I need some advise. I have to admit, I have 2-ft-itis and I am looking to get into a larger boat. I have always had fiberglass boats and I am currently in a 1986 23ft Searay. I have my eye on a 1967 Egg Harbor 37' with spotless twin 327's. The price is unbelieveable for sure! The seller assures me it is solid, and said it jusr needs some minor cosmetic stuff (sand paint varnish, etc...) He says the boat is in great shape, solid hull, no dry rot, good engines run perfect, blah blah blah. I am not worried about all that stuff. My concern is the maintenance on a wooden boat. It will be in freshwater, but is currently in a tidal river. Can anyone give me some advise on the pros and cons of wooden boats? How often do you need to refinish the hull in freshwater? Estimated price on that? Anything I need to look for in particular when I go look at it? Assuming the previous owner did not do maintenance, anything I should ask about? Any common problems that are frequently encoiuntered with these boats? Any signs I can look for that could tell me if there are any potential problems?? Any and all information is greatly appreciated. I haven't even gone to see it yet, and I am already in love with these old classics! They really are beautiful when well maintenained. I am pretty good with wood, and have beem a hobby mechanic for quite a few years. There is really nothing I dont think I could handle as far as maintenance. Its the major repairs I am worried about. dryrot, bad stringers, etc...
Thank you all for your time.
Anything you all can tell me about the classic Eggs (67 in particular) would be greatly appreciated :-)
Thanks,
boldgold

There are a bunch more expert in the wood boat arena then myself, but I’ll start off with a few approaches:

1) Take a good walk through on your own, get down in the bilges with a flashlight and search out all nooks and crannies. The engines in these boats are rarely the problem, but more wood rot and broken stringers. If it passes the smell test move to the next step.

2) Procure the services of a very good (wood boat experienced) surveyor and have him go through stem to stern, including hauling her out.

One other thing to keep in mind (and please someone correct me if I’m wrong), fresh water is not actually better for a wood boat then salt water.

This boat when you own it will be a labor of love, yes indeed there is nothing better then a well maintained wooden classic, but your time and money will never be returned other then very fond memories on it…..

Just my 2 cents,
DanH