Boat Purchasing Question

[737flyerdog]

Looking at a 20 year old Hunter 37.5. A survey was done on the boat a year ago in which the broker has showed me the survey. Should I go and get another survey done even though this was done one year ago? The only question is the rigging. I'm pretty sure it's original. How long does rigging last? How much does it cost to replace for a boat like this. Could I get another 5 years out of it. The boat has had very light use during its history. It's cosmetically perfect. Original mainsail. Any thoughts? Thx

[SteveInMD]

I would have a rigger check it out. If you have questions about the motor have a mechanic look at it. I have found you get better info from a specialist rather than a surveyor who is supposed to know about all systems. It will be money well spent in the end.

15 years is a long time for rigging. 25 years is too much in my opinion. Corrosion happens, light or heavy use, and it can be hard to spot too. Some types of rigging are more prone to problems than others.

[OrangeCrush]

There are many others way more qualified to answer this than me on this forum, but as someone also shopping for a boat of about that size I'll throw in my own perspective.

I am definitely going to be getting my own survey done no matter what. This could change depending on the asking price. I am planning on spending 50-60k, so I think an extra grand in a survey is well worth it. If I were planning on spending less than 15 grand, say, the survey might seem less worthwhile.

Some people say standing rigging should be replaced every 10 years, but then again I'm definitely seeing many boats asking top dollar that are pushing 3 decades on the rigging. I think a good survey can give you some confidence that the old rigging still has some life in it yet.

It's basically a situation where you can't have it both ways. Get a new impartial survey from someone you trust and have some faith in getting 5 more years out of it, or go without a survey and plan on replacing the standing rigging next year for as much as 5 grand (again, just my own guess).

[boatpoker]

A lot can happen in a year. A lot can happen in a second.

If you decide to go without a survey at least take a look at Marine Survey 101. It will give you an idea about how to inspect it yourself.

[robert sailor]

Personally its been my experience that the money spent on a good survey is worth every penny. Rigging in raining coastal areas with mild summers and cold winters can last a long time however if a boat is spent time in the tropics and sailed a lot then 10 years is probably the best before date.

[cpt_757]

I would ask a rigger to look at it.
Maintenance cost, depends, maybe 10% of purchased price per year.


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[Quickbeam]

Originally Posted by 737flyerdog

Looking at a 20 year old Hunter 37.5. A survey was done on the boat a year ago in which the broker has showed me the survey. Should I go and get another survey done even though this was done one year ago? The only question is the rigging. I'm pretty sure it's original. How long does rigging last? How much does it cost to replace for a boat like this. Could I get another 5 years out of it. The boat has had very light use during its history. It's cosmetically perfect. Original mainsail. Any thoughts? Thx

A current survey will serve several purposes at once. It will get you an unbiased look at the boat, satisfy insurance requirements and help you learn about the boat.

While checking the rig don't forget the chainplates! Corrosion can be hidden there.

If there are questions about the engine, or any other expensive systems, get a specialist to check them out. It's cheaper than getting cuaght in unexpected projects.

A bit long, but here is an excerpt from an article I wrote:

Surveyors come in many flavors, get one in yours. You want one who really knows boats similar to the one you are looking at. Associations like the National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS) and Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) have members that specialize in yachts and small craft. Look for the NAMS designation CMS, service code A (yacht and small craft), or SAMS designation AMS, classification Y-SC (yacht and small craft). Rates vary quite a bit, expect to pay up to $25 per foot (some charge by the day $600-1000) or more, depending on the size of the boat and complexity of the systems onboard. Do not shop solely based on price! The surveyor you are searching for is a highly knowledgeable, competent technical expert. You are hiring them to give you an independent, unbiased report on the condition of the boat. Discuss the details with the surveyor well before the actual survey. Will you want to be there for the survey or just read the report? Often you can learn a lot from being present during the survey that never makes it into a formal written report. Will you need to schedule a mechanic to examine the engine, or will this be part of the survey? Will a sample of the engine oil be sent out for analysis? You may need to get things set up in advance, like having the keys, power, water test the fresh water system, fluids in the engine and possibly even a quick haul out if the boat is floating. Yes this will cost more money, but you want to know if there is damage from grounding or blisters, right? Out of the water it is also easy to check the prop and related equipment.
Try to be there for the survey, you might gain tips that don’t make it into the written report. The surveyor might find an item or two that reduces the purchase price. In some cases an owner may agree to fix flaws before the sale is finalized. It might be wise to have your broker (or lawyer) set up an escrow account for an item like the engine if an in water trial is not possible during the survey. Get the details in writing! In some cases the survey will show serious enough issues that you walk away from the deal.