Uniesse Yachts background

Thank you all for all the input! We've been looking at a few different boats, and the Uniesse model is actually 53'. It is a 2005 flybridge with a lower helm. Does anyone know if the quality of their boats was still good then, in 2005? Captain J describes a beast!

I would think as with the other infamous Italian brand that you may find significantly more issues on models delivered new to the US than to Italy or the rest of Europe.

As to the 2005 model, I'd say it's really a matter of sea trial and survey. I would think there would be quality issues of inconsistency in those delivered to the US. The condition new is no longer important to you.

I do agree with the dangers on any new model of a boat or car. I don't agree with Nycap on avoiding all new boats. There are many that are proven boats and typically delivered in very good condition. We've had great luck purchasing new boats but we've also chosen carefully and had the boats surveyed.

Thanks Olderboater. The boat in question has several football sized blisters at the waterline. Reflected in the price, and we have gotten a price to repair it. Is this a concern once repaired?

It's a concern as to what you don't see...what is under the blisters. You could have moisture throughout the hull. Doesn't matter how low the price is until you get a good survey to know what you're dealing with.

RUN!
These boats are solid fibreglass below the waterline and cored above the waterline. How it is a blister can only mean water intrusion. Given that the coring may act as a capillary you will not know where this problem ends. Keep in mind, I am not a boat builder, so do some research and you will find many members are good builders and will offer more explanation.
With my Uniesse, the problem was that if the dock was hit to hard or a fender was not in the right place, then the hull could be dented. This only occurred once, the size of a golf ball, where I glided into the corner of a pontoon, yet it caused the dent. Very difficult to repair.
A blister, never mind numbers of blisters, in this type of material would have me totally turned off the boat.

I've seen surface blisters just sanded and painted and fine but I've seen boats totaled, actually brand new boats totaled, over a blistering problem which was actually a resin issue. Football sized blisters seem very likely to be serious to me. For hulls to dent as Kafue describes is very unusual and unacceptable.

Not near through hulls. Staying away from this one! Thank you all so much, you are really so so helpful. Boy its hard to buy a boat!
We (I!) love an Ocean Alexander 2003Classico, but it has a new paint job and wondering now if it had the same problem. Also the engine has been realigned twice - never heard of such a thing! Was reading David Pascoe's review of a SeaRay and he really liked the engine mounts (Ace), said something about not having to worry about them doing the Chubby Checker! So two things to worry about my dream boat! Any suggestions ? We want three staterooms, with a mid berth master and a decent galley. I want something I'm not terrified in in rough seas (gulf stream). Thanks again so much for your collective wisdom!

It does indeed have blisters, big ones. Judy, I am interested in your opinion of the Ocean Alexander 53 Classico. Looking at a 2003, it also has a lot of issues upon survey, but for the right price I am wondering if it will end up being a great boat. Main concerns: vibration and head smell.

Judy, Thanks so much for your insight. This boat is not the one with blisters, the Uniesse has them, and after getting advice, mostly from here, we ruled that out. Had the OA surveyed, hull is good, waiting for oil sample results. There are a number of other problems with the OA however, besides the vibration and head smell, including generator and satellite TV issues, no central vac. Also no fuel gauges, have to go into the engine room! We are going to want the price reduced accordingly, and are willing to walk away. But the boat rides well and the interior is immaculate, the size is just what we need, has three staterooms and a good sized galley. Now my husband is saying there's a similar sized Carver 5 years newer, he's tempted. They are I know great layouts, but I am worried about crossing the gulfstream in it...I've gotten more nervous in my old age!
Anyway, any thoughts from all you wise old (in boat years!) salts will be greatly appreciated! We have to accept the vessel in a few weeks.