For Sale - How's this sound?

campbdon · #1 (**permalink**) 02-09-2009

Hi there!
I've come across a Cal 2-27 for sale locally that looks pretty good to my eyes, but not to my budget. Asking is 16K CAN$. Owner needs to sell by launch this spring due to job relocation. I've had a look (on the hard) and she looks in fine shape, but of course I reserve judgment until a full marine survey was completed. I am also waiting on confirmation about the age, but here's some specs on her.

LOA 26'7" Beam 9'3"
Apparently "26k" CAN$ spent on upgrades (No details or supporting documentation as of yet)
"New" set of Doyle sails (plus the originals). Sail area 374 Sqft.
"Some of her standing and running rigging is new"
Atomic diesel, converted from Petro to Biodiesel (!!!)
Alcohol stove
Roller Furling
Whitlock Wheel and single control (throttle and shifter in one)
Raymarine ST-40 Bidata (Speed, Depth and Temperature)
Raymarine ST-40 Wind
New binnacle Compass
New Bulkhead Compass
Standard Horizon Chartplotter
New Bimini
Half a new dodger (partially constructed)
All new cushions
New diesel tank
New head ("full size"),and holding tank
Full galley with running (cold) water (new water system) (however the pump stopped working at the end of the season, it was only installed less than half a season

Any thoughts? I am in the Toronto, Ontario area.
Also I would welcome any recommendations on a local surveyor.

thanks,
don

AlanBrown · #2 (**permalink**) 02-09-2009

It sounds as if the current owner really tried to fill that hole in the water with money! Certainly this is to your advantage.

Only one thing caught my eye. Did to owner convert his Atomic 4 engine from gasoline to diesel or did he replace the gas engine with a diesel one? This may sound stupid, but I've never heard of that type of a conversion being done. If he did replace the engine, was it new or used?

sailortjk1 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-09-2009

Lots of upgrades maybe, but its still a 30 year old boat.
Cal 2-27's were last produced around 1980 I believe.
Sounds a bit high if you ask me. Two others on YW for $8600 & $9500 USD.
What is the current exchange rate?? about 20%?? or $12,800US for this boat. Not sure I would be willing to bite at that price.

WouldaShoulda · #4 (**permalink**) 02-09-2009

Atomic diesel, converted from Petro to Biodiesel (!!!)

What the...

AjariBonten · #5 (**permalink**) 02-09-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by WouldaShoulda

Atomic diesel, converted from Petro to Biodiesel (!!!)

What the...

Good deal if you own a restaurant......

sailingfool · #6 (**permalink**) 02-09-2009

The Cal 2-27 is a nice boat, and this example sounds like a good one. I assume the engine is a Universal diesel, referring to it as an Atomic is pretty confusing.

My opinion has always been you can get more boat, and are more likely to get what you pay for, if you buy a well maintained boat at a premium price. I encourage you to chase this boat, you may be the lucky next owner. See how price-sensitive the seller is, you probably can get something off asking, just don't expect to make a "killing".. Be willing to pay a fair price, which may well be close to asking...get your boat and engine surveys...if the surveys are clean, you are set.

If you are uncomroftable paying this price, take a look at a few of the boats listed for around $10k, figure out what a new set of sails, new interior cushions, =etc. willl coast, then plunk that $16K down before someone else figures out what a good deal it may be.

tommays · #7 (**permalink**) 02-09-2009

One thing i have learned the hard way is

"A house is expected to have windows"

Just because someone put in a 20,000 dollar diesel and 10,000 in sails it will NOT make the boat worth 30,000 more than the same boat with older parts as long as everything is in good condition on both boats

Will the boat with brand new parts be worth more YES but there is still a limit

patrickrea · #8 (**permalink**) 02-09-2009

Not knowing the age of the boat, it's difficult to say wether or not it's a good deal. It sounds like someone else bought a project boat and now is not able to complete what they set out to do. IF the major systems (hull, deck, standing rigging, spars, tanks, engine and such) are mechanicaly fit, they it may be a good deal. The price of upholstery alone may make it worthwhile.

Converting a gas engine to diesel is basically an impossibility. The physical properties of the 2 fuels precludes the change. Do a Google search on it. I looked converting my old Bronco 4x4 for bio-diesel and it is non-starter. This means the owner has yanked the A4 out and put in a diesel - either an actual Universal Diesel or some other brand. If they did, the this makes the deal even more much better good. Switching to a diesel plant means a new tank and new fuel lines were installed and that was probably done by a pro. Not many amateurs want to attempt yanking 300-500pounds out through the comapnionway or deal with cutting fuel tanks apart and run the risk of blowing the boat apart.

Regarding a surveyor in the Toronto area, I used Port Credit Marine Surveys for my boat. Wallace is on this site and goees by the name boatpoker. Look him up. He'll give you the straight talk.

WouldaShoulda · #9 (**permalink**) 02-09-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickrea

Not many amateurs want to attempt yanking 300-500pounds out through the comapnionway or deal with cutting fuel tanks apart and run the risk of blowing the boat apart.

That's when things get REALLY scary!!

sailortjk1 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-09-2009

Source, Seal's Spars and Rigging.
"Bill Lapworth designed the Cal 2-27 in 1973 for Jensen Marine (also known as Cal-Boats) in Costa Mesa, California., which produced the boat from 1974 to 1980."

Quote:

I am also waiting on confirmation about the age

Like I said, she is at least 29 years old and could be as old as 35.