[sailingdog]

Trisstan—

Yes, I do... generally, refitting a boat is a lot more expensive than getting the boat in decent shape to begin with. This is especially true, with your intent of living aboard the boat. Many boatyards will not allow you to liveaboard a boat that is on the hard, especially if it is being worked on.

Often the price difference is enormous... some of the people on this forum have bought boats that have needed refitting and spent thousands of dollars more than they would have spent if they had bought the exact same make and model in near pristine shape. This doesn't even include all the time it has taken them to do the work or the massive discount they've gotten on doing the restoration by investing their sweat equity.

Sailingfool often writes something to the effect that many times people are so focussed on price, that they neglect to focus on what is really important—what value are you getting for your money. You don't want to buy a cheap boat—you want to buy a high-quality boat in good shape for as little money as possible. Cheap boats are often expensive... because they generally don't hold up as well over time and are generally not cared for as well as a higher-quality boat that is the same age. If you start with a really good boat to begin with, the chances that it will be in decent shape are much higher.

Originally Posted by trisstan87

Dog you commented during a write-up. I actually have, and will, refer to the thread you started. I read your thread before I bought the book on inspecting old sailboats because your post made me aware of how important that knowledge can be. I have also consulted the Baldwin boat list. I just want a small cheapy to have to sail and be capable of a little local voyaging when the time arises.
Do you really think it is a better idea to lay out more money for the boat when refitting will still be necessary to some degree? My MAIN PRIORITY is to have the lowest possible total cost for a seaworthy boat.