With this post... Hmmm...
to be thought provoking?
Well, I wanted to see if that type of situation really is as true as I thought it might be. I'd say that is a hands down TRUE!
The reality and morality of boat sales. The pitfalls and rewards can be exstream. I'd say is a definite yes!
My situation was this: I was so much on guard about getting in over my head that instead of 30 - 35 ft boat as my first boat. I bought a little hunter 23 which was a nice boat but not what wanted. I bought the Hunter anyway because I was learning to sail and listened to others saying "smaller is better for your first boat."
I sort of continued looking at boats for sale online and where ever I happend to see them. cked with my bank... got a "yes" for up to 35K! (that really made me afraid to getting in too deep!
) Found a Lippincott 30, pretty boat! 18k, coulda had it for 14 I'm sure. Looked at a Pearson 323, 24k nice boat.. but the "broker" didn't have a clue how long they even had it, where the sails were, etc. Looked at others.. not worth mentioning.
I found the 1982 Oday 30 I now own. 15k The PO was antsy to sell because he needed to get his other boat in the water. Sold the Hunter the same week! (good omen from the sailing gods?) The quick haul, power wash, and survey were all good reports. really enjoyed the sea trial. "Lots of TLC" but nothing major. ( I knew that!)
The hindsight of what I "coulda, shoulda, woulda" done if I were less worried about getting ripped off kinda still haunts me. The money I spent for the Hunter "coulda" went towards a newer boat. A newer boat "woulda" had less problems. (not always true I know) I "shoulda" went for a 30 -35 ft boat as my first.