Thanks to all of you for the advise and comments related to looking at an Express. I spent several hours looking at the boat and was impressed by the design and construction.

Unfortunately, the owner changed his mind and decided not to sell the boat. I doubt that I will have much of a chance to find another one woithin reasonable distance of Atlanta, so I guess I am back to searching for J 27 or S2 9.1. If anyone knows of a Express for sale in the southeast, please let me know.

:: I am loooking seriously at an Expresss 27 in the next
:: few days.
::
:: I am interested in what to look for in the way of
:: potential problems for the boat. I would guess
:: principally water penetration via chainplates, bulkhead,
:: core rot in deck around fittings, hull/keel joint, loose
:: stantion bases; and any stress cracks.
::
:: I am not concerned about sails.
::
:: Any other areas of boat/mast and rigging I should be
:: careful about?
::
:: Would appreciate any advise.