I am looking at this particular boat this afternoon.
www.boatsonline.com.au/boats-for-sale/used/sailing-boats/sparkman-stephens-defiance-30/281516

What are the likely issues to watch for? I did notice in the photos, what looks like some water damage on the lower internal woodwork and also some corrosion on the engine.

Kerry

That looks neat. If the Nanni is a sail drive how old is the bladder? 7 years is suggested to be a good time to schedule renewal (Volvo Penta). See list below I posted 2nd August - not all items may be relevant - shame that seabreeze only accepts jpgs not pdfs. The chain plates on that one look decent. If the prop is folding or feathering is it still doing this and not stuck?

Thanks for the reply and requote of that list. It is quite comprehensive and just going through it and thinking about my current boat is quite thought provoking.

Having just been through a similar process get insurance quotes and the specific requirements of your preferred insurer. They often have a specific list of things that need checking and it can be a good guide.
It also means your inspection meets their needs and not a waste of time if you are paying for someone.

If there is water damage on the interior woodwork that means water got in. Was there a "hide tide" mark? You mention the engine had some rust as well, was that on the lower part? Most likely fresh water got in during the massive deluges we have had last few years. Could be anything but blocked cockpit drains, around the mast and deck fittings the most likely culprits. My boat had the same so it is just going to be a long process of reseating any leaking fitting in butyl and eliminating leaks bit by bit.
Could also be a badly leaking stern gland. Have a taste of any water in the bilge to see if salty.
Since the water damage is obvious, ask the owner, and judge if the response is reasonable and not evasive.

Yeah we had plenty of water ingress because of blocked cockpit drains so understand that process.

That looks to be a good buy. Some surface rust and water stains on the lower edges of the teak veneer is normal for a boat that age. Shaft drive so relatively easy to maintain. I would fit a stainless steel strip on the bottom of the skeg to close the gap between the rudder and the skeg. Getting a rope stuck there is a real pain!

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Skipper58 said..
Thanks for the reply and requote of that list. It is quite comprehensive and just going through it and thinking about my current boat is quite thought provoking.

No problems. I couldn't figure out from the photo on the slips if it was a sail drive or shaft drive as Ramona advises. Most sail drives have folding props but some do have fixed props so wasn't sure and thought best to include the sail drive caveat in case. You are far better off with a shaft drive. Trust the inspection this afternoon went well?

I would jump on it at that price if you think it looks ok. Make sure the contract is subject to survey of course and you can always back out if the survey turns up something bad.

Looks like one from when the moulds where at Wynn's Drive Hemmant.
seemed well built but poor gelcoat quality.
Less obvious but important thing to check is the base of the mast in the deck stepped base and the condition of the butt.
Keel boats of course but hard to check.
Sails are from horizon Gold Coast so plenty of years on those.
Good. Luck

Really nice seller. Boat needs quite a bit of cleaning (mould). Fresh water in the bilge under cabin sole, so keel bolts not dry. I suspect ingress at mast. It is a lot of boat for the price, but I think not my boat.