in the water for 9 years

[rvoigt40]

I’m looking at a Columbia 10’7 it has some issues but nothing that I can’t handle, BUT!! it hasn’t been out of the water for ten years or out the dock and the steering cable is broken so I can’t see what the bottom looks like because we can’t get it to a marina to pull it out of the water . Should keep looking or take a chance? it’s a good deal almost too good for that size of boat? Low hours and the motor and sounds and runs good.

[Cheechako]

You need to find out the bottom condition. Maybe worth having a diver clean and inspect it.

[tmcdonagh]

I suggest you have the boat towed and pulled for inspection. I suspect any boat left in the water that long without attention is ticking time bomb.


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[rvoigt40]

he did dive and clean last year so he says,,but he's also the guy that left in the water for 10 years,

[CS Cruiser]

Run don't walk seriously though, regardless of how great a deal you think you're getting, do inspect the hull before making an offer. Who knows you may be comfortable with any maintenance /repairs still required and able to work short comings if found into your offer as well.

[MarkSF]

"Maybe worth having a diver clean and inspect it."'

I'm sure the divers will be lining up for that job.

[rvoigt40]

offer is already in i low balled him and he took it,i did think he would take it.

[sailorboy1]

I wouldn't let this stop the deal by itself. Make the owner get the steering cable or have it towed to the lift. But it has to be hauled out for survey.

[travellerw]

Ya a steering cable shouldn't be too much of a problem and fairly cheap.. Bring the old one to a rigger and have a new one made. Then bring her in!

[44'cruisingcat]

The prop is likely to be too fouled to work anyway, so why not just lash a dinghy alongside on both sides and tow it into the travel lift?

[wrwakefield]

Originally Posted by rvoigt40

I’m looking at a Columbia 10’7 it has some issues but nothing that I can’t handle, BUT!! it hasn’t been out of the water for ten years or out the dock and the steering cable is broken so I can’t see what the bottom looks like because we can’t get it to a marina to pull it out of the water . Should keep looking or take a chance? it’s a good deal almost too good for that size of boat? Low hours and the motor and sounds and runs good.

Inspect the bottom. Ten years without zincs being replaced means you may not have a prop, strut, etc. that are usable...

Buying means you assume liability...

[Cowboy Sailer]

I have side attached my dinghy twice in emergency situations and was really impressed at the control I had taking the big boat home or to the travel lift. You can get it lifted out of the water before any other work. Good luck

[C40]

Have the owner haul the boat and have it surveyed by a Accredited Marine Surveyor (AMS) from SAMS or NAMS or walk away. Who pays for this is negotiable. Make the sales contract contingent on "a survey acceptable to the buyer". As a Columbia owner, Captain, and ex-SAMS surveyor, I would not do it another way. To do otherwise is asking for unforeseen trouble and expense.

[Cadence]

I hate to be the pessimist, but I would just walk away regardless of how good a deal it seems to be. A boat neglected for that period of time is going to have endless unforeseen problems.


Best of luck regardless of what you decide.

[Island Time O25]

Unless you get it for free and have the time and $$ to deal with her I would not bother.