Just agreed to
purchase a
Pearson 28: smaller than I wanted, older engine than I wanted, and it's like a cruising boat of yore (no pressure pumps or
head shower), but everything else is new or recently updated, and it's in good, solid shape. More like camping than cruising, perhaps, but it'll work, and the price was alright.
For those looking at
purchasing in this size/price range (30'-34', less than $25,000) and it seems like there are two on this thread, one of the brokers I spoke with said he had a ton of boats like this in October, but snowbirds come down, snatch them up,
head to the Keys or the
Bahamas (or
Cuba if they're Canadian) and then put them back with the brokerage in May/June when they come back. May be worth looking in those months rather than now. Also, deal-hunting is great when you can get it, but the really good ones sell that day; I checked sailboat listings and CL every day, and in two instances solid boats were
sold within 12 hours of the post going up. I wouldn't get hung up on the deal and instead just find something that works at a good price.
For what it's worth, I've driven over 1,000 miles across
Florida looking at a lot of trash. If you're thinking of these, I can save you the trip or encourage you to make one.
Morgan 34s:
St Pete:
1967 34' Morgan Sail Boat Didn't see her but talked to the owner by
phone. He is a great guy, but he'll be honest with you that this boat is not set up as a cruiser. Original standing
rigging is still on her, and expect to invest in things like an
autopilot, instrumentation and
solar. Probably a pretty clean boat though, I wouldn't cross it off your list out of hand.
Miami:
1966 Morgan Yachts Morgan 34 sailboat for sale in Florida Don't come near it.
Mast step is rotted as is the block for the
centerboard. Engine was redone but
bilge is covered in filth.
Wood frame for floor is rotted, and
flooring is crappy home build that is warping. Cable snapped due to rusted block, but it's still in the
steel tube and connected to the
centerboard (bronze). Winches need some serious
maintenance. Don't bother.
Pearson 323
Fort Myers:
1978 Pearson 323 Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com Covered earlier in this thread: rear engine mounts not bolted, filthy
bilge with tons of
water just waiting to cover the exposed
battery terminals in the bilge, chain plates should probably be condemned. Lots of other issues.
Neptun 31: This is a really beautiful boat. Stick built, gorgeous craftsmanship, great engine access, crisp
sails. But she needs some work. There's a thread on it, but shortly: new running and standing rigging required, bilge full of rust probably from a leaky hull/keel joint (backing plates rotted but no idea on bolt condition), and possible electrolysis/blisters from sitting for five years in the
water. Would also need new
chartplotter and
autohelm. Sleeps only three, but could sleep four if you unscrew some hinges and add a cushion. Visit her, fall in love, and spend the
money and time if you have it. I can send all my
research and
documentation if anyone wants it; it's pretty extensive. I was budgeting a yard bill of $8,000 to $15,000 (if you really want to fix every detail, vs.
Navionics on a
phone and a tiller pilot, for example) and dry time of two plus weeks as the yards I called were pretty busy.
Elfea 36: Wet throughout, and it's made entirely out of balsa and
epoxy. Your gamble.
Chapman
school of seamanship donation boats: Lots of wrecks with high asking prices.
I looked at/called on some other boats. Feel free to post on here or PM me if you're looking at something you think I may have covered.
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