Need Help on Islander Bahama 30, 1981

[gmcairns]

Just looked at a 1981 Islander bahama 30 to buy. selling for $18,500 any thoughts on price and make and model? The boat looked clean and it's been about 5 years since bottom paint.

[sailcruiser]

That is really subjective. What is the condition overall? Has he motor been replaced. If you have any photos that may help. A friend of mine sold one for $6000 last fall. If this boat has a new motor that may be worth a markup. SC

[Pat Ross]

seems to me you could do better if you are going to spend that kind of money, it is a buyers market, has been for several years and will continue to be. Monohulls are all over the place, cheap. Here is a good website to compare monohull specifications and their resulting expected sailing performance and stability

Sail Calculator Pro v3.53 - 2500+ boats

[SV Scooter AK]

Got an 1984 Islander Bahamas that I bought 3 years ago. Love the boat but had to fix a lot due to neglectful owners. Had overheating problem but took apart and cleaned some of the cooling sections of engine, replaced thermostat, and removed head to get at a couple of small holes that circulate water that were plugged with age. Now it's a reliable and fun boat to sail!

[Pat Ross]

Originally Posted by Pat Ross

seems to me you could do better if you are going to spend that kind of money, it is a buyers market, has been for several years and will continue to be. Monohulls are all over the place, cheap. Here is a good website to compare monohull specifications and their resulting expected sailing performance and stability

Sail Calculator Pro v3.53 - 2500+ boats

I reread this and I realize this could sound like I was knocking the Bahama 30, which I like. My intention was to say that I think you are paying too much for that boat that you mention, although having a link or photos would be helpful and my comment was meant to say if you have that kind of cash resource, either pay less for that particular boat and use the remaining amount for improvements or upgrades, or pay that much for a boat that is better equipped, better shape, perhaps larger, just depends.

Pat

[callmecrazy]

It's impossible to say how much the boat is worth (or not worth) without knowing it's condition and contents.

[Pat Ross]

NADA Guide - Boat Prices for buying and selling a boat the 1981 Bahama 30 is in the NADA Guides, you would need to complete the description of the boats features to get the results of what they think the boat is worth. I say the market is a buyers market, has been for several years, will be for a couple more, if you are not going new or semi-new there are deals for good boats everywhere.

[callmecrazy]

Originally Posted by Pat Ross

NADA Guide - Boat Prices for buying and selling a boat the 1981 Bahama 30 is in the NADA Guides, you would need to complete the description of the boats features to get the results of what they think the boat is worth. I say the market is a buyers market, has been for several years, will be for a couple more, if you are not going new or semi-new there are deals for good boats everywhere.

I agree it's a buyers market. There's probably quite a few I30's out there. But the question is condition and contents.

In my experience with the Tartan 30; there are some very cheap ones for around $5k, there's the average price around $10-12K and there's the really good ones that are going for close to $20k. The good ones have new(ish) diesel motors, hauled out every year, well maintained, new rigging, new paint, new sails, electronics, self steering, etc.. etc.. The cheap ones are usually just as solid as the nice ones, but they lack all the extras and upgrades.

So until we know what the condition and contents of the boat is, it's impossible to judge it's value.

[Pat Ross]

Originally Posted by callmecrazy

I agree it's a buyers market. There's probably quite a few I30's out there. But the question is condition and contents.
So until we know what the condition and contents of the boat is, it's impossible to judge it's value.

I think you'll find the NADA Guide covers such information and will only give you there best guess after completing an inventory

[callmecrazy]

Not trying to argue here... but Based on the NADA guide I should list my boat for $29k. The NADA guides are useless when it comes to used sailboats. There's is no way for them to list or measure the options, condition (other than cosmetic), and associated gear. They don't know the difference between a $500 autopilot and a $3000 autopilot, a $100 alcohol stove, and a $2000 propane stove, etc.. etc..

The only value a sailboat has is however much a person is willing to pay for it. One person might want to pay $20k for my boat (i'd like to find that person!), but another person wouldn't pay $5k for it.
It's a perceived value market.

The Islander 30 is a good boat. It could very well be worth $18k if it has all the right gear and upgrades. But again, WE won't know that until we know what's up with it.

[bobconnie]

Well all I know is theres a 32 ft french vessel listed on here at 19,000 OBO thats a honey !! if it was 8 or 10 ft longer I buy it in a flash !! I have nothing to do with this vessel I only saw it on here ! Bob and Connie

[gmcairns]

Here is the url Cameron's Cove Yacht Sales (Benicia, CA)&

Thanks for the help. Looked at a couple more boats today and would have bought a 30 foot Watkins Sea Wolf but it has a deposit on it already.

[callmecrazy]

Looks nice. Clean, well kept, fairly well equipped. It's a broker listing so the price is jacked up a bit by default. If you were pursue it, don't be afraid to start with a low offer.

[neilsailingrn]

Originally Posted by gmcairns

Here is the url Cameron's Cove Yacht Sales (Benicia, CA)&

Thanks for the help. Looked at a couple more boats today and would have bought a 30 foot Watkins Sea Wolf but it has a deposit on it already.

That is a nice boat! But….I think you can get more boat for the money these days. Or the same boat for less money. They do hold their value well. Happy boat hunting. If it don't make your heart go pitter patter keep on looking.

[bobconnie]

After looking at this boat I say again, look at the french 32 for sale on this site !! much better deal and nicer boat !! just my 2 cents ! Bob and Connie !! PS it's not in france LOL