Going to look at a Venture 22

[TheJoe]

I am going to look at a venture 22 and was wondering if there are any important things I need to watch out for.
The boat is supposed be sail ready. I am mostly concerned about the keel and keel hardware.
I am not looking for a major project right now, so if you guys can tell me where to look, kick, prod and push it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Joe

[ChockFullOnuts22]

Keel:

Fiberglass-laminated type (1969-1973): check for cracks in fiberglass and evidence of rust stains. Small cracks toward the bottom can be repaired. Major cracks indicate problems within the steel core that require overhaul. Extensive rust on these keels results in separation of the outer steel plates as well as erosion of the pivot hole.

Cast iron type (1974 - end of production): check for rust, both on the surface and bubbling under the paint. If extensively rusted, the pivot hole may be eroded.

For both keels, it helps to know what type of water the boat was historically used in (salt or fresh). Salt water corrodes metal much faster. If the boat was well maintained, though, this may mean nothing.

Rudder. Make sure that the rudder is with the boat, with all pieces (rudder blade, head board, and tiller) and hardware. Some people take them apart when not in use, for various reasons. If the rudder is in pieces, make sure all the pieces are there.

Hatches. Sounds dumb, but make sure they're not badly damaged and that they are still workable and attached to the boat.

Electrical. If there is a battery in the boat when you look at it, check the lights---especially the running lights.

Mast and rigging. Make sure it's all there. If sail-ready, I doubt this will be a problem for you.

Boom and sails. Again, if sail-ready, this shouldn't even be a concern. But still, make sure everything is there. A boom is not an easy thing to find used, and not cheap to buy new (shipping is what hurts most). I've been down that road, personally.

Other than that, check the general condition of everything--including the trailer (lights, tires, bearings, rust, etc). Ask when things were serviced last, or if there have been any recent issues. Good luck!

[TheJoe]

Keel:

Fiberglass-laminated type (1969-1973): check for cracks in fiberglass and evidence of rust stains. Small cracks toward the bottom can be repaired. Major cracks indicate problems within the steel core that require overhaul. Extensive rust on these keels results in separation of the outer steel plates as well as erosion of the pivot hole.

Cast iron type (1974 - end of production): check for rust, both on the surface and bubbling under the paint. If extensively rusted, the pivot hole may be eroded.

For both keels, it helps to know what type of water the boat was historically used in (salt or fresh). Salt water corrodes metal much faster. If the boat was well maintained, though, this may mean nothing.

Rudder. Make sure that the rudder is with the boat, with all pieces (rudder blade, head board, and tiller) and hardware. Some people take them apart when not in use, for various reasons. If the rudder is in pieces, make sure all the pieces are there.

Hatches. Sounds dumb, but make sure they're not badly damaged and that they are still workable and attached to the boat.

Electrical. If there is a battery in the boat when you look at it, check the lights---especially the running lights.

Mast and rigging. Make sure it's all there. If sail-ready, I doubt this will be a problem for you.

Boom and sails. Again, if sail-ready, this shouldn't even be a concern. But still, make sure everything is there. A boom is not an easy thing to find used, and not cheap to buy new (shipping is what hurts most). I've been down that road, personally.

Other than that, check the general condition of everything--including the trailer (lights, tires, bearings, rust, etc). Ask when things were serviced last, or if there have been any recent issues. Good luck!

It's a '76. I'm mostly concerned with making sure the keel bolt hole/slot is in good shape. I have only seen a few pics online of the holes and bolts. Maybe it will make much more sense to me when I actually look at it for myself. The boat has a 3 year old 4 hp outboard and us supposed to have a main sail the same age. The asking price is just a little over the value of those two items. Have not seen close up pics or pics of the interior yet. It's across state but we already had a trip planned for the same day. Hopefully it will be as promised and I'll have my first real sail boat.

I've restored a couple power boats in the past, and expect to do some wiring and maintenance but beyond that I have enough things to keep me busy and don't need another big project.

Thanks for the advice, if you know of any more pics or links I can learn more about the keel setup and what to look for it would be appreciated. I've only run across a few images here and the other mac forum and some of them make it hard to tell what you're looking at.

Joe

[Ixneigh]

I doubt you'll find a boat that size that's more fun. They sail pretty well, and motor fast if you have a Ten hp or so.
I love mine and the only reason I bought an M is because I really wanted to spend more time aboard and the 22 is pretty small for more then a week.
I did have a lot of fun using the boat as a proving ground for her current rig, too.

Ixneigh

[TheJoe]

I've wanted an 26x for a while but thats not in the beudget until after we get married have a child or two. She's finally on board with getting one we can afford though She's more of a powerboat and jet ski girl, i on the other hand would live on the water 6 months of the year, I'll let you guys know what happens, i found another 22 in driving distance also, so chances are good.

[trumpetguy]

There is a 1973 Venture 25 with 8 HP motor available near me for $1800.00. I used to own a 26M and wonder what is the difference between these boats. Does $1800 sound like a good price? What should I look for in the way of problems. Thanks in advance for input.

[mrbillfll]

I would ask for a sea trial, where the owner takes you out for a short sail, and shows you how everything works.

if he balks, and after you know you are serious, offer 100 bucks cash non refundable deposit towards the purchase in 7 days...

its what I do... one trip with the previous owner will save a lot of time learning, and it will show how good a deal it is.

(where are you located?)

and the keel bolt is the greatest concern. other than the obvious stuff.

[TheJoe]

Well, I never got to look at the original one I wanted. But I drove 3.5 hours to look at another and bought it.

'79 model with '92 Johnson 4 horse, Great looking sails, good stays and a lot of new hardware.
Greatest part, she was only $1,000. Really felt like I got a deal. Seller seemed honest, said was in his family for the last 6-8 years.

The Main, Jib, and what I hope is a 150 Genoa are all in excellent condition. The motor is extremely clean.
Boat needs cleaning in and out and interior will need lots of work before overnighting enjoyably. Will probably need all new wiring, which I expected to do.
The blue hull between the deck and waterline needs a buffing, I hope she shines up.

I'm still a bit unsure about the keel, the po said he never used the lock down bolt on the phone before I went to look at it.
The hole has been patched over with a thin cloth and the hole is only very slightly elongated as far as I can tell.
The hole is clearly visible through the cloth and won't be hard to re-drill. I'm hoping the only repairs that have been made are the thin layer of cloth.
It appears the pivot bolt hole may have been reinforced also, the bolt head is not covered over though.
I did notice when rocking the trailer that the keel clunks around in the trunk, is this normal?

I'll start a restore thread soon, I have a busy weekend and won't have time to take pics until mid week.

I think if I remove the motor mount she'll barely fit in the garage! Very happy about that!

Thanks for the advice guys, looking forward to contributing to the board.
Joe

[GaryMayo]

Welcome Joe!!!!!!


I am glad you found a boat. Lot of that going around!

[seahouse]

Congrats Joe!

When you go to restore your blue hull, you might consider Poliglow. It's presently the most highly regarded product on the market in independant tests.

http://www.poliglow-int.com/poliglow.phtml

-Brian.

[TheJoe]

Interesting... I have read Red Max floor polish/coating from lowes at $15.00 a gallon is virtually the same product.
Seems to be more popular with rv guys than boaters though.

Joe

[seahouse]

I doubt they would have compared it to floor polish. Maybe floor polish will hold up after 3 years. But you can suggest it to Practical Sailor et al, maybe they'll bite. Let us know if you try it, though.
- B.

[TheJoe]

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f56/ ... 43004.html

After reading the thread above and several others online I'm convinced the products are pretty much the same thing. Barkeepers freind takes place of the prep/cleaner.
I'll still probably giving a goof buffing with finishing compound before applying any other product though. Probably not doing much to the exterior till spring though.

Joe

[seahouse]

Hey Joe!

Good link, thanks! Nothing to lose (nothing "ventured" nothing gained ). A good compounding can only help too.

- Brian.

[arknoah]

I'll start a restore thread soon, I have a busy weekend and won't have time to take pics until mid week.


Thanks for the advice guys, looking forward to contributing to the board.
Joe

Joe,

Congrats on your purchase. Please keep us informed on your progress. We may figure out how great projects for ourselves based on your experiences!