New to boating; seeking advice on buying a '78 Californian 34ft trawler

[paulwal]

Hello Everyone!

I'm a newbie considering getting into power cruising. Tomorrow I will be looking at a 1978 Californian. It's a 34 footer with two Perkins diesels. I'm looking for tips on things to watch out for, when buying boats in general and also things particular to this make/model. Tonight I'll find and read some online guides for boat buying.

Here's where it gets interesting. This particular boat had the "cockpit drains clogged with cypress needles two years ago" and took on water. The water got into the engine room and was two days before it was pulled up. The engines were pickled and reportedly run strong now. The generator has not been repaired. The owner eventually acquired another boat and abandoned the restoration.

The price seems decent, but I don't want a boat that isn't seaworthy or will cause major headaches down the road waterway. Like I said, I'm new to cruising so I want to know what I'm getting into. I don't mind getting my hands dirty and learning how to do repairs. What should I watchout for? Thanks!!!

[Bush57]

Hey Paul, I think we purchased the boat you were looking at. Got it for $8000. Was it the one in Madisonville Louisiana(Paradocs)?
Did you find another boat?

[paulwal]

Originally Posted by Bush57

Hey Paul, I think we purchased the boat you were looking at. Got it for $8000. Was it the one in Madisonville Louisiana(Paradocs)?
Did you find another boat?

Yep, that's it! Are you going to restore it? It sounds like you got a good deal!

I haven't gotten another boat... I'll probably wait a couple more years.

[Bush57]

Originally Posted by paulwal

Yep, that's it! Are you going to restore it? It sounds like you got a good deal!

I haven't gotten another boat... I'll probably wait a couple more years.

Yes. We are in the process right now.. Drove it from Madisonville to Slidell with very little steering! Both engines are working and the bottom seems to be clean. Ordered new windows as there were several leaks. But we knew it was a project!