Is 2 years and 1' worth ~$8,000?

[Mobnets]

Originally Posted by CalebD

So what is going to take 2 years?

I believe the "two years" refers to the O'Day being two years newer than the Hunter. In my opinion, as boats get over 20 years of age, a year or two difference in age becomes increasingly less important than make, condition, design and equipment, particularly when comparing boats from two different manufacturers.

Mobnets
1973 Paceship Chance 32/28 "Westwind"

[SloopJonB]

Asking to asking, the O'Day is 65% higher than the Hunter - for what appears to be a very comparable boat.

A 65% difference in price should buy a LOT more boat.

[CalebD]

Originally Posted by vtsailguy

They both seem a overpriced. I wonder if boats on lake Champlain generally are as its fresh water and we only sail half seasons.

Thanks for the '2 years' explanation.

If that is the case then why don't you start looking at some boats down on the Hudson or LI Sound?

30' Pearson: Pearson 30 Sailboat

[paul323]

The Oday, as has been commented on, appears overpriced. But I'll say again what I have said before - look at the boats as a collection of parts - especially the big-ticket items. 2 year difference in vintage is not a big deal, Look at:

- Overall condition
- Engine hours
- Sail wardrobe and sail age
- Standing rigging replacement date
- Age of electronics
- Any useful upgrades (e,g, chainplates replaced? Ground tackle? Windlass?)

Many of those items will set you back $000s....

Good luck!

[vtsailguy]

Yes, I completely agree that at this age, its not the brand, its the maintenance and upgrades. Tricky part in this situation, is both have done well in these two areas.

That Pearson 30 is nice. I did not really think to look at places down the Hudsen that I can relatively easily get to Lake Champlain.

[yossarian]

Look south. Boats on the lake cost a lot more. I went through this three years ago and ended up buying in NJ and sailing it up to the lake. I'm sure I spent 1/3 what I would have for a comparable boat already in the lake.

In fact, I bet one could make a profitable and fun side business buying boats on LI, CT, NJ and selling them on lake champlain.

Try calling Gaines Marina up in Rouses Point. I winter my boat there and there's a number of boats similar to the two you're looking at with for sale signs on em....

[asdf38]

The two years (out of 25) and 1' are irrelevant. You've got to look at both boats and get a sense for which boat you like better and compare their condition. And get a survey.

[miatapaul]

Originally Posted by vtsailguy

They both seem a overpriced. I wonder if boats on lake Champlain generally are as its fresh water and we only sail half seasons.

Yes boats on Lake Champlain seem to go for more, because many have had only fresh water exposure and light use for there life, yet are easy enough to get to the east coast via the canal and the Hudson. For some reason Bruce Hall seems to price there boats quite high as well. Not sure as to why, but that is an observation from looking at a few of there listings, as they frequently come up in searches I have made. They did seem to give a quick and seemingly honest reply on the one time I emailed them a few years ago.

The O'Day seems to have the better layout, if that is important to you. I know a lot of boats on Champlain seem to get used more as a summer cabin than anything else so that is important.

[eherlihy]

Impossible to say. Without looking at either boat, they are just a bunch of pictures, and claims that are largely unsubstantiated.

After carefully reading the listings, I would lean toward the Hunter, because of newER sails, and the included dinghy, as well as the asking price. That said, I believe that the O'day, which I feel is a better built boat, could be had for about the same price.

Look at both, and make an offer on the one that you like the best.

[BarryL]

Hello,

I am prejudiced because I own an O'day boat and I don't like mid 80's Hunters.

The O'day is a newer design and has the rear swim / boarding platform. If you swim off the boat and / or use a mooring, the swim platform is very valuable.

That being said, the two boats are pretty comparable. Look at both and then decide.

As previously mentioned, the O'day is way overpriced.

Barry