Boat for sale

David,
Hull no. 79 I believe is actually 179 as they started at 100 I believe. My L28 is hull 166, delivered April'85, so is similar.
Any salt water stored boat needs EXTRA attention to the Bukh saildrive leg. Be concerned about ANY pitting of the drive leg surface. I know about this from near disastrous experience. Ask when the last time, if ever, the leg was re-surfaced with interprotect and how many coats. If it hasn't and this boat has sat in salt water be prepared to do this as your first order of maintenance.
Also look for engine mount cracks, front is easy to see but rears go where the bolts hold the engine/mount to the flexible engine bed mounts. Done this one.
Delam of hull grid is worse on your speed and pointing than a structural problem, but needs fixing if cracks are evident where grid sections meet hull. Done this too.
Get surveyor to look under battery box. Mine missed a crack from previous ground that was not noticeable until battery box was removed.
That's it for what I personally have found. It's a great boat and these are all fixable, but price negotiators if found. ENJOY !

George Streadwick
L28 // 166 // VOILA
Vancouver, BC

David,

Good news on you thinking of acquiring a Laser 28. The usual things to be concerned about for salt water boats apply to the boat you're considering in Florida.

Many of the changes made to the 28 over its lifetime are not items that would make or break a sale. The early boats had the under side of the decks hand finished whereas the later boats had decks made in the closed mould system - this gave a mould finished interior. Like many other changes, it was for aesthetics reasons.

You'll find other details if you poke around here, also you'll find a wealth of experience from Bill Layton - he may also be able to point out other boats for you to consider.

Cheers,