Boat buying and learing to sail

ogc · #1 (**permalink**) 07-11-2003

Is it possible to find a good, used boat under $5000 to learn to sail on and use as a family boat without having to refurbish or repair anything other than minor cosmetics? Is this an unrealistic dream or might it be possible? If it is possible, please throw out a few names of the boats to look for and where I might look for them. Thank you!!

ogc · #2 (**permalink**) 07-11-2003

Sorry, I meant to include "in the 25 foot size range for coastal cruising" in my original question. Again, thank you for you information!

pirateofcapeann · #3 (**permalink**) 07-12-2003

Heck yea! But you''re not going to do it through the "normal channels". Brokers want their cut too and that could push the price for the dingy to outrageous proportions! Look in a want advertiser periodical or the want ads in the newspapers. A friend of mine bought a good Cordoba 25 on a functional trailer for $400! He had seen the boat sitting in this guy''s yard for a few years and finally just went and knocked on the door to ask about it. Yea, the guy had lost interest and just wanted to get it out of his yard, but he wanted the $400 for the trailer! A few cosmetics and some personalization produced a sweet boat! There are tons of pre 70''s FRP boats in that size range and with plenty of coastal cruising time left in them out there for the asking. You just got to look! One of the largest producers of FRP boats from that era was Columbia Yachts. They also subcontracted for several other companies using their molds. Good luck!

gwp · #4 (**permalink**) 07-22-2003

I think the best advice is to walk (and talk) the docks at the local marinas, and do it often. When a deal comes along, they don''t last long. Beware of internet shopping.....digital pictures greatly enhance actual appearance. Also check the local classifieds, and don''t bother with boat brokers if you''re looking for a steal. Walking the docks last spring, I got an Oday 25 for $2500, with all sorts of accessories and an inflatable with outboard, in much better shape than many boats I looked at at 4 times the price. Don''t know where you are, but where there are boats, there will be owners ready to bail. Have cash ready too. Good luck

hobmonger · #5 (**permalink**) 07-24-2003

Great Lakes:

I live in S.E. Michigan and am looking to learn how to sail / where to sail here locally. I am currently looking at a Rhoads22 but am unsure of were I can put in and sail.

Thanks,

kmeeks · #6 (**permalink**) 08-20-2003

I have found some very interesting possible boats at the Sea Scout base in Marina Del Rey and in Newport Beach - I suspect you may have similiar opportunities in your area.

Within the last two month, I have observed two opportunities to bid on boats that were offered at auction by the management of my marina. In both cases, the boats were listed with minimum bids as low as $100.

Again, in both cases, none of the boats sold at auction - at which point they were offered up for sale under sealed bid.

I thought that I might put in a bid of $10 - to buy one and see about fixing it up to sell later...but missed out on submitting my bid by one day past the deadline...

It later turned out that the boat sold for a $1 sealed bid....it was a 27 ft. boat - on par with a catalina or cal.

Deals are out there...

jbanta · #7 (**permalink**) 08-21-2003

kmeeks

I can see you getting a real good buy in an auction for the Sea Scouts but you do understand they use the $$ they get from such sales to provide all thier services? I can see nothing wroung with a $1,000 bid but what you are saying is immoral.

kmeeks · #8 (**permalink**) 08-21-2003

You obviously didn''t read my message very well - I pointed out two opportunities.

#1 - sea scouts

#2 - auctions by the marina staff

Regardless, getting a good deal is capitalism. As long as both parties agree to a fair price - there is no harm and no foul. There are times when the Marina Del Rey Sea Scout docks have been so crowded with donated boats that they can''t accept any more. Under those conditions - they may be only to happy to basically "give them away" just to get rid of old un-sellable boats.

BarryL · #9 (**permalink**) 08-21-2003

YES!!

I suggest looking for Catalina 22'' boats.
There have been about 15,000 made. They are
all pretty much the same. Great support from
the aftermarket, etc.

I bought mine about 1 month ago. It''s a 1981,
very good condition, with a 94 trailer and
Nissan outboard. It was ready to sail.

Price was $4500.

Barry