Visit our Popular Forums

S/V Alchemy · 19-03-2011, 09:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnathon123

Thanks dragon lady

In no special order

I am looking for a 36 - 40ft timber or grp monohull.

Prefer to avoid teak deck

Must have 2 quarter berths and useable V berth for 2 adults and two children

A "classic style" rather than modern production

Aft cockpit

Sloop or cutter rig

Some double Enders ok but prefer a stern

Needing some work is ok (varnishing, clean up etc)

Mainly coastal cruising, some day sailing

Fin or full keel

Wheel or tiller

Anything from the Perry, Crealock kind of stable really attract me but am not just looking for there boats

Budget: prefer less than $120k Aus but for the right boat up to 180k

Given that realistic budget, maybe you should stop flying around Australia and fly into North America or Panama. I mention Panama because that's where cruising dreams go to die along with marriages and you'll find deeply discounted, fully provisioned boats ready to go. All you have to do is sail them back!

Lancerbye · 19-03-2011, 10:01

I went through this process hopefully for the last time 5 years ago. It can be very frustrating. Remember sometimes you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find that princess.

David_Old_Jersey · 19-03-2011, 10:05

If it's any comfort - for every waste of space Broker there be 100+ waste of space punters (buyers and sellers).

DeepFrz · 19-03-2011, 10:23

Ever notice on the bottom of listing page there is a disclaimer that goes something like this

Quote:

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel.

That says to me that the broker really has done very little or no work other than maybe a cursory inspection and that you should take the part of the disclaimer about instructing your "agents" or surveyors to do a thorough job in investigating areas that you deem important very seriously.

That is one of the reasons that long distance buying is so frustrating. You really have to spend quite a bit of time on a boat that seems promising before you hire a surveyor. Once you find a boat that looks promising and passes your inspection then you can make an offer subject to satisfactory survey.

Johnathon123 · 19-03-2011, 14:45

Thanks everyone, a decent nights sleep and a few laughs with my wife and kids this morning, I feel better.

I still won't kiss any more frogs but I might start looking at there pictures again.

Thanks everyone for the advice, unfortunately this year the USA is not an option but if I am still looking at frog pictures in a year who knows.

If you know a boat, PLEASE tell me I won't call you a frog - promise

Jacko · 19-03-2011, 15:06

Hi James hang in there mate not all are bad. I was looking for my dream boat a few years back with little in expectations. I flew all over the place after spending hours on the net pouring over photos even flew from Sydney to Cairns in one day with no result. Then one day I walked into the marina where I had my current boat and there on the hard was just the boat I was looking for and it had been in the same bay as me " the next day I owned here and have now been on board for 8 years.

SO GOFRIT James your boat is out there !!!!! Cheers mate Jacko

Factor · 19-03-2011, 15:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnathon123

Thanks dragon lady

In no special order

I am looking for a 36 - 40ft timber or grp monohull.

Prefer to avoid teak deck

Must have 2 quarter berths and useable V berth for 2 adults and two children

A "classic style" rather than modern production

Aft cockpit

Sloop or cutter rig

Some double Enders ok but prefer a stern

Needing some work is ok (varnishing, clean up etc)

Mainly coastal cruising, some day sailing

Fin or full keel

Wheel or tiller

Anything from the Perry, Crealock kind of stable really attract me but am not just looking for there boats

Budget: prefer less than $120k Aus but for the right boat up to 180k

Friends of mine bought a Cav 36 in quite good condition recently for your money/requirements. I Think it is an excellent boat, and after some new sails and a bit of a polish up it presents as ready to go anywhere.

Johnathon123 · 19-03-2011, 16:00

Ok, here is one I found this morning in a feel good moment:

1982 Davies 12m Yacht Power Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

Thoughts?

Anyone from New Zealand know the boat?

Thanks

**Boracay** · 19-03-2011, 16:14

I don't recall any Davies yacht designers or builders.

There's Laurie Davidson...

Johnathon123 · 19-03-2011, 16:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boracay

I don't recall any Davies yacht designers or builders.

There's Laurie Davidson...

Yes, boracay, that was my first thought as well.

Anyone else heard of that designer

shadow · 19-03-2011, 16:37

I went through the same nonsense for many years in OZ and NZ. I would keep hearing and reading "bristol" condition and newer than new!! When even in the picture, there was obvious severe water stains and damage, rust, etc... Just from seeing the pictures, that doesn't feel like bristol to me.. That's why I would widen your range of search to the U.S., Carib, Europe.. With the stronger OZ dollar, you should do well..

There is an excellent broker named Clive at the BVI yacht sales. He is extremely honest and has absolute honesty and integrity. He actually works for you and helps you search for a yacht.. Good luck though as I know your pains brother!!

smurphny · 19-03-2011, 16:38

Narrow down your choices to one or two boats and then do your own looking around. Salesmen always have a vested interest in selling you SOMETHING. Know the boat you want and then go find it at the right price. If you're a cruiser and not concerned about speed, a classic that comes to mind is a 60s vintage Alberg 37. The old Pearson 40 is also a great boat. These can be had well below your price range and will take you anywhere safely. They also are not losing 30% when you "drive" them off the lot. Spend $ on upgrading electronics, etc.