Pearson 30 Contingent Purchase Annapolis/Baltimore

[Robcooper0767]

Hello,
I have a deposit on a 1978 P30 that has been dry feet for 8 years. No engine, but boat is in pretty good condition. I noticed on a different thread from a number of years ago, what to look for when buying used P30. Noted Mast support......this boat has a crack in the liner to the right of the mast support (3+ inches) but examining the bilge at the foot of the mast shows no visual damage. The head door is not flush and the top right of the door contacts the right side of the door frame, so it will not shut. The boat has no engine.
1. I understand I will have to drop some money for an engne (anyone know of a good used one near Chesapeake Bay/DC/Phil/NJ region)?
2. The boat seems solid and I will be having a knowledgeable friend (Islander 30) inspect it with me this weekend.
3. Combination of owner wants to move on and stop paying monthly storage, and no motor has given me the potential opportunity to get this for a extremely good price.
4. Problem: Anything too good to be true usually is. Is the crack/door a showstopper,or does the mast support need to be replaced to mitigate the problem?
5. Can I find a reasonalby trustworthy place to get a used (not necessarily rebuilt, Atomic 4? Since I don't have a core, I will contact Moyer Marine, but I'm estimating a $7000 price......I really don't want to spend that much, but SHOULD I vs a Used motor. Don't want diesel...hate the smell.
6. Does anyone have a Point of contact for Annapolis P30 Club?
7. I'd like to see if a member would meet me at the yard on Sat, 20 Aug to give me some advice and "eyes on" to see the Mast support condition and overall condition (as it relats to a P30).
8. Love the 30'er, want to get one, just want to try to avoid "stupid".

Thanks,
Rob

[jameswilson29]

How much did you agree to pay for this vessel?

[nickmerc]

I just move my P30 from Annapolis to St. Louis. I noticed the head door issue on my boat when I had it on stands while painting the bottom. When I splashed it the issue went away. I too have the headliner crack like you describe. It did not grow during shipment and has not grown since I bought the boat.

The main thing to look for with the compression post is rot at the base. They did not protect it from bilge water very well. The PO of my boat glassed the base of the post to prevent the issue.

Check for soft decks at the stantions and bow pulpit as well as the cockpit sole around the rudder post.

The P30 is a great boat. But, since it has been sitting for so long, you should expect some repairs and to spend a decent amount of time fixing things this season.

[Robcooper0767]

Nick,
Thanks for the input.....this makes me feel a whole lot better. I printed quite a bit of discussion on what to look for from past posts (2000, 2005) and will use them for guidance. The PO of your boat had the same solution as another "poster", so it sounds like a good fix. You mention the soft decks at the stantions and bow pulpit as well as the cockpit sole around the rudder post. No signs that I noticed, but we'll look closer tomorrow. Yep, I'm prepared to work and know I'll need things, but the boat won't be the "Prom Queen" right away, and that's ok. Had a daily driver MGB about 10 years ago and worked the performance/handling issues....she looked good, but mostly, she was plain fun to drive. Didn't worry about seats with a few worn spots/minor tears, just put nice seat covers on vs reupholstering/releathering the entire interior....costly and unnecessary. Plan to do the same with the P30. Plan is: She'll look good, perform well and be a joy to sail. But don't plan to put additional $20,000 into her, post engine refit (famous last words).
Note: I looked at a P30 last weekend that had just those issues with water seepage into the cabin from the stachion bases (not alot but noticable). The stanchions/deck actually flexed when you put light to medium pressure on them...not good! Passed on it....and the asking price of $7500!

James,
$750.00......Hopefully, a combination of owner ready to get rid of the expense and my good fortune. Another fellow looked at the boat after I gave a deposit and he wants to buy it if I decide not to.

[Fastguy1955]

Hello, I am just buying a P32, which is in a similar condition to your project. The engine is out and in pieces, and I'm planning to upgrade the power as well. Mine is a Universal diesel with 11hp, I am going to upgrade to a 16hp or 17hp engine and use the same transmission the I have. The atomic 30 that was in your boat was a great engine, and there are some out there in the used market. I saw one on ebay last week. Good luck with your project!

Mark

[Robcooper0767]

Thanks all. Decided not to buy her after further inspection. If anyone has lead on P30 in Maryland or Virginia, Chesapeake Bay, DC, Please let me know. I'm looking for under $10,000, preferably $5,000.
Best Regards,
Rob