"The One"?

[Bandit521]

I am looking for my wife and I's first boat. We are looking for a weekender that can handle Bellingham Bay and the San Juans. She has no experience and I have very little (sailing) experience. I have motor boating experience so I am familiar with that portion. We are both taking the ASA 101 course middle of next month. We also have a friend with a (29') sailboat that will be taking us out to "get our feet damp".

I have scoured these forum absorbing all the information I can and have much more to do, as well as all the books available on the subject. We have looked at several boats and determined that we will be forgoing the trailerable boats due to the size of our vehicle (SUV) and the weekending capability. Since we ruled that out, we are now looking at 26' boats.

After looking at several boats in this range (our budget is under 10k), I was becoming discouraged (mostly with my first impression) as to the shape they are in.

I was walking the docks at the local marina going to look at a Pearson 26 when I came across a San Juan 7.7 that had a for sale sign on it. Not knowing much about sailboats and just going on the "pretty" factor, something reeled me in. The boat is the cleanest I have seen to date. Decided to contact the owner and look inside. The interior reflected the exterior - spotless. The ntire interior has been redone including wood and carpet. There is no inboard install, although it will be included so I have something to tinker on. It does include a 9.9 outboard, 3 sails & hard dinghy. The owner was very knowledgeable and informative and willing to help me, even if I didnt purchase his boat. He has added many additions to the boat and was honest enough to tell me that they are additions that I really wont appreciate until I learn to sail. Some of them that I remember are running rigging, rope clutches, dual speed winches (2), topping lift, 2 speed (or 3) mainsheet (all Harken). According to the owner, the mainsail is the original and will need to be replaced (when I can have an appreciation for that) and it will need bottom paint next year. I dont mind doing the haul out work myself (I worked in a shipyard for quite a number of years).

My question is - At $8500 is this a good value in your opinion? NADA lists the boat at $7400. I feel the boat is in exceptional condition as does someone I work with whom has 30 years sailing experience. Also, do we wait until after our ASA class to purchase or get some lessons from the owner of the boat we buy? We are in no hurry to purchase but I dont want to pass up a good deal either.

Thank you in advance for your comments and suggestions.
Jim

[tommays]

Value is very much a local thing and i would look on Yachtworld and other online places for all the San Juan 7.7s and see how there equiped and how much there asking price is

San Juan 7.7 Boats For Sale



Once your more sure about the boat you really need a survey as there could be hidden issues that could be costly

[Mimsy]

A boat is a depreciating asset. Therefore, what it is worth is not important. What is it worth TO YOU. That's the important question. Since the owners asking price is within market limits, its all relative. Personally, I would offer a bit over NADA if I really loved it and would make adjustments in the final price based on the work list generated by the survey.

[Siamese]

What did you mean when you said there is no inboard install but that it will be included? This boat used to have an inboard? You're going to install an inboard?

[Bandit521]

The 7.7 originally came with an OMC saildrive. I believe it is a 7hp diesel. The owner mentioned using the original outdrive but somehow converting it to electrical. The saildrive has been removed, the thruhull penetration has been blanked off and he now has an outboard. If I do decide to purchase the boat, it will be contingent on the results of a survey.