1948 Edwards 38' Cruiser from Middle River, MD

I am looking at a 1948 38' Edwards (built in Middle River, MD) by Edwards Boatyard. It is in the water, in good condition, and is built with cypress wood. The owner told me that it would never rot. I have zero experience with wooden boats, and am looking for advice.

1. Has any ever heard of an Edwards? If so, good/bad?

2. Is it true that cypress will not rot? It has no glass on it, and has been maintanined well with paint every few years.

Thanks,

Marc

 

The only wood that does not rot, is fossilized. Old wooden boats are rarely worth restoring, being in the area of twice what the new construction replacement may be. A boat of that size is a sizable investment, regardless of the low purchase cost. There will be annul fees associated with a vessel of this size. You may have some or quite a bit of cypress in the boat, but there will be other woods and rot is just one of many different things that can happen to the bones of a 58 year old wooden yacht. Get a pro to look her over before you buy.

 

Advice:
Get a professional surveyor to look it over.
Result:
A surveyor's report that will detail exactly what is wrong with every aspect of the boat.
With this report in hand you will be in a better position to make an informed decision. Buying a used boat of this size and age without a survey is generally not a good idea.