New Hobby

[miatapaul]

Just so you know Sailing is not a hobby, it is a lifestyle. Some might say it is life itself :-)

[SloopJonB]

Originally Posted by easy28

Siamese for what I will pay for the boat is the survey necessary. I think it will cost almost as much as the boat. I figure with the info from the books I will be able to check the boat out myself. So far the places I have checked for slips will cost more than the boat!

In a word - no. Paying hundreds of $ for a survey of a $1K boat would be absurd. That's why I suggested taking a knowledgeable friend or acquaintance along to help spot any serious or terminal problems you might not be able to recognize.

Failing that, using the "Boat Inspection Trip Tips" sticky on this site will be enough for that sort of expenditure.

[paul323]

Pearson's are generally well-made boats, so you can be confident in the manufacturer; the big question is how well she has been treated over the years. As mentioned, do check out the "Boat Inspection Trip Tips" sticky on this site: Boat Inspection Trip Tips you may want to get a book from the library (e.g. Don Casey "Inspecting the Aging Sailboat'). Ideally take a sailor with you and inspect the boat carefully, looking in particular at the motor, the standing (wire) rigging, and the sails - the more expensive items - as well as checking for obvious defects (like the keel falling off!). She may need some work, which is fine, but what you probably don't want to do is to get a reasonably-priced boat, and then have to drop $1-2K+ before you can sail her!! Good luck - it should be a great starter boat.

[steve77]

I agree with what others have said about old Pearsons, they're good boats (I have a '66 Triton). For $1000 I wouldn't bother with a survey, but as others have said, take a knowledgeable friend if possible. Definitely do a little research on what to look for when buying a boat.