[eherlihy]

Thank you for all the support. Sailnet ROCKS!

Because you have all been so supportive, I thought that I would share the conclusion of this deal.

To put this in context, the boat is currently in her slip, so beneath the waterline examination was not possible. According to his last email;

Up grades to current codes and specifications is not being offered.

However, below are two pictures of the bilge of this vessel. Other than the bilge, and a loose radar mast, the rest of the vessel looked as if it was never untied from the dock in the last 20 years.

These pix were shared with the owner in my initial follow up email.


I loved the tape and wire nuts. Any ideas about what killed the battery?

There appear to be keel bolts, but I shudder to think of what is left of them.



Here then, with minor edits and redactions, is the email reply that I sent to the owner after his offer to meet me half way (?!);

Mr X,

Thank you for showing some flexibility in your price.

I had hoped that my earlier email would show you that I am a knowledgeable buyer, that would appreciate and take care of Slip Queen. I suggested that she would be worth in the mid X thousands to me. I have not, however, made any offer, so I don't know where you are getting your figure from. Please do not make assumptions, or mistake me for a fool.

I am sure that you realize, that boats require constant maintenance and care, yet they are a depreciating asset. The longer you own them, the more money that you have to put into them, yet the less they're worth. Also, I am sure that you know that used boats are not selling briskly right now. NADA states that a boat of this model and year, in average condition, is worth $X. "An average retail valued boat should be in good condition with no visible damage or defects. This boat will show moderate wear and tear and will be in sound running condition." Slip Queen does not meet these criteria for the reasons that I detailed in my earlier email.

If you and your family feel that you are getting $X of enjoyment from her, then spend the money to have the keel bolts replaced, get the motor serviced, and have the electrical fixed - properly, and take them out sailing. Otherwise, sell her. If you decide to sail her, in her current condition, you are putting yourself, your passengers, and whomever comes to rescue you at risk.

If you decide to sell and wish to wait for some fool with 150% of NADA to spend, good luck to you, but be prepared for a long wait. I know of another same year and make boat that has been on the market in my state for over 5 years, yet still hasn't sold. Do you really want to wait that long? However, if you decide that you would rather sell her at a fair price, then I invite you to reply. Before you reply, please think about how often you sail her and whether you really want to sell her.

I am planning to look at three other boats of the same make and model next week. I will go through each of them as I did Slip Queen. Each of these boats is represented by a broker (who will take 10% of the agreed upon price), and I expect to find that they all meet the criteria of "average condition." All of these boats have more equipment than Slip Queen, and asking prices below 130% of NADA.

I suggest that you think very carefully about what Slip Queen is really worth to you and your family.

I finialized making arrangement to see the other three boats today.