Opinions on my "short" list?

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by Theunknown

Great point! Is was thinking we may be able to get a boat for 15 - 20% below asking. Of course this could vary greatly from boat to boat. Maybe the are opportunities to get them for even less in the right situation. I'll keep that in mind.

It does vary depending on seller and boat. But normally I would plan on settling 15-20% below asking. Sometimes it can be 40%.
It depends largely on other recent similar sales and how long the owner has tried to sell it. Remember, the owner is forking out hundreds monthly for moorage etc.
If two boats are similar equipped and condition I would go with one with a protected rudder of some sort.
Based on your list I would put the Watkins and Tartan at the top of your list and the Irwin and Endeavor at the lower end. But again, probably more about condition.
A non bolted on keel can save you some bucks as well as non cored hull.

[donradcliffe]

Avoid the Irwins--they were the Hunters of their day.

If you are leaving in December, you need to buy something very soon, so you can shake down the boat and crew before leaving.

[Theunknown]

Thanks, great tips. One thing I love about the Watkins is they are way overbuilt and the have lots of headroom to fit my 6'4" frame!!


Yeah I'm getting a bit anxious to find the right one and starting to get it ready, it's not easy being landlocked!

[susswein]

Many boats in your price range are sold FSBO, not through brokers, so expand your search beyond yachtworld, and don't be afraid to offer 50% of the asking price.

Check out the sold listings on ebay to get a ballpark of true market pricing.

[Theunknown]

I didn't know you could look at the sold listings. Thanks for the tip I'll check it out.

[Scout 30]

I'd avoid Irwins & Watkins due to build quality. I'd add Cals & Columbias.

[snort]

Try to find the websites for the boats you're considering and note the typical problem areas associated with that boat, i.e., hull to deck joint leaks on Islander 32.
Then, with your checklist, go take a look at each boat.

[galynd]

Check out sailboatowners.com. Many boats fsbo.

I owned an Irwin 34 citation. I wouldn't hesitate to take it to the Bahamas. However, any boat of that age could be in lesser condition.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[galynd]

Correction..... Sailboatlistings.com.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[JPA Cate]

Theunknown,

The Tartan.

Irwin does not have the reputation of being well built.

Frankly, the "feeling of spacious" wouldn't impress me much. I'd be more looking at how the boat will work in a seaway, and I look for handholds, a good sea berth, storage, tankage, and so on. Tiny in the head is safer.

What sailorchic34 wrote about sound decks, etc. is right on. She gave you good advice.

Ann

[barnakiel]

Yep. +1 for trying to find a clean, sound one. Paramount factor if you want to 'sail more work less'.

b.

[Don C L]

No Pearson Vanguard? Too narrow?

[swpeterson]

This may or may not be serendipitous but we have been living aboard our 1980 34' Irwin Citation since 2/2012. We are about to put her up for sale.

We are in Fort Myers at the City of Fort Myers Yacht Basin. If you want to talk about our experiences on our boat or put it into your possible consideration file, please feel free to get in touch with us at swp.ga@hotmail.com.

Phone is ok too but email me first and I will send it to you.

We love Golden Avatar but we decided to get something bigger.

[Theunknown]

Sorry I haven't been replying, long day at work.

Owner sites are a great idea. I'll make sure and dig into them prior to my in person boat inspections so I have an idea of specific problems to keep an eye out for.

I'm surprised to hear the Watkins weren't built well. I was under the impression they were overbuilt, but not the best sailing boats.

I'll look into the Cals and Columbias some more. If I remember correctly there were only a few that were shoal draft versions, but I'll look again.

Vanguards weren't on the list due to the interior space. Being tall I can use every inch in height and vberth possible. I could be wrong on the headroom in them though. It's a hard # to find. Almost as hard as vberth length!!!

I've been looking hard on Craigslist, Sailboat listings, boat trader, Ebay, Good Old Boat, and local brokers on the east coast. Seems like I'll find the best deal from the FSBO sites.

I'll look over my list a little closer to make sure I get a boat that will sail well, give us the room we will need and is in great shape...good condition being first qualifier!!!

This is a great help...Thanks everyone!!!

Jeff

[NoShoes]

Use this to search craigslist.

SearchTempest: Search all of Craigslist nationwide & more