anyone want to help me buy in florida ?

[hellosailor]

" a 36 Morgan. I was told it is in pretty ok condition, except for the fact that it has no engine and outboard could be fitted onto it."
Don't waste your time. If someone threw out the old engine and didn't bother putting a new one in, it was because the boat wasn't worth it. And if Charlie Morgan heard them talking about bolting on an outboard when he designed it with an inboard, I expect you'd hear how a real sailor can curse.

[Arjen]

"someone threw out the old engine and didn't bother putting a new one in, it was because the boat wasn't worth it" Yep, thats my thought as well. The broker offered me to bring me to this boat after i called him for a pearson 30 that was already sold. I dont have anything else to do tomorrow so ill just go. I figure looking at boats and talking about them is only gonna increase my experience, so it wont hurt.

Other than that, i actually already kind of fell for a boat even though i havent seen it yet. I communicated with the seller and it feels good. I like this boat because it is currently sailing, so it must be sail ready. I also like the size and the solar/wind power equipment. It has just crossed from florida to mexico and is on its way to guatemala. So when i get my passport arranged i plan to go to guatemala to buy it there. I have a friend over there who can check it for me before i fly though. The owner is willing to teach me to sail it as well.

Thus now these 3 weeks in florida, i will keep looking at boats, but most likely its just for a second option. Or maybe in these 3 weeks i will stop feeling so enthousiastic about this boat and find something else that looks good....

So this is her, what you guys think of it ? Should she be my valentine ?
1972 Rawson Cruising 30 sailboat for sale in Outside United States

[msmith10]

That's a lot of boat for 10k and would make a nice cruiser if it's in acceptable condition. The price is so low there have to be some significant problems. You need someone who knows what to look for to go with you, preferably a professional surveyor, or at least a knowledgeable unbiased person. You want to be careful not to buy something that will cost a fortune to repair when you discover why it's so cheap. On the other hand, if you're prepared to lose the money, go for it. In the meantime start studying books. Chapman's isn't a bad place to start.

[Mobnets]

Arjen:
I've been following this thread through it's highs and lows and I think you are on the right track as far as taking a look at this boat goes.

About 300 made. Many circumnavigations. Decent motion comfort and capsize ratios. 6'6" V-berths. 6' 3" headroom. In your stated price range. Set up for cruising (Wind Generator and solar panels) but still fairly simple and straightforward (sailplan, basic instrumentation, tiller steered, tiller pilot, etc.).

I think you hit on the most important aspect making it worth taking a look . . . it's currently out cruising the same general ocean geography you've initially set your sights on. Also, an active owners group and lots of information about this specific boat on the internet.

My two cents worth and good luck.

Mobnets
1973 Paceship Chance 32/28 "Westwind"

[chuck53]

Never heard of a Rawson, so I can't comment. One thing I can tell you, you don't want to try to fit an outboard on a 30+ foot boat. I don't suggest an outboard on anything much bigger than maybe 26 feet, especially if you're using it out in the ocean.

[Mobnets]

I should add I was referring to the Rawson.
Mobnets

[hellosailor]

That's probably a $400-500 flight, to look at a $10,000 boat. My only thought would be that a few flights like that could really bump the price of a "cheap" boat, versus staying in one large market and shopping around.

[melliott0352]

My big question would be why are they selling this boat? If you dont mind chasing after it, play it out. Seems they did some work recently, and is currently sailing (so we're told, not that I'm the suspicioius type) If it is as proposed for $10K you would be hard pressed to find much better even in this depressed market. Good luck. Keep looking. Only thing about the poker analogy, if you're offshore and something goes bad you cannt fold and walk away from the table. Single handing the type of trip you propose is not easy. Think about picking up some crew, perhaps a seasoned sailer / drifter who has to get out of town NOW under the radar and can help out as long as you dont ask him his real name.

[fadentime]

Arjen: If you look at the pictures of the cabin interior there is a wet spot by the bulkhead just forward of the port. That is right about where the chainplates are on the boat ! If one leaks, they ALL leak & generally cause ROT long before they are noticed !! Look it over VERY acrefully !! Good Luck: Shon

[Arjen]

Thanx for the comments.

I think i'll try and have my friends in Guatemala arrange a survey on it before i go back.