Considering a 365 Pilothouse - appreciate perspectives

[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

[S/V Deo Volente]

Well I have a 1980 Pilothouse and love it. There is a lot of information on the 365 on this site, but there are differences in the Pilothouse. The hull distortion would concern me the most, be sure to discuss that with the surveyor. My engine has about 3000 hours and I expect many more. I have replaced the water pump, rebuilt the injectors, injection pump, and some other maintenance over the years. The mast and mast step have corrosion issues you can research on this site, the rudders and keels are pretty trouble free. The pilothouse windows were prone to leaking unless gone through, it took me awhile to trace down the nuisance leaks but it can be done. These are stout production boats, but they are getting old enough that the condition varies widely

[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

[SailingSeaDragon]

Smokey,

Welcome to the board.. There are several threads pre-survey thoughts. Below are two (2)

http://www.pearson365.com/forum/index.php?topic=509.0

http://www.pearson365.com/forum/index.php?topic=764.0

There is a lot of good info in each.

Good luck,
Garner

[Dale Tanski]

Smokey,
I don't like the chainplate thing but then again I haven't seen or run my hand down the hull to get a real feel for the problem.  Your surveyor is the answer here.
The engine with 2400 hrs I would guess is about 1/2 done as long as it has had reasonable maintenance.  When purchasing parts head to Perkins first before Westerbeke.  Westerbeke just reboxes the original Perkins stuff and adds 100%.
The mast step was a real poor detail from the factory as well as the steel fuel tank but I believe yours is probably an aluminum tank.  Be carefull with both.
As far as the pilot version, this is your best feature if a pilot is what you want.  I don't know anything about them only reading on this site and looking at them on Yachtworld.  The reason I say this is your best feature is because I was on Yachtworld a few weeks ago and there had to be 6 or 7 pilots on the block  This does several thing in your position. 
1) You can compare the one you are looking at with the others for price comparisons and equipment. Normally if you see 6 out of 7 boats with a piece of gear updated and the one you are looking has the OEM item you better figure there is a reason the other 6 spent the money.
2) You can use all of the others as leverage to encourage the seller to sell at a more attractive price.
3) You probably have another for sale with in a road trip to go look at and compare. 
4) You can walk away from this one if things don't look good and and there are others to satisfy your desires.
Normally there is not a single listing for a pilot, you are in the right place at the right time. If it gets to the point that you are ready to make an offer please write back and I can help you maximize your position, get the boat for a better price and maybe even have the seller take care of anything you may find deficient.
Good Luck...  Dale

[smokey]

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