Advice on used sailboat purchase price

[MrReedatsea]

Hi Rider,

I just did exactly what you described. I started looking at sailboats all over Florida in the $25K range. I found a search at Edward's Yacht Sales was helpful because could be filtered to show only Florida boats. I inquired about one boat through the broker listed and ended up making an offer through that broker on another when the price dropped. Last month I closed on a 1989 O'Day 322 and feel like I got a solid boat at a good price. There are about $3K in upgrades, etc. to be accomplished before I head out for a year of sailing the Caribbean but I expected that.

It's a buyers market. It CAN be done. There will be naysayers. Keep your eye on your goals.

If you are anywhere in southern Florida, I HIGHLY recommend Steve Purcell on Marco Island as a broker! (239-404-0444)

Good luck.

Terry

[mottseng]

Have you considered a Canadian boat? With the exchange rate being what it is you might find a great deal.

[Endeavour32]

I wouldn't fixate on price or even specific boats or age personally. From what I have just gone through in my search, it takes looking at boats, and having an idea what you are looking for.

I found mine on Craigslist, a 1979, that had been maintained by knowledgeable people, upgraded with upgrades I would have done (e.g. stainless steel ports), a Doyle stackpack main and 110% Genoa with a season's light use, plus unused 150% Genoa, Hood MP-S and Gennaker. Immaculate mostly, down below, in need of a clean and TLC to teak, and a Polish topsides.

$5000.

Be patient, the right boat will turn up, and you will know it when you see it.

Best of luck to you.

For perspective, a car is a hole in tarmac we pour money into, and a house is a hole in the landscape we pour money into as well. As long as you don't over buy relative to your budget, you should be fine.