What it costs to buy the right boat...

[Noah]

So I have spent the last year looking for the right boat to purchase. I have probably taken off 4 days of work, spent $1000, and driven lots of miles. The search still continues.

I suppose that you can wait for the right boat to fall into your lap, but these boats are all over the place, and it takes some searching to find a nice wooden (or even Classic Glass) sailboat at the right price.

All this is before you pay for a survey and any shipping charges that go along with the boat.

All in all, I would think that it is safe for me to tack on $2500 -3000 on the purchase price, and it could be more than that.

Maybe if you live in Maine the right boats come along more frequently, but it is a big decision to go purchasing a large sailboat. You don't want to screw it up. It can take a long time to get your money out of the wrong boat. I have seen some boats on the market for 2-3 years.

Just venting. I'm getting on a plane to fly to Annapolis tomorrow. Hopefully this is the boat!

Noah

[Matt J.]

Noah,
We're buying one that's been on the market for just shy of three years. She's expensive for her size, which is my guess why she hasn't sold yet. After we've closed (God willing, it will be in the next 2 weeks - the check's been sent as the last survey items are being addressed), I'll have to post more information to post. Right now, I don't want to jinx anything.

Good luck,
Matt

Enjoy our weather .

[Mr. Know It All]

Good Luck with the search Noah. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[JimConlin]

If it's any comfort, SWMBO and I spent a couple of years looking for 'the right' boat. Once, we saw one we liked, didn't act quickly enough and missed it, and finally bought it when it was on the market again eight months later. Patience was rewarded. We had the boat for 25 years.

[Noah]

Well yesterday I flew to MD for the day. 6:30 am flight in, 10:00 pm flight out. I covered some serious ground.

The boat that I went to look at just wasn't right. She was in ok shape overall, but she needed a bit more work, and the finished this would be too big for me anyway. Plus the cockpit wasn't large enough.

So anyway, I'm driving around bummed that I spent $400 bucks to go look at the thing, when I see a guy working on an really nice Penn Yan outboard. I got to talking with him, and he told me about another boat that was for sale. I can't give details, but suffice to say she needs some work, but is beautiful! I can't stop thinking about this boat. I still need to track down the seller, and figure out stuff like a survey and hauling, but I really want this thing.

Wish me luck. It is still more boat than I need, but boy she makes me happy. I also shudder to think about how much I will spend on this boat over the next few years to make her nice...

Noah

[NormMessinger]

...and figure out stuff like a survey and hauling, but I really want this thing.

Love is a dangerous thing.

But, here's hoping. Good luck.

[Noah]

Yeah, I'm starting to sound like Dingo. Except with fewer words...

I have been there and done that, so I won't do anything too stupid or sugar coat what needs to be done. That said, I think this is a boat that I can both afford, and fix, and really take care of.

I wish that I could post pictures, but I'm keeping this one to myself for the near future.

Noah

[George Roberts]

Noah ---

Vermont is not far from Maine.

You might have done better by concentrating your search time.

When you really "need" to buy a boat, take $4000 and a week and buy the best one you find.

I wish you good luck and a fair wind.

[R.I.Singer30]

Noah you've got a nice one in your shed.How much time do you have to work on them? Or do you want to sail.R.I is the ocean state,I can't drive 5 miles in any direction without seeing a boat in some ones yard.They don't have for sale signs on them but I have been eyeing a few to hold me over till I can get the Reisinger shipe shape.There are alot of marinas all over this state with boats just waiting for an offer.

They are not Penn Yans but here are a few from this mornings paper

Lightning,classic wooden ,rebuilt in 1999,galvinized trailer,2hp Honda $3100.It doesnt say if it's sail or not.(401)253-6427

Hunter,1987,23'trailer,5 H.P. Nissan roller furling ,extras $5300 or best offer.(401)726-2204

There has got to be a line and a half of them here. try projo.com The providence journal I think they have a classified section

[Noah]

Thanks guys,

I don't want this to be another boat, I want it to be the right boat. I'm looking at Sailboats in the 30-36ft range right now. I thought that I was going to purchase a 22 sq meter boat, but that is taking way too long, and may never happen. I'm not sure that it is the right boat anyway.

I'm now looking for a boat with a bit more room in the cabin. I'm going to pay for this boat, as I want it right. And or pay someone to fix the thing. I don't have the time right now to do another rebuild.

I'm also going to thin out the fleet a bit.

Noah

[ 05-19-2003, 01:30 PM: Message edited by: Noah ]

[Alan D. Hyde]

So Noah, can you tell us what you're looking for?

In that size a Pilot 35 is a design I like.

An Alberg 35 has sweet lines too, and is solidly built, if you don't mind a classic glass hull.

Or do you want something more beamy, with less tendency to sail on her ear?

Something North of a Spray type?

Alan

[Noah]

Hey Alan,

I looked at an Alberg 30 the other day. Great boat, but I'm not sure I quite wanted it. I was going to look at an Alberg 35 as well, but there aren't any close by.

My thinking has been twisted and a long route, but ultimately for me sailing is about aesthetics. (I should say sailing my own boat, I do sail lots of other fast boats that ain't pretty...)

Funny you should metion a Pilot 35...

Anyway, I want something with grace, and some nice details. History, Patina... (does that translate to: It doesn't have to look perfect, there can be blemeshes, but it should have class?)

I'm pretty open to different stuff. I would want it faster rather than "good for Ocean Crossing" I do sail on a lake after all.

Plus it has to look nice. I most definately don't want "Salty..."

Noah

[Gresham CA]

Noah,

You and I are on the same course. I have been looking in the 38-40 ft. range.

[Noah]

38-40 is way to big for me. I was standing on a S&S 37 on Saturday, and it seemed huge. I can't imagine having to deal with a boat that size on a regular basis. Plus the work...

Not that 35 is any smaller really, but it is. Also has to do with the beam and overhangs.

The biggest boat I have sailed is a Whitpy 42, and that is a really big boat. Fun, heavy, but still big.

A fiberglass 27-32 (sorry typo the first time) is probably big enough for me, but in wood it needs to be longer. Generally because of the overhangs, but also because of the smaller interior space.

Good luck,

Noah

[ 05-19-2003, 03:24 PM: Message edited by: Noah ]

[Gresham CA]

I've been looking at boats mostly that are Bill Garden designs. Formosa's, CT's, Island Traders and that sort. Have you looked at the Down East 38?

Or the Tayana 36



[ 05-19-2003, 03:08 PM: Message edited by: Gresham CA ]

[Alan D. Hyde]

Charles, remember that a vessel's volume increases, all other things being equal, with the cube of the increase in her length.

Granted, the older designs tend to be more slender.

Still, I made some rough calculations, and came up with a 30% to 40% increase in displacement, depending on my assumptions. A lot of expenses are pretty directly related to a boat's displacement...

Alan

[Gresham CA]

I'm aware of all that Alan. But thanks for looking at that for me. It's MY displacement that is the problem. I'm 6'-5" and at 270 lbs. I want some room. I looked at a Seal Cutter 38 the other week that I was told was a Bob Perry design. I really feel in love with it but it sold before I could move on it.

[Noah]

Yeah,

Alan is correct, boats get bigger fast. The number of systems also goes up very quckly.

With a boat larger than 30ft I want an inboard, simple electronics, maybe a head with a holding tank, and a sink. That's it. If the icebox had a cooler that would be ok, but nothing more than that. Even a hand held VHF works fine on the lake. I would probably use a GPS once in a while, but not that often. Sleeps 4 max. Now shower or anythign else. Sure it would be nice to have other stuff once in a while, but you always have to fix it, so it ends up costing wayyy more in the long run.

The things that I do want are a boat that doesn't have too much freeboard and really long overhangs as they get blown around more. I want the lines to be well routed so I can single hand it. Probably also a roller fuller on the Genoa if it is a really big sail. Maybe even a set of sliders and a stack pack on the mainsail. We have one of these on the J-105 I sail and it's great. Taking down the main takes all of about 1 minute with one person. You zip up the cover and you are done.

Boats that are simple and fast to get out on the water get used more than complex ones. If sailing is a pain I won't do it as often, and that's a bad thing. It should take me no more than 15 minutes once I'm on the boat to be sailing.

You also see that lots of people are selling bigger boats that don't get used for smaller ones. All too often cruising boats get used for cruising one weekend a year, and faster day sailers get used more. You can cover more ground, get where you want to go, and do it in less wind.

This is why I keep wondering if I really do want a traditional boat. I use my sailboat for pleasure. Most days that I go out are nice and sunny. If the wind is really kicking I will go out in nastier weather just for fun.
Often on those nice days there isn't all that much wind.

Anyway, older boat designs are often good in heavier wind, and rougher stuff. (Though the latter may be more myth than reality) But I'm not out in those conditions very often. 90% of my sailing is done on nice spring, summer and fall days.

Ok, I will stop ranting now. We all want boats that do different things.

I just happens that I can't find one that does the things I want it to.

Noah

[Alan D. Hyde]

Well, Charles, I'm 6'6" and 250, so I know whereof you speak...

Alan

[km gresham]

this is Charles,

OH TO BE 250 LBS, AGAIN!!!!!!!!!

[rbgarr]

Noah-

You don't mention your price range, but have you seen the Luders 38' L-24 located down the Hudson River? She's been on the market a LONG time. See WB ads. There's also a 36' Hunt 225 (like an elongated 110) for sale in this month's Soundings, June p.73: $8500 in RI. Both boats may be unpowered and too light on accommodations for you, though.

[Noah]

The Luders is the one for $45K in wooden boat right? I talked to the owner, but from what I understood the boat still didn't have an interior in it. The price seemed high, apperently it is in great condition. I don't think I want to spend that much anyway, and I'm not sure I could.

I will check out the Hunt.

If anyone knows of other good boats out there that fit the bill let me know. I'm always interested.

Noah

[R.I.Singer30]

Okay now we're talking.You've given me a little more to go on .I'll try to get to Hinkley yard this week and see whats there,also the Bristol boat show this weekend.There is a Catalina 27in the paper w/ dingy /o.b. for$5500.o.b.o. My friend has one and it's a blast but may not be as classic as you like.I'll be in touch.Dan L.

[rbgarr]

Noah-

Let us know what you find out about the Hunt 225, if the idea of a 36 foot "110" isn't too radical aesthetically for you. I recall seeing an ad for, or picture of, the design in either an old Yachting magazine or on ebay... can't remember which. I watched a race last summer in Maine where a 210 (30') smoked a bunch of IOD's and smaller JBoats. I bet a Hunt 225 would be fast!

You probably already know about these classified sources for boats in the NE: unclehenrys.com, wantadvertiser.com, and by-the-sea.com. The first two are also available weekly in paper via snail-mail. I check the listings out occasionally at the local library computer (for better download speed)... just for fun.

I wonder if there are Quebecois counterparts to those kinds of classifieds publications? Do you know?

[ 05-20-2003, 06:47 AM: Message edited by: rbgarr ]

[Matt J.]

We "nearly" bought an Alden design #224, SVAAP's sister. She's in Rhode Island at the Hinckley yard. Asking $26k. She was just largely restored, needing only relatively minor work (plumbing primarily and some carpentry and finish work). She's pretty, simple, and comfortable.

We walked because of the seller, but I think he may be growing anxious, and the boat's great anyway. Look for her on yachtworld (EAGLET).

Good luck,
Matt

[Noah]

Rbgarr,

I think that I have seen picture of the Hunt. Balls out...I was intrigued, but I don't think that it would fit the bill. Fun, but not get used enough. I am a speed demo though...

I do check all kinds of listing pretty often. Thanks for the wantadvertiser, that one was new. Sometimes there are some good boats at www.wantaddigest.com

I still haven't found a good Quebec/Candian source for boats, but I'm always looking.

Matt,

I have checked her out on the web, but it isn't quite the right boat for me. She just doesn't have the look that I want. I'm looking for more grace/overhang. (Even if it doesn't make sense from a design point of view)

Keep them coming, I'm having fun!

Noah