Let me look thru your eyes at this Manta 38

[Therapy]

Don't forget the third surveyor for the engines.

The Mantas were built with most bells and whistles installed.

Almost all other boats are built to "bare bones" standards and have to be added to.

[Sand crab]

Mantas have only come one way and that is fully loaded. They always have A/C and the genny. This one has a 7K Fisher Panda. If you really search hard you might find an older one without either of these. This one even has folding props. They were always set up for ease of use and shorthanded use. The camberspar jib works great but negates the use of a standard furler. It is always right at deck level when furled which is a PIA. Mantas have a great reputation and seem to hold their value better especially the 42s. They have an owners group, too. I'd say it's near a realistic price. And as a US built boat it is fairly easy to certify for charter use in the US.
Links

[Sand crab]

Also......Look at all the new stuff on the boat details page. Engines, props, sails, seafrost fridge and freezer, etc. Someone has put almost $100K into this boat recently. That ain't a bad thing. I like it more. This is a good boat.


NEW:
All sails
Engines(port 2009, starboard 2010)
St+ Wind Instrument
Anchor Light
Fuel Transducer with gauge at helm
Folding Two Blade Vari Fold Prop
Garmin 740s Touch Screen Chartplotter/Radar/Sonar
HD Garmin Radar
Airmar thru hull transducer
Standard Horizon Matrix GX2100 VHFAIS Reciever
Raymarine St+6000 Autopilot, Type 1 Drive and X 10 Core
Jensen DVD/CD/IPOD player
Infinity Out Door Cockpit speakers
Poly Carbonate Windows for Dodger
Pin to Pin new rigging, forestay, and aft uppers
Destroyer Steering Wheel
Dutchman Boom Break
Force 10 3 burner stove with broiler oven
12 gallon Isotemp Hot Water Heater
Sea Frost BD Freezer
Sea Frost Tradewinds Fridge
2 Sea frost Digital controls
630 watts Sun Solar
660 amp Hours of batteries (house) 6 - 6 volts
All new wiring/switches from for Charging systems

[barnakiel]

Is there any reason the broker published distorted images of sub-standard size?

b.

[ArtM]

Originally Posted by ty.gregory

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Thank you all. I appreciate your input. ArtM, I will say that 200K is a bit more than I want to spend, but it is not out of the equation. Your points are well taken.

You and me both brother!

I've been telling people "Every time I get to where I can afford the boat I want, I find that I no longer want that kind of boat". I think it will be my new tagline.

[Camp Director G]

I've heard good things about the Manta. A few things from my perspective.
1. If you live aboard, you'll have to fix things. That's just life with boats.
2. It's a buyer's market. Don't be afraid to make low offers. I've heard some impressive deals out there for buyers.
3. Price depends on what you plan to do with it and how you choose to finance. If you're taking a loan and plan to sell in a year, then that's one thing, and all that really matters is the difference between buy and sell prices. If you're paying cash and never going to sell, that's an entirely different thing.
4. You can go crazy looking. If you're serious about doing this, at some point just buy a boat that generally holds its value and go sailing.

[ArtM]

Originally Posted by Camp Director G

4. You can go crazy looking. If you're serious about doing this, at some point just buy a boat that generally holds its value and go sailing.

I hate to say this, because I hated hearing it, but it's true - If you're serious, get the money and/or financing together. Once you know how much you have, you can start sending out the offers.

If you have 180k, offer 180k on every boat you like. You'll either get it or you won't. Keep making offers and/or lowering your standards until you get a match, or you realize that you're just not going to get what you want.

[tomfl]

Originally Posted by ArtM

I hate to say this, because I hated hearing it, but it's true - If you're serious, get the money and/or financing together. Once you know how much you have, you can start sending out the offers.

If you have 180k, offer 180k on every boat you like. You'll either get it or you won't. Keep making offers and/or lowering your standards until you get a match, or you realize that you're just not going to get what you want.

Lets keep in mind a $US180,000 boat according to the rule of thumb would need perhaps $US18,000 to maintain it for the first year. Maybe not that much but just because you spend what ever amount on a boat does not mean you are finished spending money on it.

Depending on where you buy the boat you may also be hit with taxes and other paperwork that can be a non trivial amount.

I do agree at some point the question becomes "are you going to fish or cut bait", but you also need to be realistic about how much above and beyond the purchase price you will need before you cast off from the dock and head out.

[ty.gregory]

Tomfi, ArtM, others too! I like the advice, go figure out how much you have to spend, then spend it. Tomfi added, don't forget the 10% reality check. Good stuff. Thank you, one and all.

[Sid at SailAway]

Gregory,
I will be in Charleston in three to four weeks. I can take a look at her if you like. I can grab more pictures if you wish. I will be there to take delivery of a Lagoon 42 tpi. I have conversed with the broker and she is currently a live aboard. This usually means that all the systems will be in working order since the owners are on board full time. Let me know if you would like me to do this. You can PM me if you have any further questions you would like answered...Sid

[Sand crab]

This boat is now under contract. I told you it was a good one.