Pawcatuck, CT boat buying assistance needed

Wingedsig · #1 03-06-2008

New to sailing and looking to purchase my first boat. I was looking at a Hunter 31 in CT and could use another opinion before going any further. I cannot PM anyone in the "local boat buying assistance" thread as I do not have 10 posts to allow me to send a private PM.

I see "davidpm" covers CT. If he or anyone else would be able to take a look at the boat and offer their opinions I would be very appreciative.

Thanks.

David

sailingdog · #2 03-06-2008

Wingedsig-

I"d highly recommend you reformat your e-mail address to something like fiveabs [at] sbcglobal dot net or something to that effect so the spammer webcrawlers don't get your e-mail address.

Also, highly recommend you read this post to get the most out of sailnet.

As for getting ten posts... go hang out in the Song thread.

Brezzin · #3 03-07-2008

Dave
Tell us about the boat. Year, condition, extra equipment and so on.

Wingedsig · #4 03-07-2008

All,

Thanks for your advice and pointers on posting, original post has been "fixed".

In regards to the Hunter, its a 1984 w/ Yanmar of unknown hours. Sails, main and 100% genoa, are said to be in fair condition, unverified. Needs plenty of interior cleaning. Boat is in water and unable to gauge condition of hull. Electric heater running in engine compartment, I assume all winter. No owner to talk to. Sail cover and dodger are torn. Cushions in cabin have a few torn spots. Hot/cold water, stove/oven, standard nav./speed gauges.

I am capable of doing the work to get it back in shape, just need to be realistic about how much time and money. It doesn't have to be done all at once for my benefit. Asking price in the mid teens. Before I would make an offer and then invest in a survey, I would sure love your opinions and suggestions.

David

sailingdog · #5 03-07-2008

Wingedsig-

My guess, since it is a 1984 31' boat, is that it is not one of the Cherubini designs. The Cherubini designs were much more well regarded than the early non-Cherubini designs IIRC. Personally, I'd recommend looking elsewhere.

If you're still interested in the boat, you might want to get Don Casey's Inspecting the Aging Sailboat and read it. It has a pretty good checklist for you to follow. Get it...go to the boat with the checklist and see how it does.... if it passes, then the boat is probably worth looking at further.

Brezzin · #6 03-07-2008

First of all I'm not a surveyor so take this advice for what it's worth. One thing I can tell you is that it is not a Cherb design. They stopped in 83.

But if you look at the boat right now, damage to the canvas, dirty interior and a Heater in the engine compartment? Sounds like it was not cared for to well. I would be concerned about blistering on the hull along with voids on the deck and chain plate leaks. Also I would be very cautious of the steering quadrant and cable.

I will agree with SD about looking elsewhere but this is also sight unseen.

citation34 · #7 03-07-2008

The Cherubini 33' Hunter is reputedly a much better built boat than the later 31'. Usually tend to be priced better. Same said for all of the Cherubinis vs the mid eighties Hunters. Look in Yachtworld.

sailingdog · #8 03-07-2008

Yes, the Cherubini-designed Hunters are generally fairly well regarded and generally considered better built than the mid-eighties non-Cherubini models. While the Cherubini Hunters were fairly seaworthy, the later ones were not generally considered as solid or seaworthy.

It would help if you said what kind of sailing plans you have for yourself and the boat, as that might give us some idea of what boats to recommend to you.

Wingedsig · #9 03-07-2008

Thanks for the feedback. My sailing plans are coastal New England when my experience level dicatates. I might be able to swing 2 weeks vacation at one time for longer excursions, but for the most part, family outings for the day with overnights mixed in. Just want to get out and enjoy the experience.

paulk · #10 03-07-2008

For what seems like a long time, asking prices for used boats have hovered around the $1000 per foot range. More for boats good condition, (sometimes a LOT more) and perhaps a little bit less than that for boats in lesser condition. Asking prices are often wishful thinking, and boats usually sell for less than their asking prices. To be ASKING in the mid-teens, for a 31' boat - even for a Hunter, which is not generally regarded as being a top of the line boat, but one which might generally meet your stated needs - sounds like they're either really desperate to sell, or know more about the boat's actual condition than you do. It may be just what you're looking for, and at the right price, or it may need more work than you would believe possible (or be able to pay for). Read the suggested books, take time to look her over thoroughly (there won't be a lot of other buyers out there with the economy the way it is lately, so don't feel rushed) and if you still think she's OK, make an offer (subject to passing a survey that you hire a good surveyor to do) and see what happens.