Are Boats Built in the 70's Just Too Tired

[DougSabbag]

As an additional thought on the subject of a 1970s boat, whether to buy one or not really depends on your intended usage.

I am sure we have all known some people whose main purpose for a sailboat is to rarely use it for a coastal / weekend cruises. Perhaps 4 - 6 uses per season.

Well, in that case, what the Hell! For cheap money you can get into a boat, and have a hobby for years, slowly fixing her up.

But, IMHO, if you want to use her a lot, and, or, have some serious cruising miles in mind, then you would have to factor in some serious restoration efforts.

[BenMerc]

Very much agree with that sentiment...

[Outrageous]

Despite what HelloSailor and miatapaul posted, here is a surveyor who goes up the mast:

Kent Parker, NAMS , Certified Marine Surveyor, of Parker Marine Consultants, P.O. Box 6648, Napa, CA 94581 (707) 252-9383

Glad to share his reports on the 2 boats he's done for me. Photos from atop the mast, neat climbing gear, etc. Of course this guy built boats and worked on America's Cup boats, so he probably rare - but that's why I picked him. There's one other guy in the Bay Area like him as well.

[captainbri]

Some people wont drive a car with a scratch and some drive wrecks. Some people sail the world in boats most of us would not feel safe on in a swimming pool. I have seen 3 or 4 NICE almost perfect boats sell in less than 24 hours at great deals. more boats are sold by someone knowing someone. this is the best way to make a selection imho, im sure you know if your neighbor takes care of his cars and house, boats are the same way.

It is a buyers market if you take your time and invest in looking you can get a great deal.

[Brent Swain]

I don't think you will have any problem . In many ways boats form that era are far better cruising boats than more "Modern' designs in practical terms.
Check out the sea of Cortes, especially San Carlos for incredibly cheap boats which have been abandoned in a yard there. A friend was offered an Alberg 35 for free there. Check out the cruisers internet chatlines there.

[Grunfeld]

I just noticed there are quite a few more comments here than before. Funny I didn’t get the usual email notices of new comments.

Anyway I want to thank all for their comments. Everyone was thoughtful and helpful.

What I take away so far is that the consensus is:

70s boats can still be solid choices if well maintained.

Be prepared for significant maintenance

My budget should be increased (for maintenance, or newer boat, or both)

Other food for thought.

Buy smaller,

look for mid 80s boats for better systems

Survey is important but personal inspection is just as vital

Thanks all

[davidpm]

[QUOTE=paul323;982253 People I know took a modern 'Ikea' boat offshore into some rougher weather, and the hull flexed so much that internal bulkheads/cabinets came loose. Would not happen in my old Pearson.[/QUOTE]

What boat had that problem.

[copacabana]

If you can find a 70's boat from a quality builder that someone has lovingly maintained, updated and refurbished (especially for long-distance cruising) then you can't really go wrong. I've seen some deals on boats with a new engine, rigging, sails, batteries & solar panels, wiring, tanks etc. for sale because the owner discovered he didn't like cruising after all. A boat like this can be a great deal. Usually they command a premium price, but nowhere near what was invested in the boat. This is especially true of boats that were produced in large numbers and which have many for sale on the market.

I'm not sure there will be any advantage in buying a boat from the 80's (over the 70's) as they will have all systems at the end of their useful life as well unless someone has replaced them.

By the same token, a boat (especially a large one) from the 70's or 80's, with lots of old and complex systems that have not been replaced recently will be a constant repair nightmare. I think in this case it is infinitely better to get a simpler recently-revamped old boat or a much newer boat.

[eherlihy]

Originally Posted by Grunfeld

What I take away so far is that the consensus is:

70s boats can still be solid choices if well maintained.

Be prepared for significant maintenance

My budget should be increased (for maintenance, or newer boat, or both)

Other food for thought.

Buy smaller,

look for mid 80s boats for better systems

Survey is important but personal inspection is just as vital

I would also add to the list that an older boat with FEWER systems that work well, is better than the same boat that is loaded up with obsolete or non-functional equipment. Examples are CRT Radar, Loran, Water Maker, Electric Windlasses, Refrigeration.

I saw a lot of boats with broken autopilots, wind generators, non-functional wind instruments, gaping holes cut in a locker to mount the Radar CRT, yet the owners asked for top dollar.

[Faster]

Originally Posted by eherlihy

I would also add to the list that an older boat with FEWER systems that work well, is better than the same boat that is loaded up with obsolete or non-functional equipment. Examples are CRT Radar, Loran, Water Maker, Electric Windlasses, Refrigeration.

I saw a lot of boats with broken autopilots, wind generators, non-functional wind instruments, gaping holes cut in a locker to mount the Radar CRT, yet the owners asked for top dollar.

Another item to add the that list, esp in higher latitudes, is the installed but non functioning Espar or equivalent.