I'm potentially purchasing a 1979 Westsail 32 this weekend. Doesn't look like there are any red flags. But wanted to have someone else a little more knowledgeable put eyes on it as well. The survey was done in 2019 and it has remained on the hard ever since. The current owner has already done some of the work. 

Blair: 

Welcome aboard and to Westsails and the WOA. 

Quickly reviewing the attached PDF - I would say that you have a 49-year-old boat in above average condition. The survey documented the items that need attention.

I did notice that the survey says that the bowsprit is stainless steel but to me the bowsprit looks like wood in the photographs - maybe the SS has been painted? 

If you are new to boat maintenance, there are plenty of online resources to assist your journey. What you will find is that soon you will need to be familiar with plumbing, electrical, fiberglass and epoxy etc. etc. 

Since the vessel is on the hard, I would suggest that you focus on getting all below the water line work, the engine and drive train, rudder, thru hulls, the hull above the water line (polish / repaint?)  and safety items handled.   

I hope this helps.

Jay Bietz

OK it’s getting way too late for me lol but I have to say that I had a super Duper international Surveyor Allan Smith down in Mexico and he found pretty well everything he did a good oil test engine infrared test - see pic went for a sea trial she was up on the hard Check the Rigging you name it we did it and you’ll always find some little thing and then the fun begins!

and yep, they’re basically 50-year-old boats in average condition because they are 50 years old however they can be beautifully refinished all the bells and whistles and I think average is in the eye of the beholder lol

I was just so excited that I’m glad there was professional looking around because I think either you focus on it totally or you just stand around going duh because you can’t believe you’re buying this! 

you get a boat for one reason-  because you want one - if you want to be practical,  forget boats lol

I googled it , the inferred test I have never heard of . I might have the yard do that for me next time I haul out . But it will only tell me what I already know .

The term heat gun threw me off , as I know them as a temperature gun .