Not sure if I should buy this boat...

[StrangeTanks]

I have the opportunity to buy a Leonhard Mader GmbH for what sounds like the ridiculous amount of $500. I know its worth more but if anyone is to make money I feel like my friend who is the owner should.

It's in ok shape, been neglected and sitting outside on the trailor for a long time. Some fiberglass repair but nothing major. Sails are piled up in the boat exposed.

The problem is, its about 10 time more boat than I have ever owned (sunfish). I live in Philadelphia, so not really close to the water. And while I can store it, I need one more giant thing sitting around like I need a hole in the head.

That being said, I LOVE the look of this boat and I feel like it's almost free.

Any experiences or advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm really having a hard time figuring out what I want to do.

[zeehag]

no pix??????? hhmmmpphhh

[StrangeTanks]

Haha sorry. I forget to take pics of everything.

[Hamish_ct]

Take the boat. Fix it up, get new rigging, sails and have a blast. Its definitely more than a sunfish. But if you've been sailing sunfish for a few years its time to move up. I have done what your doing many times over. Always getting old small boats, fixing them up and sailing them for a few years.

Hopefully you'll be able to find someplace near the water to store it, shouldn't be a problem.

The one problem you will have is this type of hobby becomes an addiction, just ask my wife.....

[JPA Cate]

Strange Tanks,

Sometimes this works: Decide on heads or tails, toss the coin. If you don't like how it came out, you've got your answer.

Actually, if you are not going to be able to use the boat, I'm not sure why you'd buy it. The sails -- if they are uncovered -- are likely toast, so count on replacing them one way or the other.

Have fun with the decision.

Ann

[FSMike]

Pics would be fun, I've never heard of a "Leonhard Mader GmbH".

[JPA Cate]

FSMike,

The GmbH is a German abbreviation for something like "Manufacturer," I think. Somebody will come along and fill us in.

Cheers,

Ann

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate

FSMike,

The GmbH is a German abbreviation for something like "Manufacturer," I think. Somebody will come along and fill us in.

Cheers,

Ann

I think this is the German equivalent to Inc.

[UNCIVILIZED]

Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate

FSMike,

The GmbH is a German abbreviation for something like "Manufacturer," I think. Somebody will come along and fill us in.

Cheers,

Ann

Hi Ann, I'm no longer fluent (use it or lose it), but am pretty sure that it means Ltd.


Regarding the OP's question.
To be blunt, you can find a ready to sail 25'er on Craig's List, for under $1K, if not half of that.
And I mean one which has ALL of the gear which you need to fully enjoy a boat, up to & including sailing her off somewhere for a weekend or a week or three.
So... While yeah, I HATE seeing boats just sitting, rotting: The Math Don't Lie

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, StrangeTanks.

Like this? ➥ http://www.mader-boote.de/english/new-boats/starboat/

[CarstenWL]

... boats from the Mader shipyard are typically very well respected in Germany (and beyond). The yard started in 1952 and is known for quality wood and composite dinghies / skiffs (like Flying Dutchman, Korsar, Finn Dinghy, Star ... )

Dennis Connor won the Starboat worlds in 1977 in a Mader Star ....

Regards,

Carsten

[darylat8750]

There is still an active Star racing association. If it is a good quality fiberglass Star you should see if there is a club in your area that races them. Used sails that are beyond racing life may be cheap or free. Definitely work looking into.

[Bleemus]

If you have never sailed a Star you really should try one before buying. One of the most difficult boats in the world to sail. Terribly uncomfortable. Extremely complex rigging. This is NO daysailer.

[CHAZ]

Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate

FSMike,

The GmbH is a German abbreviation for something like "Manufacturer," I think. Somebody will come along and fill us in.

Cheers,

Ann

Gesellschaft mit beschraenkter Haftung
=
Limited liability company

Fair winds

Martin 'Somebody'

[TurninTurtle]

I passed up an amazing deal on an AIRPLANE...

Fresh out of shop from re-covering (appx $2500 at the time), 1936 Ercoupe. Engine with low hours since rebuild. $3500, with lessons included. (Lessons were worth $3000 at the time.)

I've been sorry ever since.
Consider that.

You can alter the rigging to make a sailboat more user friendly... Sometimes as simple as relocating winches and longer lines.
You may not be able to turn that one into a solo daysailer... but it doesn't have to be annoying to operate.

*************

Buy it... fix it up a bit. Take the old owner out sailing with you.