In my experience the most vulnerable area is the balsa core around the chain plates where water tends to leak into the core. These leaks can also lead to rot in the bulkhead inside the cabin where the chain plates are bolted. Wet balsa and rot can also occur where other fittings are through-bolted to the deck and not bedded properly. If caught early these situations can be easily repaired by removing the fitting, drilling over-size bolt holes, gouging out the wet or rotten balsa core, taping the underside of the hole and filling the cavity with epoxy and filler or microbaloons, re-drilling the bolt holes and re-installing the fitting. Future leaks will be into the cabin rather than into the balsa core.

:: Thanks for the input. There is a lot of work needed, but
:: we agreed on a price today. Should have her in my shop
:: in two weeks an sailing by May.
::
:: :: Thank you Bryan,
:: ::
:: :: Appreciate the input, will make sure I check step,
:: :: rudder, and headstay where it exits the rig.
:: ::
:: :: Yes, I do have a moisture meter, and will also tap the
:: :: major areas.
:: ::
:: :: Even though I have been surveying for a very long time
:: :: it is always helpful to get great insight from owners
:: :: who have been through the repairs.
:: ::
:: :: Look forward to the inspection/survey and maybe being a
:: :: Express 27 owners.
:: ::
:: :: :: Check around the mast step (down below too) for signs of
:: :: :: crushing by the mast. Its an $800 fix for mine. Bring a
:: :: :: water meter and check everything, deck, rudder, hull.
:: :: :: Rudder is an expensive repair if intruded. Check for
:: :: :: broken strands in the forestay where it enters the
:: :: :: compression fitting that connects it to the mast.
:: :: ::
:: :: :: These boats are strong but neglect can take its toll.
:: :: ::
:: :: :: Others can add to this I'm sure.
:: :: ::
:: :: :: :: Hi,
:: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: I am surveying an Express 27 on Friday, 28 March and
:: :: :: :: would like input from owners on trouble spots to look
:: :: :: :: out for.
:: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: If you known spots that should be check that are not
:: :: :: :: obvious please let me know, on the message board or by
:: :: :: :: email.
:: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: This boat would be for me to use shorthanded.
:: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: Thanks you in advance.