New Boat Pruchase

fangjangler · #1 (**permalink**) 10-15-2006

Finally after waiting a long while I found a cheap boat. It is in almost mint condition minus a couple tears in the cushions. I got myself a 1973 Venture 17'. It has a fresh clear coat on the deck, new top/bottom paint, all stainless rigging, a few customizations to make it easier. A couple mods being for the boom so it will not fall when the sail isn't up and the mast so you can put it up by yourself. It also came with a 10lb danforth anchor with rope, 3 sails: main, jib, and genoa 125%, fire extinguisher, flares, life jackets, port-a-potty, and an air horn. It also included a 1998 Johnson 3.5hp outboard with original manual, a custom trailer with a tongue extension, and a title. I got this all for $1,000 plus they delivered it to my house for free.

This is my first boat and so far I cannot wait until next spring. What are your thoughts? A deal or not?

By the way, I meant "purchase" haha. The guy also gave me an ASA Learning to Sailing Manual.

Vasco · #2 (**permalink**) 10-15-2006

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This is my first boat and so far I cannot wait until next spring. What are your thoughts? A deal or not?
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Sounds like a great deal .... if it floats.http://www.sailnet.com/forums/images...es/biggrin.gif

fangjangler · #3 (**permalink**) 10-15-2006

Yeah, it should float. The people who had it before me only really used it on lakes but, did venture out into the ocean a few times. I plan on sailing only on the ocean being a lobsterman and having knowledge of the ocean. They have been using it up until the last summer because they purchased a MacGregor 26.

They said this was a racing boat before they purchased it and it is a very forgiving vessel. Cannot wait to get sailing on the Maine coast.

sailingfool · #4 (**permalink**) 10-15-2006

Ventures have a reputation for being a lightwiegth boat. You should think about trying the boat out on the lakes yourself, and stay in enclosed bays if you do the ocean.

Good luck.

camaraderie · #5 (**permalink**) 10-15-2006

You got a good deal! Enjoy the boat but as SF says...stay in the bays with her as it can pretty daunting on the outside and there's plenty to explore inshore! Wear a wetsuit as they WILL go over if the wind catches you right and it is not fun in 50 degrees!

fangjangler · #6 (**permalink**) 10-16-2006

Okay thanks for the suggestions. I will try and stay near land to stay in the lee, the weather here can change very fast. A friend of my grandmother's is going to teach me the ropes next spring.

Also I believe the people I bought it from said something about the previous owner adding ballast. I am not sure how much was added and neither were they.