First Time Buyer

[Jemill]

Hi All,
I've been looking and shopping and deliberating for a while now and I'm ready to buy my first "big" boat. I'm up-sizing from a Rhodes 22 and narrowed my selection down to two used boats.

1. 1990 Hunter 37.5
2. 2001 Bavaria 34 (35.5 LOA)

The offer price is the same.

We like the layout of the Hunter better and overall I'm ready to offer on it, but I'm concerned about the age of the hull and the engine (owner hasn't told hours and no meter). Should I be concerned if the survey doesn't turn anything up? What about resale in 5 or so years? Is there anything else I'm not thinking of?

Thanks for any and all opinions!

[jameswilson29]

What will be your intended usage? Location?

[Jemill]

James, thanks for the response.

The use will primarily coastal, initially the Chesapeke. I haven't decided if I'll take it to Florida or not. Either way, not much more than that. It will be a weekend use boat with a week long sail a couple times a year. There's always the possibility of a Bahamas trip, as well.

[jameswilson29]

Shoal draft 5' Bavaria or regular 6'?

[Jemill]

It's a shoal draft.

[byrsch]

I've never owned a Hunter but a good friend of mine had a 37 and he sailed all over the Caribbean with it. He'd winter there or in Florida and then sail north every year to summer. He always loved that boat.