Fatal Flaws

[milagros]

I am considering the purchase of a 28-foot flybridge. It is a 77 model year. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the boats and are there any serious flaws. When inspecting the boat, what areas should I pay special attention to? I'm not a boat novice, but I don't have a lot of knowledge when it comes to Luhrs.

[Esquire]

Hull and stringers. Big things to inspect closely in that era Luhrs boat. There was a time back around then when hulls were cored below the water line and stringers were not sealed very well.

[milagros]

Thanks Esquire. We banged on the hull from the stern to the bow and from the rub rail to the keel. Although not as solid as some other boats of a similar size we found no dead spots, and no blisters. We walked and jumped all around the deck and we couldn't find any soft spots either. The only thing that we found missing was insulation in the engine compartments. We'll be going back and take a closer look at the stringers. For a 35 year old production boat, I have to admit that was really surprised at what I saw.

[Finz11]

Used to own a 70 vintage 280 Sedan. SUPER solid boat and hull structure. Foredecks and hull were built well.

Only 3 caution areas I would lookout for;
rear cockpit deck is wood and does get soft spots
rear cabin bulkhead also prone to rott

Handling in a following sea can be a little dicey -the bottom has a relatively flat deadrise. Keep the tabs/bow up, and the boat is heavy enough to slug it out.

Mine was a single screw and I never had any trouble backing it into my slip, but she was a 13 KT boat WOT. Twins are good if it holds enough fuel.

Good luck - it's a good vintage