Boats made in 1970's and 80'

[s/v Beth]

Originally Posted by hamburking

I've owned 8 sailboats. 6 of which were built between 1971 and 1975.

I'll be honest, I would LOVE a new boat. I go to the Toronto International Boat Show every January and dream. The reality (for me at least) is that old boats are affordable. To be blunt, old boats are cheap. Dirt cheap. For many people, myself included, these wonderful old boats make sailing a reality.

The boats I mentioned are not cheap. I could have easily bought a new Ben/Catalina/Hunter for what I paid for my Valiant, and not had all the hassle of going through it carefully and updating things.
But it's just not the same, and if you get over here to BC I would love to prove it to you offshore. Here we are in Johnstone Strait.

[Capt Phil]

Having owned both power and sail of that vintage, I can attest to them holding their value provided they are well maintained. Once the maintenance of either the integrity or the cosmetics begins to go, their value drop precipitously and is very difficult to get back. It doesn't matter whether it is glass, steel or wood, neglect maintenance at your own peril! Phil