You want a boat with stainless keel bolts and chain plates. Inspect the bulkhead for rot. Especially a boat that has sat and took on fresh rain water through the chain plates. If they are good and rotted, you could pull the chainplates out under load. Replacing the main bulkhead is a lot of work.

Look at where the forepeak (plywood) meets the hull. Ideally you want a boat that has been reinforced there with a lengthwise stringer of three to four inches wide.

Check the play in the rudder, top and bottom.

Those are some of the things I would look at, in addition to the usual stuff. How old is the rigging, sails, etc.

:: Hi folks,

:: I'm considering buying an S-22 for daysailing,
:: overnights, and possible racing on the bay. I'm short on
:: funds and a sucker for boat projects, so I'll probably
:: end up with a sailable boat that needs some work.
::
:: That said, what should I look out for when inspecInspectting
:: these boats? What are the known problem areas and owner
:: mods that I should be wary of? Wet deck core, blisters,
:: keel bolts, mast step, chainplates, deck joint..etc..any
:: common complaints?

:: Thanks!