Tell me about the 1992 Beneteau 53

[Jcolman]

Seems that there is one for sale for what seems to be a very good price. Would you hesitate to sail this boat from Europe to the US?

[Jcolman]

By good price I mean about $70k less than what they are selling (or asking prices) for the same boat in the US.

How foolish would it be to purchase the boat, sail it back to the US and sell it for a (hopefully) decent profit?

[Jcolman]

*crickets* Nobody? Buller? Buller?

[Tetepare]

I've been looking for a Beneteau 430 "at a great price" for two years now. What I've found is that price matches condition (no surprise) and those with very low prices are poorly maintained and need significant refit.

[Jcolman]

Originally Posted by Tetepare

I've been looking for a Beneteau 430 "at a great price" for two years now. What I've found is that price matches condition (no surprise) and those with very low prices are poorly maintained and need significant refit.

This one *seems* to be different. It's a distress sale. The owner just put $50k into the boat in up grades and maintenance. I'll know more later. My biggest concern is that these boats seem to be popular in Europe much more than the states, likely due to the 8' draft on the boat. But I would think this boat would do well in the Caribbean.

If I had reasonable assumption that I could sell it for a profit I'd be very tempted to jump on this deal.

[George P]

Only one way to find out, go see the boat, firstly make sure VAT is paid and ask for proof, even if you US flag it it will make the process much simpler, speaking from experience.
8 foot keel on the east coast of the US is not a good selling point. Ok for the Caribbean but keep in mind the Caribbean monohull market for older bene's is not so great.
It took us 4 months of very intense and non stop work, let alone the 10s of thousands spent, to get our boat up to a state of seaworthiness for ocean crossings (and structurally the boat was perfect).......

Just my thoughts: A $70K market price difference is probably not enough. Then again, this is from my perspective, which I have come to realize is different form everyone else's.
Whatever you do enjoy and have fun.
Cheers

[Cheechako]

8 ft draft definitely a detriment to many. I would not take it to the US east coast to sell.