Boats with extensive owner performed refits?

[Thomas1985]

What’s everyone’s thoughts on boats like this one? Is it a bad idea to get in to a boat with so much customization done? Will insurance throw a fit?
https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/197...utter-8460069/

[Montanan]

I do not see any structural "customizations" simply some new replacements and upgrades, that one would routinely expect to maintain its functionality.

The insurance underwriter should be able to come to an agreed value of coverage, which should be less than the purchase price.

Of keen issue is that this is an old boat, going on 49 years young and that becomes problematic by itself as many underwriters will not even consider such elderly vessels. Boats that are older than most of their employees and agents.
They would prefer a vessel from this millennium.

[freshalaska]

Looks like a nice boat. Just get liability insurance.

[SailFastTri]

Looks like an owner-loved boat. That is a GOOD thing in a used boat. Boats that lack owner enhancements usually lack maintenance as well.
Can’t comment on insurance but I’d expect the insurer to want a recent out of water “condition and value” survey on most used boats. You should want it too. Likely the surveyor will rate that boat’s value above average for the year and model.
Edit: I suppose the owner wanted to keep a “period look” but if you get that boat I’d recommend a new-generation non-hoop anchor such as a Rocna Vulcan, Mantus type 2, or Spade. (A hoop would interfere with the sprit).

[s/v Jedi]

I agree with the others… if you like a cutter then this appears to be a great boat!

Of course you don’t know how the work was done… but what is visible looks like good work so one would hope plumbing, rewiring etc. was done good too

[dlj]

Looks like a nice boat. It's got a new engine and lots more. If you like tha style of boat, looks like a good one

dj

[boatman61]

Nothing extreme that I can see.. dodgers and dinghy davits are pretty standard external add ons.. must confess those winch mounts are not common to me but maybe it's the boat model standard.
Looks like a nice ready to go boat.

[Island Time O25]

The biggest issue with a boat like this is it will be PITA to maintain in good shape. Fine for a liveaboard retiree with not much else to do but tough for someone with a regular job who wants to sail in his or her free time instead of putting 7 to 10 coats of varnish or whatnot. At that price level I'd go with a production 32-33 footer from post 2000s. It will be roomier that a 38 footer from 1975. Not to mention less wood to take care of.

Now, if the asking price were to be dropped to 20sK I would give it a more thourough second look.

[Bowdrie]

Originally Posted by Thomas1985

What’s everyone’s thoughts on boats like this one?

Down East built some decent boats that have "good bones".
On a lighter note, taking into account where they were built, perhaps they might have been named "Out West" boats.
One thing caught my eye, probably an oversight by the owner, which is common with boats equipped with a Samson post or Bitts.
Look at pic #14, you'll see that the bitts have exposed end grain and are not holding finish, (an impossible task,) and will over time deteriorate.
Should you get that boat or any other that has such a feature be sure and cover the tops of the post/bit with copper caps, the sides of which extend down over the wood perhaps an inch.
A small detail, but one that pays big dividends as time goes on.

[Jim Cate]

must confess those winch mounts are not common to me but maybe it's the boat model standard.

OW! Those winch stands would impart really big loads at the deck level when in use. Do check for issues there!

Jim

[stormalong]

Insurance companies don't throw fits and don't think. They read surveys. Get a glowing survey and they will be happy.

Except that getting full hull cover on a boat that old will be a problem.

[boatpoker]

30 years and thousands of surveys ... I've only seen three boats I could find nothing wrong with, all three were home built.

[Don C L]

The only customization I see is the hard dodger. I know those boats and I can see the previous owner(s) spent a lot of money maintaining and upgrading her. Those winch stands are not standard. As Jim says they need to be checked. As was mentioned, the main problem as far as insurance is the age of the boat. I doubt they will care about a dodger.

[Thomas1985]

Man has talent. He did an excellent job on that dodger. I really like how it turned out.

[Iron E]

Originally Posted by Island Time O25

The biggest issue with a boat like this is it will be PITA to maintain in good shape. Fine for a liveaboard retiree with not much else to do but tough for someone with a regular job who wants to sail in his or her free time instead of putting 7 to 10 coats of varnish or whatnot. At that price level I'd go with a production 32-33 footer from post 2000s. It will be roomier that a 38 footer from 1975. Not to mention less wood to take care of.

You sound as if you may have experienced a traumatic event. Please show us on the classic ocean cruiser where the teak has hurt you.

All joking aside, your point about newer productions having more room and going to your boat on weekends and sailing without doing any brightwork has merit, but next time you're at an anchorage, take a look at the Catalina 320, then look over at the 10-ton full-keel cutter, and tell me who is most likely bobbing around like a cork and spilling their wine.