looking for a first boat

[chzburgr]

I haven't sailed in years but me and my wife want to get into it now. All of my sailing for the next few years will either be on Lake Coeur d alene or on the Snake River in ID/WA. We are looking at a 1978 Bayliner Buccaneer 27. It is a little rough around the edges but appears as if it will meet our needs. Was curious as to how much to offer for it. Currently it is the only boat in our area for sale. Any suggestions.

[sailingdog]

Don't buy it. The Bayliner Buccaneers were horrible little boats that have serious construction issues, poor sailing performance and IMHO are UGLY.

[bljones]

Before you commit to the Buccaneer (which sounds like the going price for corn on the cob, doesn't it?) because it is the only boat for sale in the area, place a "wanted' ad on craigslist, kijiji, flyers at the local marina, grocery store, etc., and give it 30 days to work. You might be surprised at what comes out of the woodwork.
Additionally, it sounds like what you are looking for is a trailer- sailor. Lots of them around, and the best part is, because they are on a trailer, it makes your potential boatsearch area wider, as the transport costs are a LOT lower. So, widen your horizons, and see what else is out there.

[sailingdog]

Another good idea is to walk the local boatyards and marinas, as they'll often have boats that may be up for sale that aren't published anywhere.

I'd recommend you read the Boat Inspection Trip Tips thread I started, as it will help you determine whether any boats you look at are even worth going forward on, saving you the price of a survey for boats that aren't worth looking at further.

Finally, I'd recommend you get the Henkel's book, The Sailor’s Book of Small Cruising Sailboats: Reviews and Comparisons of 360 Boats Under 26 Feet

[chzburgr]

OK multiple people stopped me from looking at the buccaneer including some seemingly random guy on the dock who stopped me and said "your not gonna buy that thing its a piece of sh*%. Anyway just so happens this guy has a 84 Meritt 22 that is in excellent condition sailed probably 20 times and stored inside much of that time. The guy owns a sailboat buisiness and bought it as an investment. any thoughts.?

[tomwatt]

Second the suggestion to walk the docks and boatyards, and ask around. People know people... there are a lot of boats out there, often taking up space in boatyards that the yard owners would love to have gone... owners abandon them, or otherwise cease to make storage payments, owners die and the family either doesn't want it or doesn't know anything about boats, etc.
Look around, climb in and out of a few of them. Ask. Your diligence will be rewarded.

[Dumah]

another source often ignored is government surplus. I just bought a 35' Cape Island that was siezed two years ago under proceeds of crime for $817 including tax ! Yes these deals are rare, but NOT nonexistant.

Cheers, Dumah, Halifax

[chzburgr]

Thanks everyone for your helpful comments. I bought a US Yacht 25 in excellent condition.

[SW329xl]

Congratulations on the boat. Did you find it walking the yards, or was it advertised somewhere?

[mackconsult]

Look for a cal or catalina. Most of them were trailerable, and even the older ones are good boats with a quick check of the deck, deck/hull joint, keel, and shroud bases/forestay.

1973 22 Ft. Catalina Sail Boat
catalina 22
Sailboat-1972 CATALINA C-27

Originally Posted by bljones

Before you commit to the Buccaneer (which sounds like the going price for corn on the cob, doesn't it?) because it is the only boat for sale in the area, place a "wanted' ad on craigslist, kijiji, flyers at the local marina, grocery store, etc., and give it 30 days to work. You might be surprised at what comes out of the woodwork.
Additionally, it sounds like what you are looking for is a trailer- sailor. Lots of them around, and the best part is, because they are on a trailer, it makes your potential boatsearch area wider, as the transport costs are a LOT lower. So, widen your horizons, and see what else is out there.