First Time Buyer

[jemill]

Hi All,
I've been looking and shopping and deliberating for a while now and I'm ready to buy my first "big" boat. I'm up-sizing from a Rhodes 22 and narrowed my selection down to two used boats.

1. 1990 Hunter 37.5
2. 2001 Bavaria 34 (35.5 LOA)

The offer price is the same.

We like the layout of the Hunter better and overall I'm ready to offer on it, but I'm concerned about the age of the hull and the engine (owner hasn't told hours and no meter). Should I be concerned if the survey doesn't turn anything up? What about resale in 5 or so years? Is there anything else I'm not thinking of?

Thanks for any and all opinions!

[James S]

Welcome to the forum.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, jemill.

[skipmac]

If you are concerned about the engine and can get no help from the owner I would pay a mechanic to check it out. Might want to have an oil sample analyzed and do a compression check.

Do you know the make and model of the diesel? Any experience with diesels?

Before going further you can do a little check up on your own. If the owner allows, go to the boat and make sure the engine is totally cold, has not been run for at least a day. Crank it up and look closely at the exhaust at the stern. Also, note how quickly and easily it cranks. Does fire right up and run smoothly or do you have to turn it over numerous times.

Look at the exhaust for any smoke. If you see it how much and what color, white gray or black. Look closely at the water where the exhaust hits for the little rainbows on the surface that would indicate oil or unburned diesel. If you can drive the boat or at least put it in gear at the dock (make really, really sure that the dock lines are tight and do not have enough slack to let the boat touch the pier or pilings) wait until the engine is warm and rev up the engine in forward and reverse. Again look for smoke and make sure the engine revs up to full RPM. While the engine is fully warmed up check the oil pressure as well.

Another consideration, if the Hunter has the original rigging it is reaching the age where riggers and insurance companies recommend replacement. If you pay a rigger to do it should be around $4-5000.00. The Bavaria should have a few years of life left in it assuming care and maintenance.

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by jemill

Is there anything else I'm not thinking of?

Thanks for any and all opinions!

Yes, by far the most important is which one has the "look back factor" in other words as your walking away which one do you look back at. That's the one you should buy

However, two things. We chartered a Bav 34 before buying and it was very nice despite being a 5 yr old charter boat. Sailed beautifully and so easy to park. However the split back stay was held in place with a couple of screws into some off cut bits of aluminium.

Secondly you are comparing two boats of different sizes. The extra beam does make a huge difference to the feel of space when your in the cabin.

Pete

[Adelie]

HUNTER 37.5 LEGEND sailboat on sailboatdata.com
BAVARIA 34 sailboat on sailboatdata.com

The scaling for length and beam the structural weight (displacement minus ballast) of the Bavaria is a lot less compared to the Hunter. In other words, assuming similar construction techniques and quality, the Hunter is stronger. The heavier construction should give a lot longer life assuming the boats are used similarly. I wouldn't worry about the Hunter.

Resale is a different issue.

The Hunter is about 25s/nm faster too.

[DrivinSteve]

A question that should be at the op of the list is "What are your expectations?" Cruising grounds, weekender vs cruiser, etc.
you don't mention where you are.
Is the Bavaria shoal or deep keel? Will this be a factor where you intend to go?
I've sailed both and they are very similar; but the lack of a Hobbs meter on the Hunters is frustrating.
I'd recommend sea trialing them both and actually sail the boats and look for things like ergonomics of sail trim, reefing, handholds, seacock access, etc.
Get a second set of eyes on that don't have a dog in the hunt and don't rush the process.
Good Luck!

[Mimsy]

Welcome! As to resale value, if you are concerned with resale you shouldn't buy a boat at all. You will never get your money out of it in resale. Buy what you love, sail the pants off of it and consider the money lost on it the cost of sailing.