Hollow Spot in Keel around Ballast

We are new to the world of Island Packets. We have made an offer on an IP35 and had our survey yesturday. During the out of water part the surveyor found a hollow spot (2' X 2'?) around the area of the keel where the ballast is. Has anyone come across this issue or have any thoughts about it. Any comments are appreciated.

Welcome Dave & Peg:
You will LOVE the IP35, to me, it is the besrt IP for the value plus it sails very well.

As for the keep hollow spot, that is not a big deal at all. As long as you can tell that it was never holed or grounded hard onto rocks, I see no issue. These keeps are all part of the hull and one piece. Then the inside is a mixture of lead ingots and concrete poured the keel. The top is then sealed with a fiberglass top which is what you see from the inside when you look into the bilges. So, tapping on the outside of the hull you will hear different sounds based upon where you tap. If you tap above the lid it will sound hollow, if you tap below the lid it may be solid where there is fill, then in some areas it may be hollow. No worries. You can rest assured that Island Packet built it well, and there really is not much to do in the ballast area.
If you like the boat and if you can afford it, and if you have the time to USE it and learn it, then I say, go for it....you will LOVE IT.

Hayden....IP35 owner since 2001.....IP27 owner for 10 yrs before that!
Welcome to the fleet

Hayden,

Thanks for your quick response. This corrolates with the surveyors first impression. I could tell he was thinking about the issue as the day went by. A sign, to me, of a good surveyor.

David

David:
Again, I have read all the other discussions on this and I really think you have no worries. You could spend alot of money and worry on this like others have advised, but really....if the boat was not grounded or holed....you have ZERO WORRIES...end of story.

You can tap all over the hull and hear different sounds. I have the same sounds when I tap back near the stern in front of the propeller. Then front bottom solid, then center middle hollow....that's the way it is.

Again, if you like the boat and can afford it, buy it....so sailing...and don't worry.

We have 12,000+ miles on this 1994 IP35 #165 and no worries at all...

Hayden living on an IP35

Thanks to all who have offer their thoughts and experiences. We have decided the problem is not a problem. We also recieved out surveyors report yesturday, he also felt there is no reason to worry. We are looking forward to having our names added to the list of owners, some of you we already know. Again, thanks a a happy new year!

David

I had a similar experience during the survey of my IP 380 in October. During the short haul, the surveyor noticed a different sound on the starboard side, about 2/3 forward. No problem however. On the IP380's they added ballast mid ship, starboard side in one of the lower lockers to trim.
You'll enjoy the 35, I had mine for 11 years and it was hard to part with her. Treat them well and they'll give you many good years.