The REAL Cost of an Older Boat . . .

[pillum]

Just finding out once again (you'd think we would learn) the REAL cost of buying an older boat. New foam and re-upholstering is more than two thousand bucks, she needs a new main, genny, and chute, there's another three thousand or so. Then add dingy, outboard, liferaft, charts, electronics etc and then the QHSE pre-requisites for US waters cruising and you can look at almost $10k above the purchase price of the boat just to get her in offshore sailing trim, and that's with buying second-hand where I can. Next step is extensive cruising trim, but that's not for another 1006 days.

Why do we do it? I guess we just love boats.

[gonesail]

there is a reason why a new 35 footer is almost 250K

[pillum]

Originally Posted by gonesail

there is a reason why a new 35 footer is almost 250K

Thanks Jammin, good reality check, I feel better and better about my bargain boat.

[Khagan1227]

I've spent a wheelbarrow full of money on my Chrysler 22, but that is because I like things MY way and everyone elses work is rubbish.

[callmecrazy]

In today's market you can pick and choose you're older boats. Finding one with decent sails, cushions, dodger, etc.. was a high priority for me. Everyone likes to talk about rigging or rudders and solid decks, but those things can be fixed cheaply compared to those extra niceties that are eventually essential to comfort.

Good luck.

[Doodles]

Originally Posted by pillum

Just finding out once again (you'd think we would learn) the REAL cost of buying an older boat. New foam and re-upholstering is more than two thousand bucks, she needs a new main, genny, and chute, there's another three thousand or so. Then add dingy, outboard, liferaft, charts, electronics etc and then the QHSE pre-requisites for US waters cruising and you can look at almost $10k above the purchase price of the boat just to get her in offshore sailing trim, and that's with buying second-hand where I can. Next step is extensive cruising trim, but that's not for another 1006 days.

Why do we do it? I guess we just love boats.

It depends on whether you are trying to put it in almost new condition or just the basics for cruising. You don't have to have $2,000 worth of new foam and upholstery or all new sails when used are available at places like Bacon's in Annapolis. Have you looked at the $500/month thread (http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...tml#post709839)? Lots of money saving ideas there if you what to go cruising in an older boat.

Of course, you can spend a lot getting an older boat ready but not everyone does.

[MichaelC]

Separate 'wants' from 'needs'. The only thing I see on your list that is necessary is the dinghy. Get a good one with oars.

[ChrisnCate]

For around 35k (US) total cost, you can have a fully rebuilt classic plastic in the 30/32' range that will (once complete) be basically brand new again, and vastly superior to many new offerings in the same loa that are 5 times the cost.

Catch is, you have to do the labor yourself.. but still.. well worth it imo.

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by pillum

Just finding out once again (you'd think we would learn) the REAL cost of buying an older boat. New foam and re-upholstering is more than two thousand bucks, she needs a new main, genny, and chute, there's another three thousand or so. Then add dingy, outboard, liferaft, charts, electronics etc and then the QHSE pre-requisites for US waters cruising and you can look at almost $10k above the purchase price of the boat just to get her in offshore sailing trim, and that's with buying second-hand where I can. Next step is extensive cruising trim, but that's not for another 1006 days.

Why do we do it? I guess we just love boats.

Old boats are either meant to be totally rebuilt or abandoned. It all comes down to the quality of the build.

The nice thing is you don't have to go in debt if one goes with an old boat (pay as you go), and you get to know the boat before it is ready to cruise.

It's just that one has to do the time!

[pillum]

Originally Posted by MichaelC

Separate 'wants' from 'needs'. The only thing I see on your list that is necessary is the dinghy. Get a good one with oars.

Mike, I hear you, and whilst I wouldn't go as basic as you suggest, I would have lived with the existing upholstery had the Admiral not decided she would sail with me in late July. It will be her first time sailing on the ocean and I want her to be impressed with the boat. As for the other stuff, the mainsail is a must, as is the dingy. She has an old mainsail on her right now, and it's from a Viking and a little small on both the luff and the foot. For a fairly long sail she needs a new sail (with a nice new proper logo on). About a Chartplotter/GPS, these are so cheap that it doesn't make sense not to have one. I, like most people, prefer to use paper charts, but a chartplotter by the wheel makes things so easy. I come and go about a liferaft, the old 'insurance is for pessimists' attitude kicks in - If I get one it will be second hand and re-certified. For the QHSE stuff that USCG insists on, there's no way around this, and the list makes sense anyway.

[David_Old_Jersey]

The "trick" is to buy well. Let someone else pay for the stuff you need / want.

From that list I can't see anything that one could not expect to get (in reasonable / servicable condition) as part of the purchase price - or the cost fully factored into the price.

[anjou]

I see two types of people in this crusing lifestyle

Those who have the brains to earn big bucks and b
uy everything and those who are dumb like me but know how to fix things up.

I make my money by what I can save and a penny saved is a penny earned.

[crazyhorse77]

There are always cheaper ways to do things.

When we first got out old 1977 Trident Warrior and found the upholstry hadn't been changed since then, despite not being a priority before hand it soon went up the list.

Try roping in friends and family and getting things done yourself, which is what we did.

There are lots of websites out there where you can get really decent breathable foam, cut to measure for very cheap. We used Foam cut to size, suppliers of foam upholstery & packaging, foam mattresses, memory foam cushions

As for the material - there are whole discussions on here as to what type to get. The fancy (which will not help your situation if you are trying to save) are not always necesary. We imported hard wearing sofa upholstry material from Germany for a fraction of the price that the caravan/sailing material sites sell it for.


Best advice.. shop around and think of all those lovely people you know who are happy to chip in and help you save on all of the 'service' charges

CrocBones Crew

The Adventures of Croc Bones

[imagine2frolic]

I would think the purchase price would've reflected these things you feel the boat needs? Turnkey, and needing work are 2 different prices.......i2f

[Hannah on 'Rita T']

Originally Posted by anjou

I see two types of people in this crusing lifestyle

Those who have the brains to earn big bucks and b
uy everything and those who are dumb like me but know how to fix things up.

I make my money by what I can save and a penny saved is a penny earned.

We are the third type of cruisers: poor and not very capable but willing to do without a lot of stuff. The old cushions do look a trifle tatty after 30 years, I guess. Ah, but the new sails . . .