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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Going to survey on a Freedom 32...

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smythyll
Deckhand

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USA
21 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/03/2005 : 10:42:30

...on Friday morning. When I bought my Catalina 25, I never did a survey (other than my own close inspection), so this is the first time. I've read plenty on the net, but does anyone have any unique experiences to share?

Thanks.

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ilnadi
Captain

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452 Posts

Response Posted - 08/03/2005 : 10:46:22

Pay attention to the "warnings". I have had to fix quite a number of the stuff the surveyor warned me about and I kinda dismissed.

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John G-
Admiral

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793 Posts

Response Posted - 08/03/2005 : 11:03:11

If, after the survey, you still want the boat but the survey has pointed out some problems that you feel you shouldn’t have to pay for get an estimate of what the repair would cost and use it in the negotiations.
You may not get all the cost but it will keep the repair bill from looking so huge after the purchase.
I surveyed a C25 and it pointed out a grounding that would require a new rudder or a repair and some fiberglass work. The owner refused to budge so I went on to find [url="http://www.catalina25-250.org/photo/peregrine2.jpg"]"Peregrine"[/url], my current boat. I latter found out that the first boats owner had to come down on price to get it sold.

Underlined words are a HOT link.

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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts

Response Posted - 08/03/2005 : 16:02:34

Hire a surveyor, but do your own survey of the boat. Surveyors don't point out everything that's wrong with a boat. After I bought the boat I found that almost every electric pump on the boat needed to be replaced (about five, at from $110. to $190. each), and I found other problems he failed to mention. Look into every nook and cranny, and turn on every switch for every device, and ensure that they all work. If you don't know how to turn everything on, make the owner do it for you.

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pwhallon
Admiral

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USA
694 Posts

Response Posted - 08/05/2005 : 17:13:17

I agree Steve,

Remember that Marinette I had. The Surveyer missed a couple of crucial and ultimately expensive things. I should have looked her over more carefully myself.

Have you ever asked for referrals from a Surveyor?

PW

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cathluk
Admiral

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USA
513 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2005 : 21:49:31

Make time to be there when he/she surveys the boat. When we had our almost new C250 surveyed our surveyor spent over 2 hours on a scorching 95+ degree day going over the boat in excruciating detail. He didn't find much wrong in the only 2 year old boat, but I sure learned a lot. Also, you'll know what was checked & what wasn't. I agree with Nadi & John - pay attention to the surveyor's report & respond accordingly.

Good luck - the Freedom 32 is a nice boat.

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At Ease
Admiral

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672 Posts

Response Posted - 08/07/2005 : 16:00:02

Carry a notebook and follow the surveyor around. Make lots of notes and ask lots of questions...it will be a great learning experience. Remember, he is working for you and, if you do not know the answer, there is no such thing as a 'dumb question.'

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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 08/07/2005 : 17:55:53

Before I bought my 89 wing I paid to have two of them surveyed. I found out that there was a big difference between the two surveyors, each had their strength and weaknesses. Between the first and second survey I read all that I could on the C25. I also got the Don Casey book "Inspecting the aging sailboat" from Amazon.com.
I suggest you get that book too. It wasn't expensive, $21.95 less whatever discount Amazon has that day. If you buy 25 bucks worth of stuff from Amazon you don't pay shipping (So buy a CD too)
I would also do an internet search and see if there are any associations, although I doubt that there are many associations as good as ours. Ask questions of other Freedom 32 owners.
You can figure about 10 to 12 dollars per foot for a survey, and 150 to 200 to haul out the boat.
I'm also a big fan of the broker system. You as a buyer (and as a seller) have lots of legal protection when you use the contract forms that a broker has. And as a buyer, you aren't paying for that protection either. You are the sole judge whether or not a boat passes survey, and if you don't like the results, you get your 10% deposit that you put on the boat back. But not the survey cost of course. I had a broker ask me for a copy of the survey, and I told him he could have it for half the cost I paid for it.
Good luck

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smythyll
Deckhand

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USA
21 Posts

Response Posted - 08/08/2005 : 17:59:33

Survey done -- all is well!! The biggest issue found on the survey was "boat pox." As much as I've read on this blistering issue, I've decided to buy the boat anyway. Seems like there are a million opinions on blistering, but I think my surveyor said it best: Steel boats rust, wooden boats rot, and fiberglass boats blister. And given the severity, or lack thereof, of the blisters, coupled with the incredible condition of the boat otherwise, we negotiated the price downward by a couple thou and are tickled pink!

Other minor issues are: engine could use a slight alignment, couple of bolts missing or loose, one broken block, port cleat needs rebedding, strut needs to be re-bedded at next haulout as it's a little loose, and a couple of other really minor maintenance issues.

We sailed it on Friday and it was awesome! The self tending jib worked great, the main (full batten) was awesome power, and the engine performed flawlessly.

We take possession Friday, and will hopefully spend a great weekend on our new ride!!

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PamC
Navigator

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171 Posts

Response Posted - 08/09/2005 : 11:53:46

Congrats on the new boat! Dave & I have been looking at Freedoms for when we ultimately move aboard. The ease of sailing being one of the most appealing features. The 32 has a great cabin too. I may bug you as time goes on for updates on how you're liking it. Best of luck!

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smythyll
Deckhand

Members Avatar

USA
21 Posts

Response Posted - 08/09/2005 : 13:36:35

Thanks! We love the Freedom, especially for the kids! As a liveaboard, I think the boat would be awesome. From a comparison perspective, the Freedom feels like a 40 footer inside, whereas the Catalina 30 feels like a 34 or so.

Ease of sailing?? How about tacking with the turn of the wheel!! No sheets to release or pull in, no lines to clean up every time you tack, and wing n wing is something my 5 year old will soon master! The Freedom we're buying also has a drifter that is basically used as an oversized jib (about a 200 or so), so when racing or whenever we want. And the gun mount spinnaker is pretty cool too, and a little intimidating although its ease of use is amazing!

We are certainly excited and plan to spend many a weekend on our new toy. I have even started to consider racing it, although I don't know the first thing about racing! Email me anytime you want and I can send pictures or offer experiences.

Jeff

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.