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Peter9687 · 28-12-2012, 03:18

Hi. I am new to forum and have absolutely no experience in large boats. Anyway I am going to buy a 28to 30' cruiser. I live in maryborough qld and would like some advice on what to look for. I am intersted In a flybridge cruiser 30' with a ford Lehman 120 hp motor for around 20000 . It is in boat sales .com and in manly qld. What do you think?

Rgds
Peter

twistedtree · 28-12-2012, 04:16

For $20,000AUS, it sounds old, probably wooden, and likely a lot of work. But is that's what you can afford and are up for the challenge, go for it.

Jimbo485 · 28-12-2012, 04:39

Yeah, why not?

Peter9687 · 28-12-2012, 04:51

Says has been anti fouled and surveyed. Ready for use. What do you think???

cat man do · 28-12-2012, 05:05

link.

twistedtree · 28-12-2012, 05:07

On a more serious note, I sounds like you have limited experience with boats. If that's correct, then I would very strongly suggest you hire a good marine surveyor to inspect the boat and advise you on the purchase. A $20,000 boat is likely to need a LOT of work, and if nothing else you should be aware of what you are getting yourself into. Finding a good surveyor will be the trick. Do not ask the broker who is selling the boat. Ask other boaters you know, or ask here.

Keep in mind that pretty much any major repair on a boat will cost at least $20k. It's hard for me to imagine any way to end up with a 30' trawler that is safe, sound, and seaworthy for under $75k-$100K.

**skipmac** · 28-12-2012, 05:39

Really need to give more information about the boat. Big, big issue is how it is constructed, wood or fiberglass. If wood and you are not a carpenter then you need to have the boat very carefully surveyed to determine the condition of the ribs, planking and the fasteners (the screws that hold it together).

If the wood has started rotting or the fasteners old then you could spend far more time and money on repairs than the value of the boat.

twistedtree · 28-12-2012, 05:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by skipmac

If the wood has started rotting or the fasteners old then you could spend far more time and money on repairs than the value of the boat.

Which could well be why it's for sale for $20k...... It's just really important to know what you are getting into and to be sure you are up for it. There are way too many horror stories of people who nievely buy a boat which quickly becomes a sink-hole and noose around their neck. Boats can deliver great please, and great pain.

Peter9687 · 28-12-2012, 19:31

So I guess wooden boats are out of the question. I was going to get survey done on any boat I am int in. Can you trust the survey of the seller. As I said the ad says survey done ? By the way my budget is forty,but I thought if this one was any good I would have plenty left over for unexpected probs

cat man do · 28-12-2012, 19:36

Quote:

So I guess wooden boats are out of the question.

There's nothing wrong with wooden boats if they are good ones.
Once again, try putting a link to this one up so as to stop wasting everyone's time commenting on an imaginary item.

Peter9687 · 28-12-2012, 19:41

Sorry don't know how to. It's on boat sales. Looks like sailing hasn't relaxed you. Maybe you should get back to society and learn how to speak to people

Outwest34au · 28-12-2012, 19:50

Use common sense, take a fellow boatie or mechanic type person with you. Those with some practical experience in life will be able to ascertain the general condition of visible items and structure. Download a survey check list, it's not rocket science for the most part.
At the end of the day, 20K aint a lot to drop, if you will get $15K of fun from it and get back $5K for scrap your OK.
You have allowed an extra 20K or so to get it up to speed, just make sure the bare bones are there and intact.

Cheers

downunder · 28-12-2012, 20:01

Now this would be a good buy for $20,000.

Used Waverunner 30 Flybridge for Sale | Boats For Sale | Yachthub

You need to copy and paste the link at the top of the page if you want anything meaningful.

Outwest34au · 28-12-2012, 20:02

Theres this
Hartley Baycruiser - Price: AU $19,900 for sale at Australiawide Boat Sales, Manly, Newport and Sydney
and then there's this
Welcome to Manly Harbour Yacht Brokers

One to bring up to speed, and the other might be right for you to go now?
I think one big part of purchasing is making sure you get a base you are comfy with, something you can work with but not buy yourself a long term project, unless you really want that of course.