How long will a BCC Last

Bristol Channel Cutter
1

My wife recently asked me a question about our boat and I was completely stumped: How long will she last?

Our recent survey turned up almost nothing, maybe a hose clamp and a hose with a recommendation to refresh our propane system which is already on our list. We’ve both on occasion discussed a brand new boat. Of course our little BCC is the world’s best day sailor and gunkholer but I’m always eyeing 40’ pilot cutters. Due to eye issues, I’m temporarily grounded which means my choices are many. Build a new boat? Maybe. Do a complete top to bottom refresh on this old girl? Sounds super fun. My question: how long can we reasonably expect these old boats to keep on keeping on?

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2

There are plenty of fiberglass boats still in great shape that were built in the early 60s. We have a 1964 Cal 30, a 1968 Cal 40 both in very good condition and BCC number 27, built in 1979, also in great condition. The gel coat fails after awhile and they get blisters but that’s all fixable. The gel coat was way too thick on my BCC Hula but some Alexseal after some sanding is making that better looking.

I’ve never heard of a fiberglass boat failing unless it was damaged and deemed too far gone to repair.