Help I bought a turd of a sailboat

[BugzyCan]

The boat needs to come out of the water for inspection/repairs. You should have noticed these things before taking possession. Was it a "free" boat?

[Dooglas]

Sounds like you really don't have the experience to assess the condition of the boat or the likely cost of repairs. You are running the risk of simply putting money into this boat until you decide to give up, and then just walk away. You really need an assessment of present condition and needed repairs before you proceed. If the cost of haulout and professional assessment is beyond the money you are willing or able to put into this boat - you should walk away now.

[glanrock]

Go with what TrentePieds is saying, even though things are getting rough, stay calm and take one thing at a time.

[Bargain Bill]

On your next boat, spend a few hundred for a surveyor.

[ttex]

This one is way too obvious.

[conchaway]

You bought it without checking it out?

[philcun50]

TrentePieds has given very good advice as has Dooglas.

[DefinitelyMe]

Following. Waiting for photos and better information.

[keyway]

Whatever you decide to do please don’t abandon it in our waterway. There’s two much of that going on these days. Thanks

[MatthLE]

Where are you?

Most assume you are now in a fiberglass, but just to be sure?

This Old Boat by Don Casey helped me when I moved to glass boats.

Your open ended question permits me only rather wide open answers.

Matt

[Dooglas]

Originally Posted by MatthLE

Where are you?

Most assume you are now in a fiberglass, but just to be sure?

He has been very clear about where he is - Panama City, Florida. And very clear about the boat - an Irwin 34 Citation. What he has not been so clear about is condition issues.

[wingssail]

Originally Posted by Dooglas

Sounds like you really don't have the experience to assess the condition of the boat or the likely cost of repairs. You are running the risk of simply putting money into this boat until you decide to give up, and then just walk away. You really need an assessment of present condition and needed repairs before you proceed. If the cost of haulout and professional assessment is beyond the money you are willing or able to put into this boat - you should walk away now.

How does one "just walk away"? He can't simply abandon the vessel. If it is "his" vessel now he has a responsibility to ensure that it does not become derelict. It must be turned over to another owner or taken ashore and destroyed. if it is still registered to a previous owner he must notify that owner and Florida water authorities of the status of the vessel and who owns it.

[Dooglas]

Originally Posted by wingssail

How does one "just walk away"? He can't simply abandon the vessel. If it is "his" vessel now he has a responsibility to ensure that it does not become derelict. It must be turned over to another owner or taken ashore and destroyed. if it is still registered to a previous owner he must notify that owner and Florida water authorities of the status of the vessel and who owns it.

If he is now the legal owner of the vessel, he must meet his legal obligations. If it is not cost effective to renovate the vessel, that may well mean he must pay for its safe disposal. Dumping additional money into a boat which is not seaworthy will not solve that problem.

[kmacdonald]

Tow it to deep water and pull the plug.

[lars]

Paying for this boat to be disposed of legally is unrealistic. The state of florida does as much as they can afford to get rid of derelict vessels. I think the last time I was involved the cost was $12000 per boat and they disposed of maybe 10 at that time. Boatyards would simply not even haul this boat out without being paid first to cover disposal costs.
Never heard of a responsible boat owner disposing of a boat in a proper manner, unfortunately that becomes the goverments job. Non floridians would be shocked at the sheer number of boats that litter our waterways.