VV hard to comment without knowing the type of vessel , its hull layup and the temperature of the water where she lives. If when inspected out of the water there are no obvious blisters I would not be too concerned about the underlying laminate. An often overlooked area is has the bilge had water / diesel lying in it for any period ? His best bet is to try and talk to other owners of sisterships -that will often point the way for further investigation or if it is warranted.
Thank you. What has surprised me is how similar to looking at old cars his experiences have been (which probably shouldn't have come as a surprise). So many boats described as cared for and cherished, obviously haven't been, and he's looked at more than a few where people couldn't even be bothered to give the boat a clean before he looked at it.
One inspector he called has put the fear of god into him over osmosis in the hull; hence, it being a conversation point over the weekend catch-up.
Landlubber - there are plenty out there why take a risk ?
Argh! Mr Devonian pirate smuggler, I'm inclined to agree; however, as he is in-land, unless he's willing to pay for transport, there are less boats for sale than you'd imagine.
