I'm new...Go easy on me. I Want to buy a Lightning

JimDaddy · #1 (**permalink**) 01-11-2007

There is a Lightning for sale locally that I going to look at tomorrow. It is for sale by the second owner. Its a 1972 Nichols and someone. It looks to be the original baby blue and white color scheme. He wants 1,900 bucks for it. It has a SS centerboard, repainted trailer, main, 3 jibs, spinnaker w/pole. Sheets are old but serviceable. Main sheet needs replacing. Stays and shouds are nice. I'm going to look at it more closely tomorrow (inspect the sails, etc).

Is this too much money for an older boat?

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/boa/260963477.html

bubb2 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-12-2007

Lightning's are great designs. I learned to sail on an old wood Lightning over 35 years ago and to this day I do not pass up a chance to crew on one even though i own an bigger boat. It's on S&S design from the 40"s. Stable for an centerboarder, fast enough in an blow to keep you interested and an cockpit the can seat 4 to 6 people which is rare for an 19 foot boat. Yes, I do have an soft spot in my heart for lightning's, If the boat is in good or better condition than $1900 is an fair price. Used Lightning's in serviceable condition go for $1,500 and up. have fun

JimDaddy · #3 (**permalink**) 01-12-2007

Well that was dissappointing. Are the trailer supports supposed to depress the hull about 1". Or, should you be able to press down the deck in some spots and not in others?

The deck and hull were soft in a number of places. The Rub rails were boken and the skeg was cracked. Oh and the rudder was missing.

It looked great from 30' away.

Bummed

sailingdog · #4 (**permalink**) 01-12-2007

UGH... and no...the trailer supports shouldn't cause the hull to dent noticeably...and the deck isn't supposed to be the consistency of marshmallow fluff...

longwaterline · #5 (**permalink**) 01-13-2007

I agree that the S & S designed day sailor/racer is a great design. I now cruise on a 36 foot S2 but enjoyed sailing the Lightening. I owned hull no. 9110 for several years and loved it. I would keep looking for one in either fiberglass or wood. You can't go wrong with that design, but the rot you desribe is not worth dealing with.

Loewe · #6 (**permalink**) 01-16-2007

Where are you Jim? Check with yacht clubs in your area. Although there are still folks active in Lightning fleets, there are dozens of these boats in club lots just waiting for the inevitable. Shop around.

Regards, Red