T&T: Island Gypsy 36'

[Bob Austin]

You have to realize that the "good one" review is more like an
advertisement--a review, not a survey.  The "bad one" is about par for Pascoe.
I read and re-read Pascoe's stuff all of the time.  He makes excellent points,
and everyone who buys a boat should read all of his writings.  It is no secret
that he does not like oriental boats--and anyway you cut it, an Island Gypsy
is an oriental boat.

There are very few builders who do not use any wood in the deck core--and most
of them use foam--in a deck.  That there is no wood in the deck is a bit of a
surprise, if true--but is in a more modern boat than the 1984.  Pure
fiberglass decks have to be quite thick to be rigid--thick decks add up to
weight.

Consider that a 1984 boat WILL need the fuel tanks replaced at some point
soon.  This is an expensive and destructive process.  It is very difficult to
guage the tanks--and usually the steel tanks are not easily accessable.  It is
typical to find them exposed to the engine room vents.  If the tanks are
replaced, they should be properly bedded, and supported, plus the tops sloped,
and protected.

For me, any oriental boat with teak decks is a reason to walk away.  They
almost guarantee that there will be problems at some point--and they are
problems which are not easily repaired.  Even if the teak decks have been
removed, there still may be structural problems with the deck core.  I see
only one 1984 listed on Yacht World--and it has teak decks (althought it looks
nice in the photos, only a personal inspection will tell).  Also this boat has
three staterooms in a 36 footer!  Lots of sleeping in that size boat!

Look for any signs of water leakage below. Take a very knowlegable friend with
you when you look at the boat.  Don't fall in love with it. If you must have
this boat, find the toughest surveyor you can find--not one recommended by the
broker--and also have a separate engine survey.  Boats are easy to buy, and
tough to sell!

Good luck, and let us know what the boat looks like in person--and what your
very knowlegable friend thinks of the boat....

Bob Austin