Hi. The boat appears to be in good shape. The swing
keel is appealing for negotiating
coral reefs, unless it leaves the
rudder vulnerable. I like the seperate shower/head modification. Even though the
hull looks very simular to ours, we have a completely different
interior layout. Don't you love boats? No two are alike. The more recent upgrades are nice. As far as the cockpit size, we love it. Make sure it has adaquate drain(s) and leave the lower door section in place because you
will get hit with big seas. Most trips we've taken we've had additional crew on board so the larger cockpit was a godsend.
In addition to what this boat already has, we've added the following to ours: (just to give you some ideas)
Radar - JRC 16 mile range
Water maker - 100 gal/day capacity, 12 V DC
Additional 30 gal. water tank (100 total)
Solar panels - 150 watts total
Wind generator - Air-X 400 watts
Doubled the
battery bank capacity
Hydraulic auto pilot independant of the cable
steering
SSB Radio transceiver
AIS - Automatic Identification System
Second
VHF at the
helm
New Adler Baurbar air/water cooled
refrigeration for the tropics
Electric dingy davit lifts with automatic
emergency launch system
Engine driven air
compressor (small, mechanically engaged) for
diving
Second large
bilge pump (can't have too many)
Two stainless folding bikes (don't laugh)
I'm sure I missed something.......... currently replacing all
lighting with
LED (expensive)
Our
displacement is now at 22,000 lbs. and we didn't have to move the boot stripe so the hull has great buoyancy.
We still only have 30 gal. fuel capacity. There's room for another 20 gallon rubber bladder so I might consider that.
As far as negotiating the
price, I'd offer $40,000.00 and reluctantly meet them halfway. The above list could run in excess of 30 thousand, especially if you hire it done. We have done 95% of the additions ourselves.
Also, does anyone out there have any
history with the swing keel? I am curious since I didn't even know Irwin offered that in 1980.
Hope this helps... happy valentine's day
Kelvin