Buying a 'Pre-Disastered' Boat

[ctsbillc]

I've been searching for a boat for a while now, and thus formulated a reasonable idea of what a boat should cost. I came across a boat at a very good price, and at the bottom of the posting was the note:

"This boat had a hard grounding in 2004 then a main refit has been done in 2004 2005"

Which obviously explains a lot.

I've asked for more info on the damage done and repairs carried out, but my questions for those more knowledgeable are:

1) can a boat which has had major repairs below the waterline be a good boat, or will it be weaker, prone to other issues like concealed water damage not repaired, etc?

2) would you buy a "repaired" boat?

Thanks,
Bill

[jdoe71]

Those questions are way too broad, it depends on the individual circumstances. Like what exactly was the damage, who repaired it, how it was repaired, what make/model of boat is it, and probably many more. Any one of those variables could lead you from "It's better than new" to "it's scrap".

The answer to both your questions is "it depends on" and insert any of the above things.

[ctsbillc]

Glad the answer was not "avoid like the plague"

I'll find out more, and certainly use a good surveyor.

Thanks,
Bill

[fishwife]

Befoe I bought my present boat I was interested in one that had been in a collision, where the damage was described as 'cosmetic'.

The sums involved were considerable and I was considering getting an ultra-sound and radiographic survey of the hull. At the same time I was asking around. I'd advise you to do that as well, find people who know the boats history and let them tell you about it.

In my case, someone sent me a series of photographs showing that the 'cosmetic' damage was in fact significant structural failure. Looking at the boat you'd never have known. Be very wary, any faults that show up after you've parted with your hard earned cash, will be your problem, because of the 'disclosure' of the previous damage.

It could be that the damage has been repaired as good as new, but you'd always be wondering, especially when things got very bumpy a long way from safe harbour.

Paige

[barnakiel]

Depending on many factors, .i.a. hull construction, material, water damage,the boat can be OK or a write-off. Impossible to say without having a close look.

b.

[ctsbillc]

Thanks Folks,

I'll find out more about the boat. It was repaired in 2005, so I suspect a lot of hidden issues will have shown by now.

Ultrasound is probably a very wise move.

Bill

[Stillraining]

Last year there was a University's sailing team that had a boat with a past history of a hard grounding and it resulted in the death of one crew when it latter fell off...Poor design ? poor repair? the argument still rages on.

Bottom line you would have had to have been there for the repair to know for sure.

Otherwise any reputable seller will have pictures available of the repair process...IMO...if not I would not buy it.

[ctsbillc]

You are right, there must be pictures.

I only found the boat and inquired about it yesterday, and being in the Carribean, they probably do not work Saturdays and Sundays like normal folks.

I know a lot more questions to ask now.

I'll post more info when I get it.

Bill

[MarkJ]

OK, let me spread my opinion: Are you CRAZY?
Why waste $1,000 on a marine surveyor? Just go find a boat that has never been pranged against the rocks requiring 2 years repairs.

All a survey is going to say is that it was rocked up the bum and required 2 years repairs. He will list all that you already know and after paying the bill you will still have the same question ratteling around your head.




Mark

[Bash]

I'm with Mark on this one. When you're ten miles offshore in a gale and the keel falls off, the amount of money you saved on the boat will hardly seem to be adequate compensation.

(Which, I think, was what Mark was trying to say in his endearing Aussie manner.)

[ctsbillc]

:-) Don't hold back Mark...

Of course I'm crazy. Getting into sailing ain't I?

I guess the overall opinion is not to touch this boat with someone else's ten foot pole.

Thanks,
Bill

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by ctsbillc

:-) Don't hold back Mark...

Of course I'm crazy. Getting into sailing ain't I?

I guess the overall opinion is not to touch this boat with someone else's ten foot pole.

Thanks,
Bill

Well I would put it more like "Take a very long and very close look before getting out your 10' pole".

It really depends on the boat, the grounding and the repair. If the boat was a new Hinkley, repaired at the Hinkley yard, guaranteed by them, and selling at half the price of another Hinkley then I would buy it in a minute (after a very careful, thorough survey by a very competent, independent surveyor).

[sailorboy1]

It's a "repaired" boat that the seller is trying to say is good. But the price is low (I take it for the market), which is why you looked at it. Low prices always have a reason and if it was really thought to be repaired as good as new why would the price be low? But at the same time they told you about it up front so it seems they are not trying to hide things.

[ctsbillc]

A repaired item will always carry a stigma, which demands a price reduction. From what I can see nobody here would buy it without a significant price advantage, and few would buy it anyway.

The broker has not replied yet. They are probably in the "Eh, some crazy gringo is interested in the boat. What shall we tell eem?" phase.

Bill

[zeehag]

right now there are so many goood boats for sale cheeeep that i would make the damaged one a low priority.....gooood luck in your search and fair winds....