Hey guys,
Well.. after having spent several months painstakingly scouring the local and not so local markets, looking at boats, reading, researching, haggling, etc.. I finally decided on what boat to buy.. 1976 Catalina 30. Hull 46.
I really lucked out with her.. she was previously owned by a retired shop teacher who meticulously maintained her.. and pretty much everything that he has worked on has been upgraded; there are some unorthodox touches he has added, as well as documented problems that have been addressed like the catalina smile.
Anyway.. really nice guy, and seeing his approach to overengineering has really made me feel confident buying a boat of this vintage. As mentioned I looked at all sorts of boats and some were outright disasters with owners saying they were seaworthy.. others were overpriced. This one pushed the budget but I have heard time and time again from sailing mentors that a few grand gets eaten up easily so best to really take your time finding the right one that will need as little as possible. And getting a really good feel from the owner really helped the decision.. he's a very genuine and decent guy.
So she needs nothing.. pretty much a turnkey boat. But she does need a good cleaning, a bottom coat, perhaps a new stereo system and other than that.. someone to take care of her. me
I am really excited!! I spent last saturday motoring her 4 hours from her previous moorage to her new home in Point Roberts, WA. (which, incidentally happens to be full of really fun, friendly and helpful folk).
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