Greetings all
I'm new to the forum, been lurking for a while, trying to pick up tips and so on, and am looking to buy my first boat.
I've found this Cal 25 Picasa Web Albums - GamerKev - Cal 25 on Craigslist. The Cal 25 would suit my purposes well, singlehandable, can race, good for taking friends out, forgiving. The owner wants $3200 (negotiable) which would be in my price range.
Hull, rigging, shrouds, rudder, etc all seem pretty good. I got a look at two of the sails, they were pretty clean and crisp, with a nice cover. He has three more sails to include as well. Hardware isn't anything to write home about, but not rusted at all and the lines are nice. Bottom needs paint, but there were no blisters that I could see.
It has some issues:
Outboard is questionable
Needs cosmetic work, especially inside
No stern pulpit
Bilge pump inoperable
Electronics active but he doesn't know if the instruments work(?!)
These I think I can handle since I kinda wanted a fixer-upper for the summer, to sail next year, but the main concern is the deck over the cabin. Common problem with these boats apparently. He has leaking which is coming through the fittings, making them rust, and making a giant mess of everything. I snapped a few pictures of them.
I'm thinking of offering $2K for it, given all the issues it has. The question I have for everyone today is: is that deck problem a deal breaker no matter the price? Or is there a fix that can be attained without spending more than the boat is worth? He said he had another buyer, but even if that is true, I have a feeling they'll run screaming once they get an idea of the work involved.
Any advice would be much appreciated. He said I could go look at it again myself if I wanted to, so I can get more pics if anyone thinks it will help.
Like I said, a Cal 25 is my first choice, but you won't break my heart if you suggest I let this one go.
Thanks in advance.
I'm new to the forum, been lurking for a while, trying to pick up tips and so on, and am looking to buy my first boat.
I've found this Cal 25 Picasa Web Albums - GamerKev - Cal 25 on Craigslist. The Cal 25 would suit my purposes well, singlehandable, can race, good for taking friends out, forgiving. The owner wants $3200 (negotiable) which would be in my price range.
Hull, rigging, shrouds, rudder, etc all seem pretty good. I got a look at two of the sails, they were pretty clean and crisp, with a nice cover. He has three more sails to include as well. Hardware isn't anything to write home about, but not rusted at all and the lines are nice. Bottom needs paint, but there were no blisters that I could see.
It has some issues:
Outboard is questionable
Needs cosmetic work, especially inside
No stern pulpit
Bilge pump inoperable
Electronics active but he doesn't know if the instruments work(?!)
These I think I can handle since I kinda wanted a fixer-upper for the summer, to sail next year, but the main concern is the deck over the cabin. Common problem with these boats apparently. He has leaking which is coming through the fittings, making them rust, and making a giant mess of everything. I snapped a few pictures of them.
I'm thinking of offering $2K for it, given all the issues it has. The question I have for everyone today is: is that deck problem a deal breaker no matter the price? Or is there a fix that can be attained without spending more than the boat is worth? He said he had another buyer, but even if that is true, I have a feeling they'll run screaming once they get an idea of the work involved.
Any advice would be much appreciated. He said I could go look at it again myself if I wanted to, so I can get more pics if anyone thinks it will help.
Like I said, a Cal 25 is my first choice, but you won't break my heart if you suggest I let this one go.
Thanks in advance.