Used Core Sound: What to look for?

[Jonathan M. Cohn]

I have been seriously looking for a used Core Sound. I have several possibilities identified. What should I look for in an older 17? A more recent 17? A Mark III?

 

I have never built a boat, nor owned a wooden boat. My current chariot is a Catalina 18 keel boat but I'm looking to switch to something beachable with low draft, appropriate for the Texas 200 and Everglades Challenge.

[Don Silsbe]

I just picked up an older Core Sound 17 (mark 1).   Two things I’ve noticed that I want to call your attention to.  
 

REEFING

The boat’s sails were in great shape, but had an antiquated reefing system.  They came with loops in the leech at the reef lines.  To reef, you had to disconnect the sprit from the regular loop in the clew, and move it to the loop for the reef you wanted.  Not easy to do in conditions that call for reefing.  This boat will require updating to the modern system.  It is an easy fix, but there is time and money involved.

 

SAIL TRACK

This boat was built before B&B came up with their nifty sail track design.  The slides on my boat stick when raising and lowering.  I may change to the new system.  Not sure.

 

The “bones” of my boat are sound, as are the sails and trailer.  I did need to replace the trailer tires, since the date code on them indicated they were 15 years old.
 

Good luck in finding a boat!

[Chick Ludwig]

Check carefully for rot. Around edges of transom, bottom of CB trunk, mast step, inside enclosed spaces are all favorite spots.

 

If the area is not painted, look for dark spots. If painted, tap with something hard like a hammer. Should sound solid. if it's a hollow sound, could be rotted.

 

The old way before fiber-glassed seams was to poke with something sharp like an ice pick.