1965 Islander 32

[dupek]

Hi all. I went to look at a boat. It is Islander 32. Internal engine froze, but have outboard 9.9.
I walk around top deck and did not feel any soft spots. I have no idea of hull condition.
It is difficult to get survey on this boat. It is $3000. Should I risk on it?. One "thing" strikes me. For 32 feet size, does not have a shower.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha,
I would not expect a shower on an Islander 32, a Westsail 32 maybe but not an Islander. I didn't have a shower on a Mariner 35 cruising vessel.
If the boat is in the water and floating and has a running outboard it probably is worth $3000 if you don't mind lots of surprises.
kind regards,

[dupek]

My main concern is hull. I jive in Jacksonville,FL and the boat is in Daytona beach. I will research if I can find surveyor in that town, The deck is solid, but I do not know if the hull do not have some serious blisters or de-lamination. From what I saw, it will need a wiring. The depth finder do not work. It does have tiller instead of wheel. I will need some work, but for the money, I can not expect a "turn key".

[sailorchic34]

I have a 72 islander 34, a slightly larger version of the 32. My hull and deck are solid glass, with a glassed and bolted hull / deck joint. Interior wood is bonded to the cabin sides and top on mine. Very solid construction on mine. No shower either, but deck showers work well.

[unbusted67]

I think the 72 is a different beast than the 65 though. I think they were two different companies. In 65 they were Wayfarer and then by 72 they were Islander. Don't quote me on that though.

For 3000 bucks I say just go for it. It's not like you are going to find out the engine is bad! The Islander Wayfarers were generally built like tanks. They were built in the era when people didn't know a lot about fiberglass so just generally used too much of it. I have been on a wayfarer with a squishy deck before. But like I said for 3000 bucks it is hard to go wrong. Especially if the boat is floating. This is a great entry level boat with a cool interior layout and way more interior space than any other 32 foot fiberglass boat of that era. Go for it!

[BlueWaterSail]

Originally Posted by dupek

It is $3000. Should I risk on it?

Have the condition of the rig checked, aside from the engine that's going to be the expensive part to replace.

BWS

[sailorchic34]

Here's a link to a nice history of Islander.

Islander History by Skipper Wall

My little 34 is actually the yachtcraft Kit version, though the hull and deck were old stock islander

[unbusted67]

Originally Posted by sailorchic34

Here's a link to a nice history of Islander.

Islander History by Skipper Wall

My little 34 is actually the yachtcraft Kit version, though the hull and deck were old stock islander

Thanks for clarifying. I am currently lusting after a few later model Islander 32s. It would appear that I am not alone, they all seem to get bought up pretty quickly. It's all about the interior. Did you or someone else finish the interior on the kit boat?

[Tori]

If the OP doesn't pick up this boat I would like to go look at her

[sailorchic34]

On my 1972 islander 34, well yachtcraft 34, the original owner finished it. He kept it till 1995. I'm the 4th owner. The inside is a little different then the stock 34. galley, 3 burner stove and icebox are all on the starboard side. The Vberth is longer and the head is laid out a little different too. Nice wood finish through out. The outside has LOTS of teak, Cap rails, hatches, lazerettes and covings are all teak. A bit to varnish, but it looks pretty nice.

I heard of one other yachtcraft 34 and seen 2 other of the older islander 34's in the SF bay area. Saw a Islander 33 the other day too. Lots of Old Islanders still around.