Is there any wood in the 25 tantrums? I read on the AT website that there isnt any wood in the newer 28', and was woundering if the older 25' were made the same way?

Depends on the year.

Wood Is Not Alway's A Bad Thing

I agree.....

Correct-

There is structural wood, which isnt ideal, rotting stringers etc. Bad.

Then there is wood used as a fitting compression layer which is a good thing when used correctly as wood provides a good "crush" but stays structurally sound.

The there is core material- and in this particular category NOTHING man made has yet surpassed the properties of Balsa.
Sspecifically the areas of-

Tensil strength
Compression strength
Shearing strength
Shearing modulus
Density

The only area where man made materials can routinely compete is in density per square foot many are lighter.- butt most not by much.

Aside from that foam, and artificial core materials pale in comparison to balsas measurements. The occasional material comes close in an area or 2 (say oohhh a phenolic resin honeycomb- 200PSI shear- to Balsas 314 but overall when comparing everything but density per ft Balsa is the superior core material.

Problem with Balsa is that to lay it up properly and insure water integrity the lamination schedules MUST include vacuum bagging or resin infusion. There can be no guarantee of correct bonding in a hand laid hull with any core material without either of the two process mentioned above.

Balsa being wood-is more sensitive than foam to water incursion
BUT - if vac bagged has almost no chance of allowing any moisture to penetrate beyond what may be punctured as the individual end grains have the resin pulled completely through them they are in reality isolated individual pieces.

"Uncle Dave"

1998, i have been trying to call you. can you call me. 443-871-0047

on a 1998, is there a need to have the hull surveyed, what could go bad on this type of hull?

Just as a general fyi, it is always a must to have a used boat surveyed.

Always----Always get a survey. Believe me, never buy used without one. Its not a matter of trust or faith in a mfg or seller or what you think you might know, let a pro with no tie's to anyone envolved with the deal check it out. Very hard lesson learned. You will sleep way better.

Most likely your Insurance will require one.