I am examining CD-27's, hoping to purchase one soon,
Both boats that I examined had stress cracks around the aft most main bulkhead. Is this common or of concern?
Is the CD-27 built well enough for an offshore trip, say Boston to Bermuda?
Does the lack of a central compression post under the mast base compromise this area?
Thanks,
Jim Taylor
jim_taylor@avid.com
CD-27 Main bulkhead stress cracks
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Lyn Heiges
Re: CD-27 Main bulkhead stress cracks
Jim,
I am surprised at your experience with the stress cracks around the aftmost main bulkhead. This is the bulkhead that separates the head from the main cabin? This is on the side facing the main cabin?
It is not uncommon to find hairline or spider type cracks in the gelcoat on the exterior surface of the boat along the back section of the cabin top either in the cockpit or out on the walk-around past the teak coamings. These seem to be superficial in most instances although age and stress related features.
I don't think that the compression post or other stepping to the keel has much to do with the problem, however, over tighten the stays and shrouds certainly could and that could cause mast failure too. The mast needs a little "play" in it to react to the tremendous loads being applied by the sails and the downward compression weakens the mast overall.
Blue water boat? There was a book written about sailing a CD27 across one of the oceans and there was an article in "Sail" magazine a few years back about a similar voyage, as I recall. "Sail" might be able to give you some insight and a reprint, if you are interested.
I wouldn't be afraid of the boat surviving such a voyafe as much as would my marriage! A 27 is a little small for my wife and me that way -- of course the QE2 could be a little confining for the two of us although we have been married for 33+ years! Sometimes St. Pete Beach isn't large enough!!
Hope you get a CD27 soon!!
Warmly,
Lyn Heiges
CD27 GUILLEMOT
CD28 MOON CHILD
lheiges@compuserve.com
I am surprised at your experience with the stress cracks around the aftmost main bulkhead. This is the bulkhead that separates the head from the main cabin? This is on the side facing the main cabin?
It is not uncommon to find hairline or spider type cracks in the gelcoat on the exterior surface of the boat along the back section of the cabin top either in the cockpit or out on the walk-around past the teak coamings. These seem to be superficial in most instances although age and stress related features.
I don't think that the compression post or other stepping to the keel has much to do with the problem, however, over tighten the stays and shrouds certainly could and that could cause mast failure too. The mast needs a little "play" in it to react to the tremendous loads being applied by the sails and the downward compression weakens the mast overall.
Blue water boat? There was a book written about sailing a CD27 across one of the oceans and there was an article in "Sail" magazine a few years back about a similar voyage, as I recall. "Sail" might be able to give you some insight and a reprint, if you are interested.
I wouldn't be afraid of the boat surviving such a voyafe as much as would my marriage! A 27 is a little small for my wife and me that way -- of course the QE2 could be a little confining for the two of us although we have been married for 33+ years! Sometimes St. Pete Beach isn't large enough!!
Hope you get a CD27 soon!!
Warmly,
Lyn Heiges
CD27 GUILLEMOT
CD28 MOON CHILD
Jim Taylor wrote: I am examining CD-27's, hoping to purchase one soon,
Both boats that I examined had stress cracks around the aft most main bulkhead. Is this common or of concern?
Is the CD-27 built well enough for an offshore trip, say Boston to Bermuda?
Does the lack of a central compression post under the mast base compromise this area?
Thanks,
Jim Taylor
lheiges@compuserve.com