I am new to this stuff and I am looking at a 1968 (I believe, inspection next week), 38 footer. when I drove by last week I observed it to be sitting on a 4 axle trailer. Looker in need of repair, but not totally hopeless. Again, will know more next week. It has the enclosed rear cabin. But, to the point. A couple of cracks were evident on the starboard side as rust streaks were evident down the side of the hull but above the waterline. Owner stated that it had been on the trailer in the parking lot of his business for the last sixteen months. It has been winterized but not started in this time. He stated that the crack(s) had formed because of the extended period of time that the boat has remained on the trailer. Simple weld fix or should I walk away? The asking price is $18,000.00 but he indicated a good willingness to negotiate. I can try to post pictures next week if that would be helpful. Any advice appreciated.
Hull # and pics would be a great starting point. Re-plating is understandable in these boats, but cracks above the waterline? Where are they and what direction do they run in? Knowing the engines, the hours on them, and transmission type would be helpful in determining a valid asking price. Welcome aboard and if you do buy this boat, you are definitely in the right place!
cracks in the hull sides Dear members, Our 1968 Regal Aluminum had two areas above the hullsides that had water stains that highlighted cracks above the waterline. Neither of these were plate cracks but rather weld cracks. On our boat, large vents were installed on the hullsides near the stern gate area about 24" below the deck to accomodate the diesels that the boat was originally specd with. These large vents were stitch welded and then faired out before painting by the factory. On both sides the stitch welds had cracked allowing the fairing to crack and them showing a water stain or trail if you will. Easily fixed by grinding the area clean and solid welding and re-fairing before painting. The stern also had been stitch welded where the transom inset attached to the top of the stern, sorry for the lack of correct terms here but the area in question is the large plated area and how it it attached at the very top and nearest the two hullsides. These welds were also cracked in the same manner. The fix was still easily accomplished as grind and weld solid. I have heard others mention plate cracking or stringer cracking in messages a year ago. I believe Jim Rivas was mentioning it about a 50-60' Roamer that had seen some rough seas. Perhaps he could elaborate if that is the case. Other than these issues I have not seen any other plate failures except from corrosion thinning the plated area in question. Mark
Here is a general picture of the boat along with a closer picture of the cracks. I will post hull number shortly. Thanks for all of the help thus far... JBRPC
Mind Weld Never seen or heard of hull cracks - but clearly you are on to something. The best advice I have is to call JIm Wick at www.chrisparts.com - he actually built Roamers. Good luck and keep us posted. CHeers! Eric
Iron & Tin Indeed. Hence the fact that she's welded in highly refined iron (Corten steel - to be sure).
Hi, I apologise for my lack of knowledge about these boats Alloyed2sea. I was confused where the first post by JBRPC says 1968 then 9 Lives mentions his is a 1968 Regal Aluminum one then your pictures look like they are of an Aluminum Hull under construction. I didn't realise that these boats were available in steel, but I do now.
That's just fine K1W1, We love dem boats, aluminum or steel, we'd all take em over a glass one! Are you going to buy it?
cool construction pics Redman, Where did you come by those pictures of Roamers under construction? And do you have more? I "roamed" around your Roamer website and did not find them. I have suspected that my 58 was welded upside down, and your pic makes me more confident it's true. Do you know if the factory did the big hulls like this? Art
Over the Top Photos from the archives. Reckon CC did weld'em upside down - but wasnt there. Have seen others do it that way - but others do it this way: http://www.caneebie.com/boatbuilding.html To be sure, Jim Wick at www.chrisparts.com would know - he actually built'em. Cheers! Eric
