[Jeff_H]

First of all, I have no idea of why you think that having the original hardware on a J-30 so a good thing because even when new the original hardware on a J-30 was pretty dangerous stuff with line locks that could not be released under load and deck layouts aimed at huge crews.

J-30''s that have been raced have generally been maintained so that they can hold together with the strains of racing. That means repairs to the keel connections, chainplates and coring. A J-30 that has not been kept up to racing is more likely to have a series of ''needs''. Also these boats are old enough that you should budget for new standing and running rigging, new electronics, an engine rebuild, up to date safety gear, and new sails at the very least. Those combined are pretty much equal to the value of the boat.

Most boat loans won''t cover the costs of fixing a boat up. You would be best off buying the boat on a marine loan and then using your home equity to put the ole girl into sound condition.

Frankly the best deals on 20 year old boats are ones that someone else has loving restored because loving restored boats of that vintage rarely sell for as much as the owners have in them.

Respectfully,
Jeff