Hello All,
Just thought it was time to update this thread...
Based on the very sound advice offered, I quietly allowed the idea of flying off to the Virgin Islands, buying the Cabo Rico and sailing her back home to California melt away.
I looked for her again recently to see if she had sold. Not only is she still on the market, but the price has been lowered by a whopping eleven thousand dollars (from 39K to 28K).
Well --I thought to myself-- this boat may have some major problems but if they're going to give her away, I want to be the first in
line. So I sent an email to the one person I thought might be able to provide specific details about the boat's condition: The Broker
Believe me; I hesitated in writing the broker. Brokers seem to have a bad reputation here at SailNet and probably for good reason. But my expectations were low enough that I felt protected from disappointment. To be honest, I half expected no response from the listing agent. My experience has been that agents/brokers don't reply to email and I'm guessing they don't even check their mailboxes with any regularity.
I also expected that should I receive a response, it would be along the
lines of:
The boat's in pretty good shape, especially for the price. I'm sure she'll make it to California with maybe just some gentle sailing techniques. Come down and have a look!
But I was pleasantly surprised to have received a response that was not only timely (the next day) but also appeared to be forthcoming regarding the challenges facing the boat (and the new owner). So I thought I would share the major portions of the agent's email:
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I believe the hull and deck are structurally sound. The teak decks need to
be removed and resurfaced. The deck gelcoat is also very worn and could be
repainted when the new deck surfaces were finished. The bow & stern pulpits,
stanchions and lifelines all need replacing. The spars appear to be fine and
some of the standing rigging was replaced on the main mast in 2000. The
sails are reportedly 10-12 old and in fair condition. The boat has not been
hauled out since 2000 so it definitely needs new bottom paint. An epoxy
barrier coat was applied in 2000 during the last haulout in 2000. The engine
starts easily and sounds good but, I have not witnessed the engine under
load, only idling on the mooring. The interior is in decent shape but, the
aft cabin cabinetry could use some finish work. The owner did some
remodeling but didn't complete the installation of trim work and doors on
some of the storage compartments. The interior also needs all new cushions
and upholstery. As for plumbing and electrical I think most of it is OK but,
should be checked before cruising. New navigation instruments are needed.
This boat can certainly be revived and enjoyed again but, she needs a
considerable amount of work. Ideally she will be bought by a boat savvy
person who can do most of the work himself. There are several yards and
enough parts available locally to get it done. What can’t be procured
locally can be ordered. Once she is refit the boat could cruise thru the
canal and on to the west coast.
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Of course, I have no way of knowing whether or not the agent "forgot" to mention the two most critical problems or the three hundred fifty-two minor problems, but he did seem to make it clear that the boat would do best with a new owner that is dripping with "boat savvy" (broker speak for money, of course).
So I will again allow this idea to slip away... but please, God, let me find a boat to buy here in California before the price of this one drops to 10K!
Cheers Mates!