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hapless newbie questions about the 25

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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts

Response Posted - 04/13/2012 : 07:15:23

I agree that moving the boat by water is the best way to go, but, if you haven't done any boating before, I don't recommend that you try it alone. When you drive a car, you are guided by a long road with stripes painted on it, and all you have to do is stay between the lines. You have big signs along the way to guide you to your destination. On the water, it isn't that easy. The navigational marks are barely visible in the distance, and even in ideal conditions, it can be extremely difficult and confusing for a newby to find his way. It isn't difficult to learn the basics of navigation, but it is difficult to do if you have never done it before. I suggest you find a local volunteer to help you move the boat. Don't be shy about asking. Sailors are usually happy to help newbys when they can.

Edited by - on

CarbonSink62
Navigator

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USA
208 Posts

Response Posted - 04/13/2012 : 07:20:54

Hi Rob!

I'm rather new here myself; it is a great site.

I'm on my third Catalina. I will readily admit that they are not the best sailboats in the world, but I believe they are the most satisfying to own.

My boat doesn't have a swing-keel (don't tell anyone, but I don't like them

), but convential wisdom is to never buy a boat in the water and I would says that goes double for a swing-keel. Hauling the boat for inspection is going to be about $200 (WAG) leaving your keel on the bottom of Long Island Sound... priceless! (sorry

)

I didn't get a survey for mine and Boat US insurance has not asked for one; I skipped it for 3 reasons:

1. It's my fourth boat, I have a pretty good idea what to look for.
2. The only systems are the 12VDC wiring, fresh water tank & pump and the head & holding tank. Larger boats have a lot more going on.
3. I scooped it up for $3,850; I decided if the hull was good (it is) everything else can be fixed. I saved the $350-500 to put toward fixing things.

I don't know everything, but I spent a total of 6-8 hours over 2 days checking it out; then several more online checking out what I found and suspected. With your lack of experience, you might be better off with a survey (hopefully one that involves hauling the boat)

Zen Again is just up the road from you in Portsmouth, NH but she's not in the water yet. When she is, I'd be happy to give you two a tour and a daysail but it will likely be too late to help you with your decision.

Ken

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pfduffy
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Response Posted - 04/13/2012 : 07:41:56

I have a 1984 swing keel (SK) as well. Maintenance of the lifting system is important, but don't be scared off by it. Yes, a failure of the lifting system CAN be catastrophic but it is very rare. The boat must be hauled from the water in order for the system to be properly inspected. If the owner has maintenance records which indicate that the keel cable, turning ball and hose assembly have been replaced every couple of years and the system operates relatively smoothly, then the likelihood is that the system is OK. One common problem that you can feel while under sail is keel clunk. Wear around the pin that attaches the keel to the boat can cause the keel to make a noticeable clunking sound. Keep an ear out for that while you are taking your test sail.

This is my first "real" boat and I can't imagine that a better boat in this size and price range exists. It is very forgiving, allowing you to make mistakes that other boats might not tolerate. It is comfortable, especially with fewer than 4 people aboard. I'm a reasonably big guy (6' 240lbs) and find that I can move about comfortably. This forum, along with easy availability of parts from Catalina Direct make this an easy boat to maintain. IMHO, this is the very best first "cruising" sailboat.

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9080 Posts

Response Posted - 04/13/2012 : 08:17:19

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by jerlim
 ...Stinkpotter, is your go to for CT coastal cruising!!<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">...although "Voyager" Bruce Ross (current owner of "my" C-25) is your go-to guy for the Housatonic and the Stratford area, where he used to keep Passage. If you plan to keep her on the Housatonic, he can give you some pointers on dealing with its currents. Maybe you can get him for an afternoon delivery voyage for a six-pack or so.

Get a chart book of the area, and the Embassy Cruising Guide to Long Island Sound is great to have. It's an easy route--stay outside of red #22 and Penfield Reef, and then watch for commercial traffic (ferries and tug-tows going in and out of Bridgeport--the ferries close on you faster than they look, and don't stop, slow down, or alter course for any pleasure craft--they don't want to set any precedents.

Welcome! Do you have a reason to pick a swing keel, like trailering or something? If not, ummm............. oops--I'll shut up now.

Do you have your CT Safe Boating Certificate? It's required when you register the boat, and involves a short but valuable course.

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 04/13/2012 08:24:53

JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1520 Posts

Response Posted - 04/13/2012 : 08:35:52

If you are handy with tools and enjoy building or repairing things at home, and since you, like most of us, expect to pay only a limited amount for maintenance, repairs, and modifications to your boat, then it would be advisable to get Don Casey's bigger book.

You might be able to cancel the first order and replace it with the Complete Illustrated Sailboat Maintenance Manual. I looked on Amazon and saw that it was only $34 this morning.

I agree that the checklist mentioned above is great. You will be somewhat overwhelmed by all the standing and running rigging and the operation of the equipment, but I would encourage you to ask to see each component in action while with the owner. For example:
- Turning on the running lights at the bow and stern
- Turning on the anchor light at the masthead (hard to see in daylight)
- Dropping and weighing the anchor
- Raising and lowering the pop top, if present
- Inspecting on the dock the sails that were not used in your daysail
- Operation and removal of the porta potty (supposedly new?)
- The VHF radio sending and receiving functions

Furthermore, I would suggest that you look under each cushion in the cabin, open those "lockers" and see how clean they are. For example:
- There is a locker under the V-berth
- Locker under each cabin cushion
- Locker under the quarterberth
- The spaces behind the drawers in the galley
- The bilge under the cabin floor
- The swing keel pocket under the wooden box in the center of the cabin. This pocket holds the head of the swing keel on this kind of C-25, when the keel is down in the water. It is the site of damage if the keel is dropped accidentally or if the keel bounces off a submerged rock and swings down hard. The fiberglass pocket should look completely white and clean and free of cracks. There is a lot of discussion about this on the Forum. If the fiberglass swing keel pocket show signs of damage, you have a strong point of contention for the asking price since the repair would take a lot of work by you or several hundred dollars if done by a professional boat shop. This issue is specific to the C-25 swing keel design.

You are lucky that the owner is willing to demonstrate the boat for you. The forecast calls for great sailing weather:

LONG ISLAND SOUND WEST OF NEW HAVEN CT/PORT JEFFERSON NY-
1026 AM EDT FRI APR 13 2012

TODAY
W WINDS 5 TO 10 KT. SEAS 1 FT OR LESS.

TONIGHT
NW WINDS 5 TO 10 KT. SEAS 1 FT OR LESS.

SAT
NW WINDS 5 TO 10 KT...BECOMING SW 10 TO 15 KT IN THE
AFTERNOON. SEAS 1 FT OR LESS.

SAT NIGHT
S WINDS 5 TO 10 KT. SEAS 1 FT OR LESS. A CHANCE OF
SHOWERS.

Happy sailing!

Edited by - on

JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1520 Posts

Response Posted - 04/13/2012 : 08:43:52

On your demonstration sailing trip, you may want to bring a flashlight and also a pair of binoculars to see stuff inside dark lockers and to see the top of the mast.

Edited by - on

JimGo
Admiral

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USA
962 Posts

Response Posted - 04/13/2012 : 09:29:11

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Steve Milby
 I agree that moving the boat by water is the best way to go, but, if you haven't done any boating before, I don't recommend that you try it alone. <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Thanks for adding that, Steve. I hadn't meant for Rob to move it himself, but I can see where my comments could be read that way. I agree, it shouldn't be hard to find someone to help move the boat via the waterways, but there's too much going on to try it for the first time in a fairly large, heavy boat like the C25 by yourself.

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keeldad
1st Mate

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84 Posts

Response Posted - 04/13/2012 : 10:14:36

Rob, I too have an '84 SK/SR. As you can probably tell from the amount of responses there are quite a few Catalina 25s of that vintage that are still going strong.

If you're comfortable with the boat and your ability to learn to sail her and you still can't convince your wife, here's the clue to clinch the deal.... The Head. With your budget I seriously doubt that you could find a powerboat with the same amenities. Trust me, once the lovely and charming Mrs. realizes it's a choice between a bucket on an exposed deck or a real compartment below decks with a sink and door she'll be sold.

You could also promise to name it after her... That works too.

Good Luck.

Edited by - on

awetmore
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1144 Posts

Response Posted - 04/13/2012 : 10:26:58

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Thanks for adding that, Steve. I hadn't meant for Rob to move it himself, but I can see where my comments could be read that way. I agree, it shouldn't be hard to find someone to help move the boat via the waterways, but there's too much going on to try it for the first time in a fairly large, heavy boat like the C25 by yourself.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I'm still working up the courage to dock the boat solo. It is very helpful having another person onboard. Luckily my wife is having a lot of fun with sailing and I have a queue of friends who are interested too.

alex

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JimGo
Admiral

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USA
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Response Posted - 04/13/2012 : 10:47:44

Not to hijack the thread, but Alex, I've done the single-handed docking thing twice now. It's not that bad. Make sure you leave your lines, especially your spring line, where you'll be able to get to it/them easily. Then, just go SLOW. Much easier to be creeping along and use the dock lines to pull you in than too fast.

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Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 04/13/2012 : 11:19:45

If any of you guys want some experience I'll need crew on my relocation cruise the first week of June. Drop me an email. It will be one day of regatta, 4 days of motoring and locking through the canal and 2-3 days of sailing, you'll get to lower/raise the mast at least twice and manouevre in tight quarters.

I have airmiles to fly you in, but you need a passport to cross the border. We can work out the rest of it.

(You think I made that sound fun enough to get some replies???)

Edited by - Prospector on 04/13/2012 11:20:41

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 04/13/2012 : 12:02:04

One other thing that hasn't been said here. Avoid falling in love with the first boat you see. It really is a buyer's market. There are a lot of C25's out there in a wide range of prices and conditions.

I'd run away from this boat, and any other like it, if the owner were to make it difficult for a knowledgable person to get a look at the boat out of the water. That's particularly true of the swing keel mechanism. If the maintenance issues that you can see look poorly done, think twice. If you're not going to trailer this boat from sailing venue to other venues, the swing keel might not be the right boat. The only advantage of the swinger, IMHO, is the improved trailerability of the boat when compared to the fin keel. The big disadvantage, again - IMHO, is the increased and significant maintenance required to avoid catastrophic drop of the keel. There are probably a couple thousand swing keels out there and they are terrific boats but, if you don't need it, why buy it? Some buy boats to give them something to tinker with. I'm not one of them.

Figure out what kind of sailing you'll be doing. My bet is that you'll start out with short day-sails for a season or two before getting more adventurous.

There's a cliche' that gets quoted here often in these discussions: A $10,000 boat will cost $10,000 regardless of how much you pay for it up front. Standing rigging(steel wires holding up the mast), if it needs replaced, for example, coould easily cost over $1,000. Running rigging(ropes for managing the sails), $500. Sail replacement will be $1200 - $1500 if you choose off the shelf from a dealer on line. Electronics ain't cheap. If you're not real handy, labor rates can exceed $100/hour.

Chris, wish my passport was current.

Edited by - John Russell on 04/13/2012 12:07:48

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 04/13/2012 : 12:12:20

Hah, that does sound like fun!

Bringing the boat in single handedly is a very good skill to learn. When I kept my San Juan 21 on Lake Washington, this is what I did virtually every time, I don't think I had that boat out with guests more than half a dozen times. However, that was on a lake with no currents and a sail boat with relatively low windage. I learned that I could simply shut my engine down about 20-30 yards away from my slip and scull in if necessary. The previous owner was able to sail into the slip, something I never tried.

Trying that with SL wouldn't occur to me and I've never once sailed it without someone else to help. I want to remedy that, but if you've read some of my posts on that subject, you know that I'm in an "interesting" parking situation on a tidal river. The current can be running in either direction depending on the tide, rainwater run off, etc. Plus the wind can be blowing in either direction and the C-250 has relatively high free board. I've been going forward at about 1-1/2 knots downriver with the engine in reverse! Virtually no steerage in that situation.

Using a mid-ships cleat will make your docking experience much easier. Rita & I have used a "[url="http://www.catalina-capri-25s.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=15645&whichpage=1&SearchTerms=dock-o-matic"]Dock-o-matic[/url]" ([url="http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=19741&SearchTerms=bowline"]Dock-o-matic MK II[/url]) for several years with success. It's still tough as you can't really see over the gunwale to the cleat on the slip from inside the cockpit, so Rita usually ends up all but dangling over the side to get the spring line attached. Every once in a while, she misses, and it's simplest to just go over the side onto the slip to stop the boat manually. I have watched one of my dockmates bring his similarly sized boat into his slip by himself, and he uses a combination of speed and agility to successfully dock his boat. He comes in kind of fast, gives it a burst in reverse just before he enters the slip, then shuts off his engine and jumps over the side onto the slip. Seems to work pretty well for him. I plan to talk to him about it next time I see him.

Edited by - delliottg on 04/13/2012 13:15:23

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 04/13/2012 : 13:00:28

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by delliottg
 Hah, that does sound like fun!

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

For you I'll even throw in a tour of a traffic operations centre and you can act impressed by our advanced technology and whatnot. Maybe even introduce you to a couple tech-heads who speak geek - then you can write the trip off as business.

Edited by - on

awetmore
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1144 Posts

Response Posted - 04/13/2012 : 13:41:50

I've docked under sail by myself at Center for Wooden Boats, but that was on a boat (Blanchard Junior, 20x5') that weighs about a third of what a C25 weighs and in a slip with a lot more room for docking. I actually really enjoyed docking under sail and would do it in my slip if it were less crowded. My wife is better at docking under sail than I am.

Our slip has four ~25' boats in a row, with about 2-3' between the boats. It's not hard and I'm getting better at doing it without help, but it is still nice to have some eyes at the bow watching my clearance around my neighboring boats. The boat in front of me is tiny (it is the only one not 25' long, and sits low in the water) so I can't see it too well from my boat's cockpit.

I'm sure that I'll get more comfortable with single handed sailing and docking. However it would have been a bad idea for my first trip out.

Since no else has mentioned it I'm going to suggest taking classes again. It is the best way to get a lot of on the water time before spending a lot of money getting into a boat. The skills gained are going to jump start your sailing knowledge much faster than trying to do it on your own. Look for a class which maximizes your time at the helm and without too many students on the boat. Our classes just had the two of us and one instructor.

I'm sure that I could have gotten into sailing based on books and videos, but the class kept me from learning bad habits, taught me proper sail trim right away, and made me much more comfortable with handling my own boat then I'd have been if I had just bought it.

Basic sailing can be taught in a couple of hours, but there are important skills (like handling man/object overboard) that won't be learned that quickly.

Edited by - on

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 04/13/2012 : 20:24:06

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by awetmore
 ..... there are important skills (like handling man/object overboard) that won't be learned that quickly.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

That's the truth. I'm mostly self taught, from multiple books, videos, and going out and just doing it, plus experimenting different things out on the lake.

One thing I just can't seem to get is heaving to. I do it and think I've got it, but I'm still moving too much...so I don't have it. Or maybe I do and just don't know it. I really need a sailing coach out there with me on this one.

Edited by - on

krobsten
1st Mate

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46 Posts

Response Posted - 04/15/2012 : 05:13:11

Thanks again for all the great info, folks! It looks like the swing keel is not the ideal choice. Several are raising concerns, and I feel conflicted. I keep reading not to wait for the perfect boat because it doesn't exist, yet I don't want to leap into a potential problem if I could have waited for something else to come along (of course, I've been doing that for 8 years now).

Jim, thanks for checking out the route--I'll definitely find someone to go with me. I know enough to play it safe on the first try. Tom, my plans are basically to get it right off shore, drop anchor, and read. My wife and I are English teachers, so we geek out like that. I'm definitely going to get the boat appraised if I decide to buy it, and your advice on getting my wife to appreciate the boat is excellent. I really love the line, "Looking forward, it looks like you are stepping into the abyss. Looking back, you are just stepping off the dock."

Frank, I agree with you about her need to know how to sail--I'm going to wear her down eventually (just like I got her to marry me). Also, it looks like the job you did on your boat involved a lot more than turning screws! Joe, thanks for the Annaplolis DVDs recommendation--I saw those in Netflix, so I'll add them today.

Edited by - on

krobsten
1st Mate

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46 Posts

Response Posted - 04/15/2012 : 05:36:25

Steve, I think the gentlemen I'm buying the boat from is going to go with me to sail it home, so I'm hopefully okay there. Ken, I'm thinking the same thing--if I can sail it for an hour without problems, then it seems %3500 is reasonable? Pat, thanks for the "big guy" view! I listened for the "klunk" but heard nothing. Dave, thanks for pointing me Voyager's way--I'm looking into a LIS chart now. As for the swing keel, I'm not a fan after reading everything on here, but I can't find anything seaworthy for less than $3500. As for the course, my wife and I are going to be taking that in 2 weeks.

JohnP, thank you so much for the tip on the book--I ordered that, but was too late to cancel the other book. That'll have to be a gift for another new boater, I guess. I also appreciate the info on the weather--it turned out you were absolutely right--unbelievable weather. Keeldad, you are right about the head--she was RUNNING to the on shore toilet as soon as we docked, and I think she has a new appreciation for it now! As for naming it, I did put that in her hands.

John, I don't know if I need to trailer it yet or if I can get a slip, but I do need the flexibility. I kept hearing that phrase "a $10,000 boat will cost $10,000 regardless of how much you pay for it up front" in my head the whole time i was looking at the boat. Still, after looking into this for years, I figure I gotta step off the dock at some point. I'm just hoping to do it at a price and condition that lets me spread out the repairs.

THANK YOU so much to everyone who took the time to give such great advice. I really appreciate it (and I'm certainly listening).

Edited by - on

Ape-X
Admiral

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USA
662 Posts

Response Posted - 04/15/2012 : 06:06:04

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by krobsten
 Steve, I think the gentlemen I'm buying the boat from is going to go with me to sail it home, so I'm hopefully okay there. Ken, I'm thinking the same thing--if I can sail it for an hour without problems, then it seems %3500 is reasonable?
the 25 is my first keelboat, and a GREAT learning boat: Because it is small enough to still "feel" what is going on. When sailing with the previous owner, ask and practice about reducing sail area in a hurry: turning into the wind, dumping the wind off the sails. That will get you through any increased winds and a comfort level when things pick up over that other 3500%. 
Pat, thanks for the "big guy" view! I listened for the "klunk" but heard nothing. Dave, thanks for pointing me Voyager's way--I'm looking into a LIS chart now. As for the swing keel, I'm not a fan
I am not a swing keel owner: found a fin keel. I didn't want to deal with the klunk and extra service. BUT don't let that sour your experience, it is a system that works well and has proven itself. Just keep up on the maintenance.
after reading everything on here, but I can't find anything seaworthy for less than $3500. As for the course, my wife and I are going to be taking that in 2 weeks.

JohnP, thank you so much for the tip on the book--I ordered that, but was too late to cancel the other book. That'll have to be a gift for another new boater, I guess. I also appreciate the info on the weather--it turned out you were absolutely right--unbelievable weather. Keeldad, you are right about the head--she was RUNNING to the on shore toilet as soon as we docked, and I think she has a new appreciation for it now! As for naming it, I did put that in her hands.

John, I don't know if I need to trailer it yet or if I can get a slip, but I do need the flexibility. I kept hearing that phrase "a $10,000 boat will cost $10,000 regardless of how much you pay for it up front" in my head the whole time i was looking at the boat. Still, after looking into this for years, I figure I gotta step off the dock at some point. I'm just hoping to do it at a price and condition that lets me spread out the repairs.

We found the slip fees are a significant portion of the boat price. I didn't take that into account. Good deals can be found, we found a boat that required some TLC, it was seaworthy, sails great and requires work that allows us to learn about boat care. "part of the fun" I say. Anyway, I wouldn't change, as we wanted something to weekend on. We are still under $3500 after the first years improvements NOT including slip fees

THANK YOU so much to everyone who took the time to give such great advice. I really appreciate it (and I'm certainly listening).
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

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pfduffy
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Response Posted - 04/15/2012 : 07:36:43

PHOTOS!!! We need photos!!!

As far as the swing keel goes...I know my boat's lifting mechanism was ignored for over 20 years in salt water before it experienced a failure (I know this because my father-in-law owned it since new.) The failure was a bit catastrophic, but as evidenced by the fact that I am still sailing her, it was not the end of her life. I plan on sailing her for years to come.

Good luck!

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9080 Posts

Response Posted - 04/15/2012 : 07:46:13

Rob--the swing keel has served many people very well... and sunk a few boats. Back when they were making them, Catalina recommended (in print) against the swing keel for mooring in salt water. There are very few places on Long Island Sound that you can't go with a fin keel but can go with a swing. (Just keep your charts or chartplotter handy--you do not want to touch the granite around here.)

Several SK owners have retrofitted a wing keel from the factory--made to fit into the swing keel trunk. It's an expensive upgrade that, at the current age of these boats, is probably hard to justify unless you are sure you'll be keeping her for a long time. ("Famous last words.")

Have you looked at the fin ("fixed") keel C-25s in Westbrook and New Rochelle--listed on [url="http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/cache/searchResults.jsp?cit=true&slim=quick&ybw=&sm=3&searchtype=advancedsearch&Ntk=boatsEN&Ntt=&is=&man=Catalina&hmid=0&ftid=0&enid=0&fromLength=25&toLength=25&luom=126&fromYear=1980&toYear=1990&fromPrice=&toPrice=¤cyid=100&city=&rid=100&pbsint=&boatsAddedSelected=-1"]Yachtworld.com[/url]?

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 04/15/2012 07:47:24

pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 04/15/2012 : 07:57:58

A comment on docking. This seems obvious but apparently is not. The widest part of your boat is what gets to the slip finger first. I am stunned by how many people have their wife at the bow, expecting them to hurdle the pulpit ad throw their bodies between the dock and the boat; this is how wives get hurt. If you want help from someone on board your boat then have them stand at the shrouds; outside the lifelines is best, (yes, hang onto the shroud). As the finger comes along side the boat they simply step off the boat onto the dock; calmly and in relative safety. Only disposable crew should attempt to stop a hot boat, you really need to learn to use your gears and learn to stop the boat in the slip under power, then the person who has stepped safely on the dock can simply tie you up. My life line gates are always open as I approach the dock so I can simply step off the boat too. Note my advise is for slips with fingers, you other people have your own issues.

Edited by - on

krobsten
1st Mate

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46 Posts

Response Posted - 04/15/2012 : 08:24:59

Hi, folks--Pat, I started a new thread that has a ton of pics and additional information after I took the boat for a spin yesterday. I didn't want to have folks have to scroll down to find it.

Ape-X, thanks--we actually belong to a very reasonable club where it looks like $550 for slip and $350 for winter storage (plus fee for taking it out of water, sanding, painting, etc.). Hopefully I'm right on those! :)

Dave, I looked at the other boats you listed. If you look at the pics/description of the one I'm interested in, how do you think they compare? I ask because it looks like the two boats for 6,000+ don't appear to be any better off than the one I'm thinking about, and the others on that site appear significantly worse. Outside of the keel, of course. This is coming from someone who doesn't know any better, of course, so I value your opinion.

Edited by - on

JimGo
Admiral

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USA
962 Posts

Response Posted - 04/16/2012 : 08:57:05

Rob,
As suggested in the other thread, the $3500 boat sounds good. BUT, since this is the first one you've looked at, might I suggest at least taking a trip to visit the other boats? If you're REALLY worried, give the seller an earnest money deposit that gives you a right to buy it first. Basically, you give him $300-500, and say something to the effect of:

"Ok, I THINK I want your boat, but I want to look at two or three others over the next 2-3 weeks. If, in that time, you get another offer that you can substantiate, I have the choice of either paying you the balance ($3000-$3200) within a week, or you give me back my deposit and sell it to the other buyer."

Edited by - on

Sam001
Vice Commodore

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USA
441 Posts

Response Posted - 04/16/2012 : 17:24:39

OK gang====I agree to look at more Lord knows I looked at a bunch in several states
you have to make the basic decision do I spend more for one already redone
or do I get one less expensive and re do

the comment on "good with tools" applies, however if you are a real sailor you already are!

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