Second hand First 47.7

[Cabrinha06]

Hi guys!!!

Just a quick message here to get your opinion about a 2004 Beneteau First 47.7 commodore edition I'm interested on buying.
I have done the first inspection this weekend and it seems like the boat hasn't been taken care of since it has been put for sale, late 2014.

On the deck nothing shocking (apart bird shi*s), just ropes to change, dodger frame and tissue not in good condition. But didn't find cracks or anything.
The white paint on the mast and boom (specific to commodore edition?) is starting to go away.
But otherwise the rigging is free of corrosion, lockers are dry.

Inside, I have found multiple signs of moisture and some minor corrosion I guess.
It's probably due to the fact that nobody has been taking care of her for a year now.
The inside part of the shroud shows some green (??) corrosion at its base (see picture), moisture got into the mirror all around the edges (see pictures), cushions need to be changed some metallic parts also have this green corrosion and hatches are crazing, some pretty badly.
Otherwise, lockers are fine, no water anywhere, dry hull everywhere I could stick my hand in to touch it.

So I would like to know if all of this is very bad for a boat only 12yrs old (2004) and if things can get fixed easily.
Based on that, I will decide to conduct a survey or not.

Thanks!!

Paul

[haiqu]

What a princess.

[Cabrinha06]

Sorry??

I'm not familiar with second hand boats so I'm just asking to you guys what you think about it.

Cheers,

Paul

[redsky49]

You need to dig a bit deeper. What you should be doing is a "Pre-Survey Inspection". From the pics and your comments, it seems you are only looking at cosmetics and surface issues. Do a google search for what you, as a potential buyer, should be looking at.

Establish a system approach:

Mechanical. Start at engine, check external condition, cleanliness of oil, fuel filter, belts, rust, engine mounts , hoses, etc...

Do this for plumbing, sail handling, electrical, etc.

If you are unsure how to proceed, find a friend who is knowledgeable. If you have no friends (sorry to hear that), ask a surveyor for an hour of his time. Sixty minutes from a good surveyor will be enough to determine whether to proceed further.

Make checklists. Don't approach this starry-eyed, but as critically as you can muster. Take lots of pics and notes as your memory will fail you.

Good luck with your boat search!

[redsky49]

Here. I have done it for you. This is an example of what you need to do:

DIY Survey Checklist for Used-boat Buying - Practical Sailor Print Edition Article

This courtesy of Practical Sailor. If it helps you, you should subscribe as a means of thanking them.

[DeepFrz]

Inspect, and if you should proceed, have the surveyor pay particular attention to the keel fastenings and the fiberglass condition around the keel bolts and general keel area. Also the rudder and rudder shaft and the bulkheads that the rudder shaft tube attach to. There are known issues in these areas especially if the boat was ever grounded or the rudder was ever damaged.

You might want to do a search on Blue Pearl and Cheeki Rafiki.

[Eleuthera 2014]

Originally Posted by DeepFrz

Inspect, and if you should proceed, have the surveyor pay particular attention to the keel fastenings and the fiberglass condition around the keel bolts and general keel area. Also the rudder and rudder shaft and the bulkheads that the rudder shaft tube attach to. There are known issues in these areas especially if the boat was ever grounded or the rudder was ever damaged.

You might want to do a search on Blue Pearl and Cheeki Rafiki.

Unfortunately, Cheeki Rafiki is not very relevent; it had been raced hard throughout its life.

However, the 47.7 is a First... means racer. Check how much mechanical sail handling aids there are.. if you have a small crew, it would be very important.

[Sailmonkey]

There is nothing in any of those pictures that look even remotely like a problem to me.


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[Bulawayo]

We always pose a few questions before even seeing a boat......
Rigging replaced when or original (standing & running) ?
Age of sails and list of.
Engine hours and maintenance log available?
Any insurance claims?
Are there any known defects?
Get the responses in writing. Depending on the answers we would then procede to the next stage - viewing.
There are dozens of good postings on line that can guide you with what to look for but first off take a friend that has some knowledge and then follow up with a good surveyor. Be prepared to spend $40k plus if you do buy the boat on some basic refurbishment.

[hamburking]

The issues you noted should be reflected in the price. If its been sitting for a year, like you say, it should be a real bargain.

Also, look past the green stuff and crazed windows, and get into the real dollar issues...how are the engine, electronics, keel, hull, through hulls, bulkheads, chainplates, plumbing, tanks, etc, etc. There is an awful lot of stuff on a 47' sailboat. Stuff that is expensive to repair/replace.

You could say I'm a bit of an a$$h*1e, because all the signs are there that you should be offering half of whatever they are asking. If its been sitting for a year, they'll take it and run.

[DeepFrz]

If its been sitting for a year, they'll take it and run.

Not necessarily. In my experience owners tend to have an inflated sense of their boat's value.

Unfortunately, Cheeki Rafiki is not very relevent; it had been raced hard throughout its life.

However, the 47.7 is a First... means racer. Check how much mechanical sail handling aids there are.. if you have a small crew, it would be very important.

Kind of an oxymoron here. On the one hand its not relevant, on the other hand it is.

[Tikka]

I had about 4 second hand boats, there are 3 types of preowned boats, abused, neglected and meticulously maintained. Majority boats in different stages of neglect .
Sure U can pay a surveyor, but it's not a point to end up with pages of findings.
U like the boat...B.O.A.T - bring another thousands ...
Boats is over 10 years old, rigging was not replaced- U ready to replaced it,because of common insurance question or risking problems, not to replacing it.
Sails, if from manufacture, they would be more than 10 years old. Remember
everything needs maintenance , winches, rubber seals, engine, etc.
Are you ready to restore the boat and of course sale price must reflect all those expenses.
Beneteaus don't have ocean going reputation, and there is reason for that.
that would be out of your question scope, don't forget, it is buyers market,
keep us posted

[Cabrinha06]

Hi guys,

Thanks a lot for all your replies!!!

Concerning Keel bolts, I had a look at them and nothing unusual to me. But I'm not an expert.
The rigging has been changed in 2012 and as far as I know it hasn't been racing (doesn't even have racing sails), the guy just wanted a twitchy boat.


My concern was to find out if the boat was simply being neglected or if it was something more serious. Especially this green thing at the base of the shroud in the interior.

If I decide to buy it, I will get it surveyed anyway so I'm sure of the structure, engine, instruments...

[sepeteus]

I was very unhappy owner of 47.7 2001 model. Best day ever when managed to move it on. Sorry to say, DONT BUY 2nd hand 47.7 First. If you are interested I can give you a looooong list what to look at.

[Cabrinha06]

Sepeteus > Oh really! That bad? Why? (If you don't mind me asking)

Yes of course, I'm definitely interested on a list!!

Thanks!