Pearson 365 and 367

Thanks all for the comments and advice.  I'm still thinking and may have a yard look at the hull and let me know what they think before I even proceed with an offer/survey etc.

Sounds like these are pretty solid boats and we feel fortunate to have found this forum.  I'm pretty patient and kind of go by the "if its meant to be, its meant to be" so will take my time and just see how things progress. 

Again - thanks for the info and keep your comments and advice coming.  I'll post on what I decide and how it proceeds, particularly the hull thing.

thanks,  Dan

Got any pictures of the setup and the electric winch hookup?  Sounds like a great idea -  I believe you posted on the Pilothouse we're consideringso any pictures of mods, special things about your boat would be greatly appreciated.  You could email them to me directly if you like.

Where are you located?  I travel a lot and maybe, of course with your "permission to board, sir", I'd love to take a look at her.

Thanks in advance.

Smokey
Thanks  Smokey

Thanks for the info.  I sure will look into the distortion.  Its barely noticable unless you look closely but it is there and I will discuss it with the surveryor and possibly a boat yard in the area.  Good to hear that the Westerbek is good workhorse and I think with an adequate engine survey I'll be able to get a good read on the engine.  There doesn't appear to be evidence of any leakage around the pilothouse windows but I will check those out carefully.  I realize at 30+ years this vintage of sailboats needs a good prepurchase survey and ongoing maintenance/repairs.  Its the big things I am worried about (although I know the small things can add up to big $$$$).

With regard to the mast step and mast.  What should I be specifically looking for in the way of condition (location of deterioration, etc.) and any tips on detecting?  Also have you had to replace the mast step and if so what was the cost?

I noticed that the main sheet is just attached on both sides of the hatch rather than with a traveller.  Did you put in a traveller and if you did do you have any tips.

Also - if you have any recommended upgrades I'd appreciate any first hand experience/suggestions.  I'm not planning on any transatlantic or major offshore journeys unless I can get my wife conditioned to the idea.   She likes to sail but I'm not sure she is ready for a serious passage yet.  (Hope that will change but I can accept the 365 Pilothouse as a coastal cruiser if that is what I am limited to.)  Time will tell.   
Thanks  Smokey

We're considering purchasing a 1980 365 Pilothouse and would appreciate perspectives.  Of course we will get a survey/sea trial, and probably an engine survey, before finalizing any purchse but from what I read on this board there are a lot of owners with a lot of experience in 365's who seem to love their boat.

Other than what might be revealed in a survey (which hasn't been done yet) there are two things that concern me.

First the Westerbek (I believe 4-108) has about 2400 hours on it.  I don't think they have complete maintenance records on it so I will probably bear the expense of an engine survey as part of the purchase.  The owner tells me it runs fine and does not smoke but that is a lot of hours.  How many hours do you all have on your diesel?

Secondly, there appears to be some distortion on the hull at or near where the chainplates attach inside (ie distortion visible on the outside at location of chainplate attachment on inside).  I don't think this is normal and would expect it is as result of overtightening or overstressing of some sort.  Has anyone else had or seen this problem and what would be the expected fix.  Can it be reinforced inside and the hull re-reglassed to remove the distortion, etc.

Finally, do you all have any specific known problem areas unique to 365's in general or 365 Pilothouse boats that it would behove me to know?  Things like mast step, keel problems, rudder problems, areasl prone to leaks etc?  Your experience and perspective would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance
Smokey