Had a chance to look at a '73 donzi 18 in Jersey for a friend the other day.
It's been relisted on e-bay now for $2500. It's a bare hull ~ split from the
deck and sits alone face up with no cover over it. The full interior of the hull
was reglassed with all new stringers, new transom, but drainhole was never
drilled to let water out. Rain has pooled up to several inches with no where to
go in the engine bay, empty-less gas tank compartment is also filled with pooled
water now. Owner says, no problem! it's water tight because everything is new
and sealed. Last nite we got a ton of rain and is probabely over the stringers now.
Could water pooling there really have no effect of saturation??

yes it most certainly can saturate. Water through time can make its way through fiberglass if left open like that. You also have to assume that whoever did it did a perfect job laminating and there are no voids what so ever (easier said then done). Find out how long it has been out in the elements and who did it.

I will say this though it may be better off like it is then if someone did a half azz job drilling drainage holes. If holes are poked through stringers and bulkheads and left un treated that can have much more damaging results in this situation (left outside no deck on).

[QUOTE=glassdave;3003877]yes it most certainly can saturate. Water through time can make its way through fiberglass if left open like that. You also have to assume that whoever did it did a perfect job laminating and there are no voids what so ever (easier said then done). Find out how long it has been out in the elements and who did it.

Dave, I didn't ask, but the boat looks like it was recently left uncovered. The pooled up water appears clear as if it were just rained on, no sediment on the bottom or stagnant green
water, but how hard would've it been to just cover it? Presentation alone could be the deal breaker in this case or mabe used to get a good deal in spite of it. Hmmmmmm?? wished
you saw it Dave, I don't know much about glass layup or if it was done correctly. The strinngers do appear to be plywood though.

$2500 seems a bit steep for an 18 Donzi thats apart. What rigging is with is?

A new gas tank and I think all the deck hardware that's it. The weather here is now at freezing temps thru the weekend.
I wonder if that standing water in the hull were to freeze, that can't be good either.

the standing water freezing isnt as bad as if it has saturated into the wood and then froze. That really sound kinda pricey for a shell thats in pieces. How is the market for those? are the that hard to find? pics?

Answers to these questions point towards turning the page on this boat. atleast, that's what I suggested to my friend, we'll see though..........Dave, Thanks for all the input.