How important is age

[ASDF]

Hi,

How important is age of a boat?

Looking at two different Hallberg Rassy; a Monsun from 1974 which has been taken very good care of by the same owner, with a hull which according to the surveyor is in good condition (no osmosis, no damages, no water in rudder blade) newer well maintained engine (year 2006 and <500 h), new/newer sails in excellent conditions and recently changed/overhauled rigging

vs.

A HR 312 from 1989 (aware of the difference of keel type) which just generally to me seems less well maintain by an unknown number of owners with engine with >3500 h, sails old but generally in fair condition, rigging original I guess. I’m considering having a survey done of the HR 312, but I’m not sure if the difference in age can justify the HR312 being about 24.000 US$ more expensive?

I would eventually like to use the boat for long distance cruising.

Any opinions?

[Orion Jim]

Long distance cruising is vastly different than daysailing mixed with occasional overnighters. My choice would be based on which boat would have those features prized on long passages, such as good sea berths, robust autopilot, sound mechanical systems, recent electronics, a solid rig with recent standing rigging, etc.

[dougweibel]

Both boats are over thirty years old. The only bearing age may have with boats that old is insurance, but both are old enough you'd probably run into the same insurance hurdles. Choose based on condition and the age of the various systems on the boats.

[Snore]

Age is one of several factors, so is (ab)use, modifications and maintenance.

A 3 year old boat that has had a hard grounding may have issues if taken offshore. I have delivered 3 HR boats AND LOVE the owner's cabin in the stern. If I was consulting on an older boat purchase, I would have the keel bolts carefully examined. Yes the owner may be competent- but was there that one time when he ran aground hard?

As to sails, the single best investment is a new set of sails! An older main is more prone to jamming in the in-mast furling. Also a new tri-radial jib will pull better, and higher.

Agree about electronics. Especially autopilots- the technology keeps getting better, and yes there is a difference in a new vs 5 y/o AP. The newer one will react better to a quartering sea, and likely use less of the ram, thereby saving electric. As such, plan on upgrading the AP and perhaps other elements in the next 2-3 years.

If you are set on getting an HR, don't jump on the first few you see. It may be worthwhile to see what else comes on the market. Also, by not placing an offer, the price may drop.

[Johan Leopard51]

Both are older, a good surveyor will tell you which old lady had a tough life and which was loved and cared for?

[sailorboy1]

I say that in looking at 30+ year old boats in this thread that age is meaningless.

All that is important is the condition of the boats NOW.

I also say the other than "being taken cate of" the number killer of boats is owners. The more owners the more hidden things will be wrong in a boat.

[Scorpius]

Fiberglass boats built in the early 1970s are generally much better, and heavier (thicker fibreglass) built than those since. Up until then epoxy was generally used in the fiberglass. When the oil crisis of the seventies hit and oil prices skyrocketed, boat builders switched to polyester. It's my understanding that that's when blistering started. There's a reason your 1974 boat is not showing blisters.

[NorthCoastJoe]

My 1976 Pearson 30 is a tank. Solid all around at 48 years old.
So does age matter? How it was built and lived matters more.

[Bowdrie]

Having done contract work for several boatbuilders in the '70s>'80s during the glory days of the SoCal building craze, I can say without hesitation that none of those boats were laid-up with epoxy.
There was a short period of time when Tillitson-Pearson offered an epoxy layup at a substantial price increase.
The "Resin crunch" of the '70s was the result of the EPA requiring less styrene in the resin.
At that time the fiberglass mat used a binding agent that was dissolved by the styrene, when the styrene content went down there was a period of time that builders suffered with inconsistent layup/not completely "wetted out" laminations.
The fiberglass suppliers, (Dow Corning,) quickly addressed that issue by changing the composition of the binders, problem solved.
Boats built during that relatively short "transition" period were the ones most likely to suffer from osmotic blistering.
A similar fate occurred with Uniflite and some other builders that were building boats for the Govt.
The Govt. specs called for fire retardant resins, and there were some teething problems that had to be overcome in getting that resin to completely wet out the fiberglass.

[ohgary]

The big place age may cause you issue beyond actual boat condition is insurance and ability to finance.

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by Scorpius

Fiberglass boats built in the early 1970s are generally much better, and heavier (thicker fibreglass) built than those since. Up until then epoxy was generally used in the fiberglass. When the oil crisis of the seventies hit and oil prices skyrocketed, boat builders switched to polyester. It's my understanding that that's when blistering started. There's a reason your 1974 boat is not showing blisters.

Simply put ... not true.

[Montanan]

Both are problematic as to being aged vessels. Before issuing a purchase offer make obtaining adequate insurance a condition of any purchase offer. Similarly, as to obtaining financing a condition of the purchase offer, if you need financing to close the sale.

[Chotu]

for both the boat and the sailor, it’s the physical condition that’s most important. Age ain’t nothing but a number.

it’s how fit either are

[ASDF]

Thank you all for sharing your opinions and experience on this topic – much appreciated!

[barnakiel]

HR312 has nicer woodwork inside. And Monsuns tend to have darker, oiled wood, and less comfortable interior.


If the Monsun is in better condition, has better engine, then I would just renew the interior and take it. They are good enough for any extended voyage, be it a rtw. And spacious enough to live onboard, keep stores and spares.


Given the price difference and the fact that Monsuns are excellent boats, I would opt for a Monsun.


ps I have sailed both



b.