30 year old Crealock 37's

[brokesailor]

I have a 2007 Hunter 36 that I have put up for sale because I want an offshore boat. Looking towards retiring and my budget the 37's that I can afford are vintage 1983-87. Am I nuts? Do these boats last this long?

[BirdBrain333]

Originally Posted by brokesailor

I want an offshore boat. Looking towards retiring and my budget the 37's that I can afford are vintage 1983-87. Am I nuts? Do these boats last this long?

Dear Broke,

Two years ago, almost to the month, Imi and I bought Kenlanu, a 1985 PSC 37. The survey and our experience 100% confirm that these boats "last that long" plus some. What we have had to replace in preparation for world cruising is most of the running rigging, all of the standing rigging, and a few of the older systems. I would argue that these would need to be replaced on any older boat and are just what you do if you want to go offshore and be safe. The boat itself is super-sound. We did not have to beat into it but in reaching through the aftermath of Hurricane Earl for 2 days we both felt superbly confident in the boat -- if not in our stomachs! While spray was flying up above, down below there was narry a creak nor a grone expect for my old knees.

I'd say go for it and retire in confidence!

Jay

PSC 37 # 171, Kenlanu, wrapped up for the winter in Maine

[Lansdowne]

We purchased a 1987 Crealock34, put her in charter for 10 hard years, take her anywhere, boats running for cover as we are heading out. "More boat than we are sailor's"
We trust her right down the line.

[AlLorman]

The "newest" boat I've ever owned (bought this year) was built in 1990. I've bought several boats of the vintage you're looking at. As long as you don't expect her to look like new, she'll be fine, just so long as you budget for upgrading, as discussed by others. Things wear out; the boat doesn't.

Al Lorman
PSC 31 #55 Ann West

[niftynickers]

My 1982 version C37 is much stronger than I am.Its amazing how the hounds of hell are howling on deck and below all is quiet.Im convinced that when Im in a wheelchair this boat will be ready to cross any ocean.
Dianne and Chuck Burke S/V NiftyNickers C37 #139

[DMD]

Brokesailor,
I can wholeheartedly agree with what my fellow Crealock 37 owners have said about the sound construction and lasting beauty of these boats. I do believe that to be happy owning a 30 year old boat, you must go into the relationship with your eyes open, these are after all 30 YEAR OLD BOATS. Even a well cared for boat of this age may need refurbishment of the electrical system, plumbing, rigging, and engine if the proir owner has not already done so in the last few years. From your perspective of coming from a relatively new boat, even routine maintenance on an older boat could be daunting. If you are handy with maintenance and repairs, the care of an older boat can be part of the joy of ownership (it is for me, and has been for the last 7 years of owning our '37).
Good luck in your boat search,
Dave
1983 Crealock 37
"Eowyn"

[brokesailor]

Thanks to all for your words of wisdom.

[ellenwhite2]

I'm here to testify our 1977 Crealock 37 is stonger than we are! BTW- I see another 1977 is being offered by wagnerstevens.com for $75K per Cruising World Oct issue.

Ellen

[brokesailor]

The two boats I am drueling over are a C 37 yawl rigged in Houston

1983 Pacific Seacraft Crealock 37 Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

and the C 37 in RI
1983 Pacific Seacraft 37 Cutter Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

What is the difference in upwind performance between the shoal scheel keel and the deep draft?

What do you think of a 28 HP Volv on a C 37?

[billbalme]

Don't drool - it's not becoming! :-)

As the owner of the second boat...

Unfortunately, I've not sailed the deep draft 37 so can't make a direct comparison. However, in the annals of this forum, I've discussed just exactly that and it seemed that Toodle-oo! was doing pretty much as well as all the other 37's out there. - I know, not much help to you given the source! She's certainly better at shallow ground than the others though - which is why the previous (and original) owner opted for that, since he cruised the Bahamas extensively.

Skalliwag looks like a beautifully maintained boat. The Yawl always looked so appealing to me - but I'm sure the admiral would have a fit if I got a boat with even more lines to deal with!!! It appears that Skalliwag has had a lot of custom joinery done - as has Toodle-oo! - but we opted to keep the whole living area as one - whereas he's separated the nav from the rest of the salon. When we have a lot of guests aboard, it's nice to be able to utilize the nav station for additional room.

If I make so bold - you should go look at each boat - and others too to make a best decision that fits your style, your timeframe and your wallet.

Good luck!


Bill
s/v Toodle-oo!

(I know, it probably wasn't appropriate for me to respond to this thread - I can just never follow rules!)