Looking into purchasing a 37' Carlcraft Widebody (1980). I do have a few questions and concerns that I haven't gotten answered as of yet. I had a survey of the boat done and it did have some spotty blistering on the hull and some soft spots in certain areas of the fiberglass. Are these easy to fix? Some other concerns I had was that we wanted to use this as sort of a home _base_ on the weekends for our ski outings etc. The survey came back and said that there was no freshwater holding tank. The water only functioned when it was dockside. Is there any way to add a holding tank or am I out of luck? I'm sure I'll have some more questions but this is a good start

Softs spots means, the underlying support struture not the fiberglass, has problems. Most of the time this structure is rotted wood. Your surveyor should have explained this to you. Best to get estimates of repair costs as this work can get expensive. Did your surveyor do a good check of the transom and stringers for rot? How about under the floor ahead of the engine compartment bulkhead (wall)?

CALL HIM BACK AND ASK HIM.

You can install a fresh water tank and pump. I'm sure there was one installed when the boat was built.

Keep us informed.

Best of luck.

Thanks for the information. The survey was done by the end of this past week and faxed to me. I have not had a chance to talk to them yet in person nor have I actually seen the boat (just pictures). I put a small deposit down to hold it contingent upon the results of the survey. Here's some parts of the survey from the FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATION section.

*Signs of rot located along the port side window _frame_s in the galley and main salon area.
*The house and deck joint seem to be separating. Observed high moisture readings in this area.
*Upper deck shows signs of soft spots two feet behind the cabin roof in a 2' by 5' area on the port side.
*There are signs of delamination in the area of the three seacocks located in the starboard side midships.
*The thru hull starboard side midships shows some deteriorating.

Here's some more information from the SYSTEMS section:
*Stringers: Hull stiffness provided by FRP longitudinal strings running from Stern to stern. Complete access not available. Appear serviceable where observed.
*Moisture content: High moisture readings were noted underneath the rab rail at the aft corners. There was soft wood and rot located along the port transom corner spotted from an inside inspection plate.
*Blisters: Concentration of blisters were noted on first third of the bow section. Blisters also noted along port side keel. Most blisters .5" to 1" in diameter.
*Delamination: Soft spots located at the port and starboard bow. A soft sport was also found along a grouping of seacocks located in the starboard side midships.

Pictures of the boat are at this _link_:
Carlcraft listing

Remember, I am not wanting to live aboard this boat. This is a weekend craft for staying out on the lake while we enjoy watersports etc. They are asking for $8Kas a price. Hopefully with this added information you can give me your professional opinion. I have a few weeks to make a decision and if you think that this may be worth the money, then I'm going to travel to see it within the next week. Thanks so much for helping out a newcomer.

No 1 no such thing as a widebody 37 Carlcraft, 5 inch blisters and I would imagine half the top is gone , walkways on both sides will need replaced, engine removed , transom rot etc, plus you have to pay to have it moved. I think I would pass. The boat would handle like a scow barge with the outboard. It is good for a donation boat.