Quote:
Originally Posted by JDRichlen
So I will start seriously looking at boats in may - sept. Im planning to be living aboard by october. Iv'e been doing a lot of browsing online at sailboats in the area, but haven't check any out in person yet. I'm thinking about something between 26-30 foot for my first liveaboard. From what I've seen i can find something reasonable in my area for around $5-8k. Would this be something that definitely needs to get surveyed before purchase? Or, would a survey be a waste on such a low cost boat? Also, should I be looking for boats in dry storage, or boats on a slip and have them hauled if need be for a survey?
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Boat searches can give you the boat that you want with the first that you see or make take tears if you are fussy. As to if you should have a "professional survey done" the answer is probably yes BUT dont have a survey done untill you find a boat that you are going to pay your
money over. The more
money that you are prepared to pay for a boat more more willing that you should be to get muliple surveys done. In your case the cost of a survey is a high percentage of the expected
purchase price so apply your own due diligance before you pay others to apply theirs.
The
books that have been recomended are a good start.
The generic list given on this thread are good focus points
researching on owners/model sites will help to focus on problems experienced with that particular model.
Asking questions about a particular boat on this and other
forums with good photos should be productive.
Asking questions of the owner is some times more valuable in what is avoided rather than what is said. If the owner thinks that you are a
novice they are more inclided to BS. Ask them if they mind if you bring a friend along who is an experienced sailor who has owned that model for years, but ask that question at the start of the conversation. Tell the owner that you want a sea trial with him/her on board before asking about the
sails and motors.
Asking marina staff what they know can be useful, but remember to ask if there will be any problems in keeping the boat at that marina even if that is not your intention. They have been know to say nice things just to get a boat out of the marina before it sinks.
If you get a chance get to look at a similar model in good condition, every boat that you look at is a
learning oportunity.
Network with sailors in the area,
Network with owner of models you are interested in.
Take some one who knows boats (hopefully that model) with you, but make sure that you have told them exactly what you intend to do with the boat and what your needs are. Dont be reushed in your
inspection , dont be rushed into decisions.
Still want the boat, agree on a
price subject to the boat being as presented. Then seriously consider a professional survey.