Expert: Jeff Grigg - 2/16/2008

Question
I am in the process of buying a sailing boat to liveaboard and would love to buy an 50s/60s classic wooden sloop/ketch though   I'm thinking that a 70s/80s fibreglass cruiser (Challenger) would possibly be a safer bet. In my research I have found contradicting reports, some favouring wooden hulls and some favouring fiberglass... can you offer me any advice? Thanks.

Answer
While most of my experience is with outboards I do have some large sail experience. I lived on a 47 ketch back in the early 70's. Go fiberglass. Wood is extremely labor intensive to care for. It is also more expensive to keep up with, from caulking the hull to varnish and paint work. On the boat I was associated with we would start varnishing at one side and by the time we had sanded, refinished, and varnished the bright work we were ready to start again.
Wood boats are much more elegant and sound and ride differently. Fiberglass is much more forgiving and much less expensive to maintain. The one area you may have problems is blistering of the hull. But with good bottom paints and proper maintenance it should be a minimal problem.
Either way make sure you get a complete survey from a competent licensed, insured and bonded ships surveyor before you buy.
I would also recommend buying the latest model you can buy. There have been leaps of technological advances in composites in the last 20 years or so. You also must be conscious of deterioration of things like the propulsion system, electrical wiring and fixtures, cooking and the like. Unless the older boat has be retrofitted you may find a beautiful looking money pit.
Good luck
Jeff