Help with choosing the right boat...

[SailingEsq]

I'm in the market for a cruiser 33'-36'. I'm interested in Beneteau and Hunter, however I don't know much about the sailboat market.

I realize this is a broad question, but what sort of value differences should I expect when shopping for a used boat? For example, I've done extensive research and I have found a 1999 Bene 33' for $52k, and scroll down a bit and see another 33' Bene, but this one a 1990 asking price at $79k. Where the descriptions and features seem quite comparable, where should I expect there to be something lacking in the cheaper, but newer boat?

Could there be hidden structural issues? Could the 1990 have nearly $30k of recent upgrades, and could this out value a non-upgraded 1999?

I will be living and cruising on the boat for a few years. What should I look for, what should I look out for?

Thanks again.

[Target9000]

Boats vary wildly in price and quality. The deteriorate much faster than cars or homes of not well cared for.

[sailorboy1]

start by inspecting a few so you have a point of comparison

[SailingEsq]

Thank you for the replies. I should expect value differences to reflect how well the boat was cared for then, generally. Thus a 1990 can be more valuable than a 1999 if it was meticulously cared for and the 1999 left to fall apart.

That is obvious enough. But what things should I look for specifically that will indicate a major issue, for example something that is not even repairable and may not be obvious?

Another way to ask the question would be to ask in what ways can a 33' - 35' sailboat have major issues (structural, electrical, mechanical, etc), but these issues are concealed or not known by the seller?