Aquarius 23 sailboat: want to know if its worth to buy

[tjmorrison1]

Aquarius 23 sailboat with retractable keel, mast and rigging. No sails. Blisters in fiberglass hull, interior badly damaged. Est. 35 years old. Boat trailer needs new axle, wheels, bearings, and possibly some wiring. The university I am currently working for is asking for 500 dollars for both the boat and trailer. Was wondering would it be worth the buy to fix up. Also a guess estimate on the cost of fixing her up. Thanks

[Cheechako]

Not worth it....even if free... you will spend far more than it's worth. You can get a ready to use trailerable boat these days up to probably 26 feet for $2500. Sails are expensive!
Rough:
Sails: $1000
Motor: $400
Trailer work: $1000
Everything else: Infinite.

[tjmorrison1]

Thanks! Just wanted a second thought on the matter. Thanks for the speedy response.

[David_Old_Jersey]

+1 on it being worthless (worth less than zero!).

They would probably find it hard to give it away.

[Mr Mac]

I would consider asking for it free and clear for the above mentioned costs. A trailer axle is pretty inexpensive so that shouldn't be too big a deal. Sails will be pricey.

The concerns I would have are the blisters in the hull, first. A few blisters isn't a huge issue like boat pox (think acne; a pimple or two are blisters, a full onslaught of acne is boat pox and that means a saturated hull).

The other big concern would be the condition of the interior and what you mean by badly damaged. Was it at the bottom of a lake or was it fire or simply neglect?

Lastly, what is the condition of the rigging and all through holes?

Mac

[Jim Cate]

IMO, these were pretty substandard boats when new. Lots of better trailer boats available, many pretty inexpensive these days.

Cheers,

Jim

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by Mr Mac

I would consider asking for it free and clear for the above mentioned costs. A trailer axle is pretty inexpensive so that shouldn't be too big a deal. Sails will be pricey.

The concerns I would have are the blisters in the hull, first. A few blisters isn't a huge issue like boat pox (think acne; a pimple or two are blisters, a full onslaught of acne is boat pox and that means a saturated hull).

The other big concern would be the condition of the interior and what you mean by badly damaged. Was it at the bottom of a lake or was it fire or simply neglect?

Lastly, what is the condition of the rigging and all through holes?

Mac

Maybe you would consider it for free but have you done this before? If not...maybe misleading and bad advise for the OP. This boat was submarginal when new.

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

IMO, these were pretty substandard boats when new. Lots of better trailer boats available, many pretty inexpensive these days.

Cheers,

Jim

+1

[Mr Mac]

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

Maybe you would consider it for free but have you done this before? If not...maybe misleading and bad advise for the OP. This boat was submarginal when new.

Actually, my oldest son works at a marina on the Mississippi and has repaired many a blister and is my adviser on that front.

As for the boat itself, since we have no pictures to help us out, I'm merely trying to get a better idea as to how bad it really is/isn't in order to better gauge what it may cost to fix to a seaworthy state.

As for it being bad advice for the OP, only he can judge that based on what he sees/knows and is willing to take on.

[Celestialsailor]

Sorry...I didn't mean to come off so strong. I have seen countless project get a few thousand bucks wrapped up in them, only to be abandoned and later hear how boats are a hole in the water you throw money into.

[ohdrinkboy]

Once you make the repairs you will have $2,000 - $4,000 in it. I'd advise you to go buy a used boat that is ready to sail for that price. Lots of Catalina 22's around in that price range that are ready to go.

[Celestialsailor]

Which are of much higher quality.

[Mr Mac]

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

Sorry...I didn't mean to come off so strong. I have seen countless project get a few thousand bucks wrapped up in them, only to be abandoned and later hear how boats are a hole in the water you throw money into.

No worries, in the same light, I didn't mean to make it sound like a good investment but then, I like a challenge (that's why I restore classic cars)!

That said, I agree with the sentiments here in that for $1500 to $2000 more you can buy a great little Catalina/Capri on a trailer and have a pocket cruiser that'll sail circles around the Aquarius.