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40 South · 29-07-2017, 23:01

Hi All

I own a Hunter 40 Legend built in 1986.

I have the original documentation and was wondering if anyone can shed some light on her previous life in the USA.

Original boat name: Toucan
Original owner: John L Norman, Santa Ana, CA 92706 (I have his full address but don't want to publish on an open forum)
Sale Date: 22 April 1986
Selling Dealer: Eddie Arnold Sailboats

A subsequent owner (found on other documentation): Jim Crosby, San Diego CA 92101.(I also have his full address but don't want to publish on an open forum). It would appear that Jim owned Toucan in 1996. I don't know when he bought or sold her.

Sometime around 2002 Toucan was sailed to Australia via New Zealand, and was sold on 27 October 2005 to a Victor Bibby, in Queensland Australia.

If anyone can supply bit of her history that would be great. Thanks in advance.

ValiantV · 30-07-2017, 07:18

Maybe I'm missing something, but if you have full contact info on the previous owners, wouldn't they be the best sources of info on the boat? I mean, that's where I'd start.

exMaggieDrum · 30-07-2017, 08:31

If you just want the history of the boat, that is one thing. If you want understanding about why or how something was done to the boat, e.g. rigging, electrical, plumbing, construction, etc., that is another thing. Some POs will help with one or the other. Some POs will not help with either and don't even want to talk about their old boats.

That has happened to me for my last two boats. The new owner of my old boat has contacted me many times to ask questions and I have tried to help as best I can over the years. Obviously, you can find both attitudes.

ValiantV · 30-07-2017, 10:34

Possible the POs even have old ships logs they may consider copying for you.

First two owners of my boat were pretty good with maintenance and repair logs - but their records end in 2002. All I have from the last owner is a stack of receipts from the local boatyard and a staggering number of West Marine receipts.

I don't think my purchasing process was so adversarial that the owner would refuse to talk to me. Besides, he's still trying to sell me a couple more old sails.

Anyway, aside from title search, insurance or accident claims, or USCG documentation (if the boat is documented) I don't think anyone is gonna be able to provide info like the PO can unless you stumble upon a dock neighbor.

40 South · 07-08-2017, 21:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by ValiantV

Maybe I'm missing something, but if you have full contact info on the previous owners, wouldn't they be the best sources of info on the boat? I mean, that's where I'd start.

I have 30 year old & 20 year old street addresses. Yes I could write a letter & send via snail mail but I don't like my chances of the PO's still being there.

ToucanJim · 24-11-2017, 10:36

Hi Craig,

I'm Jim Crosby. Toucan was my boat. I bought her in 1989 from John Norman. We sold her in Manly in 2005. My wife and I sailed her throughout Southern California, Mexico and the South Pacific. We really loved her and we would be happy discuss any details with you.

Jim

I've attached a picture of Toucan in Fiji on laundry day for fun!

40 South · 24-11-2017, 13:41

Hi Jim

Thanks so much for your response.

I am not seeking anything in particular about Forty South (Toucan) but I posted in the hope of reconnecting with the PO and maybe finding out a bit of history on her.

She is currently living in Geelong Victoria Australia at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club. Last year I constructed and fitted Dynice Dux synthetic rigging. Due to the lighter weight of the rigging she stands up better and is a different boat. I also bought a new suite of radial dacron sails. She is a work in progress by I find her very enjoyable to sail and work on.

A couple of images from last year