Buying a Catalina C320

[Kavalad]

I''m considering buying a 1998 C-320. The boat is located in the southern mid-west where it''s not necessary to haul the boat in the winter since the fresh water lake does not freeze over. The owner says the boat has not been hauled since it was commissioned three years ago. While I certainly will have the boat surveyed, should I ask the surveyor to pay special attention the possible moisture in the hull or am I unduly concerned. He says the boat had epoxy barrier coat put on at commissioning.

Thanks in advance for your comments.

[sailthechesapke]

I doubt that you would have much to worry about unless there were problems in the hull layup at the time of manufacture. But crazier things than that have happened, so I would have the most "suspicious" survey I could obtain. And who applied that barrier coating--Catalina, the owner, and what did they use? Never assume anything. Just as important is being assured that there hasn''t been any hull damage. But I doubt you will have much trouble.

Todd

PS. How did you obtain the surveyor? Assume he isn''t the recomendation of the broker, if there is one.

[Kavalad]

Todd,

Thanks for the reply. I appreciate your input. I haven''t selected a surveyor yet. I''m to look at the boat for the first time this weekend and if the general condition of the boat is acceptable, I will then select a surveyor. I saw the boat on the Internet and talked to the owner on the phone. These message board forums are great for coming up to speed quickly in unfamiliar areas. The owner is selling the boat himself so there is no broker. I''m not sure who/when the barrier coat was put on but it will surely be a question I''ll check out. My list is getting longer but I recognise the basic tenant of buying,,,"Buyer Beware".

Thanks again for the quick response and your input.

Dic

[Kavalad]

Todd,

Thanks for the reply. I appreciate your input. I haven''t selected a surveyor yet. I''m to look at the boat for the first time this weekend and if the general condition of the boat is acceptable, I will then select a surveyor. I saw the boat on the Internet and talked to the owner on the phone. These message board forums are great for coming up to speed quickly in unfamiliar areas. The owner is selling the boat himself so there is no broker. I''m not sure who/when the barrier coat was put on but it will surely be a question I''ll check out. My list is getting longer but I recognise the basic tenant of buying,,,"Buyer Beware".

Thanks again for the quick response and your input.

Dic