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New Hobby

2K views 13 replies 12 participants last post by  steve77 
#1 ·
Hi All
I have only been out sailing a few times but have been fascinated by sailing for years. I looked around and found a 70s 26 foot Pearson that according to the owner is ready for sailing. The interior is old and shabby but the price is low. So far everything seems to be dated cosmetic stuff. I plan to just sail near the house during the day. Anyway just looking for advice the boat is priced at 1000. I figure the price being so low and the fact that i will be sailing on a river while learning makes me want to take a leap with nothing more then a basic sailing course. What do you guys think. So far my biggest issue is finding a place to keep it near by.
Thanks
 
#2 ·
Sounds like a plan. :) The Pearson is a good old boat. You'll learn a lot smartening it up while you sail it and for a grand, how can you lose? If you know anybody with boat experience, have them look it over with you just to be sure there aren't any major problems with the boat.
 
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#3 ·
At that price, go for it and enjoy. Some folks dpend that money for membership in a golf course and I can't see them having half as much fun.
 
#4 ·
Looks like a low-risk proposition. I have always been partial to old Pearsons. My first boat was an old Pearson and it was a great experience. I say go for it. Just keep in mind that as you get into it you may find that you may have to spend ome money along the way.
 
#5 ·
Sounds like a plan to me. Last winter I refitted a 26 foot Luger and taught myself how to sail in the spring. My biggest issue was heeling over. I would get really nervous when my boat was heeling over more than 5 degrees(never been on a sailboat before). I got over that and got firmiliar with my boat and now I'm a very capable sailor. I used the Coast Guard sailing manual. Its about an inch and a half thick and filled with information about the physics of sailing as well as rules of the waterways. There were areas of the book that I didnt read but I also have been boating for over 10 years and was in the Navy so I am very aware of the rules of the water. I also watched a bunch of instructional videos on the internet. That helped a lot to see what I was reading about. I think a 26 foot was a perfect size to learn on. As far as the price you paid for your boat, people regularly sell their boats for less than market value to a good home. Also there isnt a big market for old boats unless their in showroom shape. Finding a good marina for a fair price is almost impossible here in Buffalo N.Y. I pay $1300 for a 5 month season with water but without electric. I think thats high for being In Buffalo N.Y. Might be good in some cities but come on. Its Buffalo. Good luck
 
#6 ·
Don't overlook that "finding a place to keep it" part. You'll probably be looking at $100-$400/month for a slip, depending on where you are, so the cost to keep it in the water for one year will easily match your original purchase price. I'm not trying to discourage you, just realize there are other ongoing costs involved which aren't trivial.

My first few boats lived on trailers which is a much cheaper way to get into the hobby.
 
#8 ·
Don't do it without a survey. The list of things...expensive things, that could be wrong with that boat is long. A money pit is a money pit regardless of what you initially pay for it. You seem to be suggesting that it's only a thousand dollars, so where can the risk be?

Inboard or outboard? Have you heard it run? If it's an inboard, it could cost you thousands right away. If it's an outboard, the repair shouldn't exceed the cost of a used replacement engine. How's the rigging? Safe? Any spongy areas in the deck? How are the chain plates? How about the batteries?

Get a survey.
 
#9 ·
thanks for all the advice guys
I am going to by some books that have been recommended on buying and fixing up a boat before I buy.
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!
 
#12 ·
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.
 
#13 ·
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: http://www.sailnet.com/forums/boat-review-purchase-forum/48177-boat-inspection-trip-tips.html; 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.
 
#14 ·
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.
 
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