Hi Stephen – We have a 44P 2006 and we find that with the very flat bottom profile it is almost impossible to dry the bilge completely. This makes leak tracing difficult and with an old boat water will always get in from somewhere as the above posts suggest. Dropping the keel and re-kitting the flange and bolts should not be very expensive if you give the yard enough time to plan it in for the winter period. So I would say – negotiate a discount on the purchase price, enjoy a sailing season and if you are still worried have the work done in the autumn. Success.
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