that don't have issues with chain plate bulkhead rot or deck mast compression? I am talking in the 1970-1980 range of boats. I am ready to buy a 32 footer and it seems like every single brand I research and read forums about have these same 2 issues over and over again. That means even if you buy one that doesn't have these issues, sooner or later it will. I totally understand chain plate rot for one should do regular maintenance and re-bed their deck hardware however, one can't really change the engineering of a deck stepped mast. Are keel stepped mast always better?
I have looked at the Catalina, Bristol, Ericson and a few others. I am very picky when it comes to the cabin layout and must have a side dinette so I am a tad limited to make & model. I also must have an inboard with wheel and a fully enclosed head. A side U shaped galley would be nice but can deal with the galley on the starboard side if lengthy.
The other issue is, one must buy a boat close to home unless of course they are retired and can take 2-3 months off to fly and sail their boat home. I own a 36' slip on Lake Huron so I am sort of limited for a purchase on the Great Lakes unless of course I want to pay $1500.00 or more to have it shipped to me.
Show me a boat I can buy under $15,000 that I can drop in and sail with small upkeep but no major issues. I can fix anything and love putzing on boats however, to fix a major mast compression is a PITA and possibly expensive. And yes, I will always pay for a surveyor. I know, I know, if I spend $50,000 I could get a nice boat but then I would have to tell my 3 daughters that they can't finish their college degrees.
One I am looking at:
https://swmi.craigslist.org/boa/6180859069.html
A Catalina I like:
1979 Catalina 30 Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com
A Bristol I like in the UP:
https://up.craigslist.org/boa/6137977717.html
I have looked at the Catalina, Bristol, Ericson and a few others. I am very picky when it comes to the cabin layout and must have a side dinette so I am a tad limited to make & model. I also must have an inboard with wheel and a fully enclosed head. A side U shaped galley would be nice but can deal with the galley on the starboard side if lengthy.
The other issue is, one must buy a boat close to home unless of course they are retired and can take 2-3 months off to fly and sail their boat home. I own a 36' slip on Lake Huron so I am sort of limited for a purchase on the Great Lakes unless of course I want to pay $1500.00 or more to have it shipped to me.
Show me a boat I can buy under $15,000 that I can drop in and sail with small upkeep but no major issues. I can fix anything and love putzing on boats however, to fix a major mast compression is a PITA and possibly expensive. And yes, I will always pay for a surveyor. I know, I know, if I spend $50,000 I could get a nice boat but then I would have to tell my 3 daughters that they can't finish their college degrees.
One I am looking at:
https://swmi.craigslist.org/boa/6180859069.html
A Catalina I like:
1979 Catalina 30 Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com
A Bristol I like in the UP:
https://up.craigslist.org/boa/6137977717.html