Antique Catboat

[Imustgodowntothesea]

Hi, I have the opertunity to buy an antique Cape Cod Catboat. She's 13', sound, no trailer or motor. The canvass sails were replaced with home-made ones from another boat. She sailed from Camden Maine to Eastport Maine, enough said for sound. I have no Idea what to offer for this fine boat and don't want to insult or over pay. She does need more restoration. I'm told she's about 100 years old. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Pat.

[Joe ( Cold Spring on Hudson )]

Photo's???

[Thorne]

I'd be VERY cautious. If your boatbuilding skills and/or tools are not up to the task, really old boats needing total rebuilds can cost far more than building from new. Let the owner put it up for sale, see what they ask, let them list it for awhile, and THEN negotiate if it hasn't sold. Pay for a marine survey from a wooden boat expert -- best $$ you will spend on the whole deal.

[Nanoose]

I don't have the background, knowledge or skills to comment on what to look for but I think that you should base your offer both on what is fair and what the both is worth to YOU.

I had an interesting experience with making an offer on a boat before we bought Nanoose. The boat was nice, in good condition, not quite what we were looking for but o.k. for sure. After a lot of thought, we offered what we were willing to pay for her. The owner was quite upset and phoned me to express his displeasure and tell me that she was worth much more. We never came to terms and the point that he didn't get was that we didn't have the same view when it came to value. He believed it was worth "X", regardless of market. I felt it was worth "Y" and was only prepared to go that far.

There are, of course, ways that you can get a valuation of the boat based on market, condition, etc. But it's only you that can evaluate those factors, the intangible way the boat speaks to your soul, your financial position, etc. and determine then what is a fair price.

I completely understand your desire not to insult someone but neither should you be expected to pay more that you're willing to spend.

Dave

[Imustgodowntothesea]

Thanks for the replies, The the boat is a bit of a ride away, but I'll get some pictures soon and post them. Thanks again, Pat.

[ddeaton]

Take something to haul it and bring it back with you. You can never have too many catboats!