blade bronze.  Appears in good condition.

Shoe under: 

In keel opening – well protected.

Shaft:

Bronze 7/8”  good as far as seen.

Cutless bearing:  

In fiberglass stern tube. 

*  Bearing worn out – replace.

 

FUEL SYSTEM

 

Propulsion Engine Fuel: 

Diesel

Tank location:   

Under aft cockpit.

Material:                                   Capacity:   

Fiberglass                                            Unknown

Secured and Grounded:  

Fiberglass tabbed to hull – no ground needed.

Fill Pipes:               

Hose to side deck fitting.

Vent:   

Hose to transom fitting – fitting in good condition.

Fuel Lines: 

Non- approved hose

Valves:  

none

Fuel Filters:  

Fram metal cartridge type

Fuel System Notes:  

®   The fuel tank is leaking at the fuel fittings.  There is fuel residue all down the tank and the bilge in the area.  The fuel fitting connections should all be re-done in a leak proof manner (difficult) or the tank should be replaced.

®  Replace all the non approved hoses with Type A hose and proper hose barb fittings with new clamps.

Consider replacing the fuel filter with a Racor spin on type with clear bowl.

 

BILGE VENT SYSTEM

 

Engine compartment vent system: 

Natural ventilation.

Fuel compartment vent system: 

Natural ventilation

 

BILGE PUMPS

 

Manual Hand Pumps:  

Gusher hand diaphragm

+  Worked but seems weak.  Overhaul pump.

Electric Pumps:  

Rule 400 12 v. with float switch.

+  Not working due to low battery 

 

THRU-HULL FITTINGS

 

Thru-hull type:  

Marlon plastic through-hulls with Marlon plastic ball valves.

Hoses and clamps:  

Generally single hose clamped.

Bonding system:  

None

Thru-hull Notes:  

All appeared in good condition and secure.  Valves worked well.

 

STEERING GEAR

 

Rudder and Post:  

Fiberglass blade with bronze post.

+  Small chuck out of bottom aft corner of blade should be resealed.

Steering Gear: 

Tiller on rudder head.  Usual minor play in tiller head.

Newer wood tiller in excellent condition.

Steering Notes:  

Steering worked well.

 

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

 

Wiring type:       

Stranded copper

Circuit Protection:          

DC fuses

Master Switch:      

Rotary type starboard aft main bulkhead

Batteries:     

Two group 24 wet acid type in starboard cockpit locker.

*  Only one battery was there and it was very low.  Batteries have been sitting for two years.  Replace them.          

Alternator:     

Stock engine alternator – good visually but not tested.

Shore Power Charger: 

none

Shore Power Inlet:  

none

Electrical System Notes:

®  The DC wiring behind the fuse panel is messy and hangs into the cockpit locker where it can get pulled.  The wire connections show corrosion.  Consider replacing the fuse panel with a new breaker panel and redoing all the wire connections.

 

FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT

 

Number of Portable Exstinguishers: 

   ®  Two – both are old and poor generally – replace.

On Brackets:

 

Clearly Accessible:  

 

Type and Location: 

 

Built-in System:  

 

Type and Location:

 

Date Weighed: 

 

Firefighting Notes: 

 

 

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

 

Safety Notes:

Provide new required and other safety gear as needed upon commissioning.   

 

ELECTRONICS AND NAVIGATION

 

Compass:   Aquameter   Properly Swung: no record    Condition:  Fair – dome yellowed.               

 

VHF Radio:              

SSB Radio:      

GPS:                     

Loran:                     

Depth:  Datamarine – battery power too low to operate.               

Speed:

Wind:                  

Radar: 

Autopilot:     

 

Ground Plate:  

 

Electronics Notes:  

 

Navigation lights:

Lenses on all lights in poor condition – replace.

Horn or Bell:

 

 

TENDERS AND MOTORS

 

Tenders:  

 

Motors: 

 

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT (not an inventory)

 

Portable ladder

A few fenders

Misc. small stuff

Misc. tools

 

RECOMMENDATIONS (pertaining directly to Safety and Seaworthiness, Coast Guard or ABYC Safety Standards.  Not in any order of importance.)

 

1)         There is some hull damage to the bottom of the keel about in the middle and slightly to the starboard side.  There is a small area of cracked and abraded gelcoat and fiberglass.  Percussion sounding indicates that the laminate is delaminated.  There is some weeping of water – probably from the built in water tank, weeping out.  This damage appears to have been since the vessel was hauled as the abrasions do not appear to have been under salt water for any time.  The damage is relatively minor and does not affect overall hull integrity but should be properly repaired to maintain hull integrity in case of future grounding.

2)         Bow rail port aft base is broken.  Needs to be fixed.   Stern rail starboard forward base is broken.  Needs to be fixed.

3)         Topping lift line is weathered and worn and needs to be replaced to insure safe boom support.

4)         Bilge and side settee lockers are very oily.  The oil needs to be fully cleaned out and properly disposed of.  The oil is primarily from the engine oil pan rusting out but is also probably from the fuel tank leaking. 

5)        Toilet direct discharge is no longer legal.  A holding tank system needs to be installed.

6)         Wiring behind head and also behind galley is loose and hanging – tag it up so it does not get accidently pulled.  Also, there is a cut hanging red wire behind the head that should be removed.

7)         Stuffing box needs overhauling.  The hose clamps are rusted and need replacing.  The hose is old and should be replaced.  The packing box should be cleaned up and repacked.

8)         Exhaust hose in poor condition. 

9)         The fuel tank is leaking at the fuel fittings.  There is fuel residue all down the tank and the bilge in the area.  The fuel fitting connections should all be re-done in a leak proof manner (difficult) or the tank should be replaced.  Replace all the non approved hoses with Type A hose and proper hose barb fittings with new clamps.

10)       The DC wiring behind the fuse panel is messy and hangs into the cockpit locker where it can get pulled.  The wire connections show corrosion.  Consider replacing the fuse panel with a new breaker panel and redoing all the wire connections.

 

11)       Navigation light lenses in poor condition – replace them and get lights working.

 

12)       Provide new required and other safety gear as needed upon commissioning.

 

 

 

CONCLUSION AND VALUE

 

           

 

 

Peter A. Hunt

Marine Surveyor

AMS – Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors #698