Thanks Ralph, Yup there is some wet core by both chainplates, only about 1' sq by each. I will replace the core in both areas. Also a nine inch sq on the port side of the mast step, rest of the deck is dry. All pretty easy fixes.

:: 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.