Buying a boat DBL ARRRGH

[saurav16]

Hi all,

I am in the same position as the other guys posting here, however my budget is a little smaller. I am looking for preferably a cruiser/race 27-30ft for 5k-8k USD. Now my question to you is, is that possible? I had a 27ft catalina surveyed which didn't do well. Any other brands you all would recommend. I will primarily be sailing with just me and my girlfriend along the hudson. I would prefer an inboard diesel however the A-4 boats could be looked at. What boats do you think I should be looking at? Should I got down in size to meet my budget? Any of you have similar experiences buying a boat? Let me know, thanks!

[TSteele65]

Given your budget, I'd lower the size. You're setting yourself up for a major headache otherwise.

[sailingdog]

IMHO, 5-8K is pretty tight for anything over 27'... Also, you really should reserve a bit of the budget for some upgrades, re-fitting or modifications to the boat...since you will probably have something that you want to change after getting it.

[saurav16]

What size then would you guys recommend then given my budget budget and for cruising on the Hudson and maybe going out to block island once in awhile? Also what brands?

[cardiacpaul]

i found over 70 boats from catalina, s2, hunter, even a watkins in the NE where the asking price is no more than 10,900.00. (26-27 ft)
given the fudge factor, I'm sure a couple of them would fit in your budget and have enough fun tickets left for a 6-pack or two.

[hellosailor]

"a cruiser/race 27-30ft for 5k-8k USD. Now my question to you is, is that possible?"
I'd say possible but strongly inadvisable. If you can buy that much boat for that much money, you certainly won't get a healthy diesel with it. You probably will get a terribly used A4 or an outboard that someone threw on it to replace a burnt out inboard--which is a Frankenstein thing you don't want to get into.
And, at that price you're probably looking at an old tired boat, even if it is a Pearson26 with the wrong (short shaft, low power) outboard bolted on.

Then there's the main powerplant, the sails. At that price range you'll probably need new sails this year or next, figure $3-4000 for a main and 150 genoa, maybe a bit less ($2500-2800?) at the right time of year for basic dacron.

But since I'm a pessimist, you'd better ask CPaul to come up for dinner and check out some boats with you.

[BarryL]

Hey,

IMHO, with that budget I would look for a 25-27' boat. And, I would look for a boat with an outboard, not an inboard. This way it is much cheaper and easier to replace the engine, AND you have much more space inside, AND the boat is simpler and easier to maintain (no thruhull for water intake, shaft log, exhaust system).

Some boats that come to mind are Catalina 27, O'day 27 and 272, Ericson, S2 8.0, Cat 25.

If you can find one, the O'day 272 would be an excellent choice, as it would be newer (mid 80's), shoal draft, etc.

One last comment, I sold my Newport 28 for $14K, and I doubt you will be able to get anything bigger in decen condition for less than that.

Good luck,
Barry

[toddrtownsend]

Saurav,

For your cruising grounds, as described, perhaps you could do with a smaller boat.

I wanted to give you my example. I looked for a couple years. I wanted a full keel attached rudder that could be a Tristan Jones kind of bluewater capable liveaboard. I found a Cape Dory 28; a very solid little ship. The boat was listed for $7500; they took $5,000. Do Not Be Afraid to negotiate. I probably left money on the table; they took my offer in less than 36 hours.

Now, this Cape Dory is solid but needs some work. I have a few months worth of work before she is in the water. But I got a solid bluewater boat with a diesel, two good sails [and three so so]. I am doing most of the work myself. I am rebedding deck hardware, replacing the cockpit floor, doing some epoxy work on a cockpit locker hatch and bottom paint. Eventually, I'll replace the standing rigging a couple sizes larger and replace the portlights. I am flirting with the idea of an epoxy barrier coat.

If you have time and if you don't mind some work, you can get more boat than you think. You will have to weigh how much work and what boat, but keep looking. I am partial to 'shippy' boats like Cape Dory's or Tritons and such. Your mileage may vary.

TrT

[saurav16]

Todd,

Do you have previous experience working with fiberglass repair?

[Sailormann]

If you go for an Atomic 4 over the diesel, then you should be able to get a C&C 27 in your area and in your price range...

They were the best-selling C&C model. There were five versions made. Some of the versions are noticeably different. I think that the Mk III is the favoured one for cruising, and the Mk V is the better club racer. The 27's have a reputation for soggy decks - not sure if it is a case of them being built differently from other C&C's or if it is just because there are so many of them out there that you heard more about it. In any event, an awful lot of them have been recored by now, so chances are fairly good that you'll find one in decent shape.

Good boats, active class association and some parts are still available. You might also look at Paceships and Grampians - two lesser-known brands that were well-built and tend to sell at resonable prices.