Intresting situation need advice

[2big2small]

I once bought a 41 year old boat for 1.9k, spent about 5k in repairs and additional equipment, added lots of elbow grease, and then sold it for 8.5k after I was done with it. It can be done but I already knew my boats pretty well when I did so. I did it not only to sail but also to learn. And I learned two lessons:

1. I had oodles of fun sailing it and don’t regret it one bit.

2. I probably won’t do this again and prefer to pay more for a boat with less work on it that would still be a good deal.

In your case the only troubling thing is that you seem to have little experience in which case I’d also recommend walking away. But if you are handy in general then you might as well have a look first, disconnect the shaft from the gearbox and verify that the engine runs well, check out all other equipment (are the sails still crisps, is the running rigging not too UV rotted, does the fiberglass seem sound without rotten core, are there traces of rainwater leaks inside such as discoloration of woodwork or moldy smell, do the keelbolts and fiberglass around them look good, etc.). If all those things check out then you might go ahead with a surveyor, buy a used outboard for $500 (and still do something about the strut) and off you go.

[2big2small]

You can also ask the current owner to pay mooring fees for a few more months, which you’d reimburse him. A simple way to buy yourself more time and then you may perhaps skip the outboard altogether and present the boat under its own power after everything is repaired.

If the inboard is too far gone it’s still a good deal in my opinion (if there are no other expensive repairs) if you use it with an outboard, as long as you do simple daysails or coastal cruising this should work well enough and be a brilliant first boat.

But do walk away if you have the slightest inkling that you cannot fix everything yourself.

[joecat22]

One important thing to consider, at least in Florida, is that any liens on the boat are transferred with the title. You need to have a title search done before you agree to take over ownership.

[chris mac]

I would recommend being cautious.
I have looked at free boats that were severely overpriced, but I haven't seen this one so can't base an opinion on that.
The reason I recommend being cautious is the high pressure sales tactics. Any time new conditions are added last minute or short timelines thrown in. It could be legit, in which case the owner has little actual knowledge of the boat and the marina... Or he's pushing so you don't have time to see the real issues.
Or I could be completely wrong;-) but all cases indicate caution.
Good luck, let us know what you decide.

[john61ct]

It cost a lot of money to remove and scrap a worthless (negative value) boat.

Lots of "free" boats the buyer should be paid to remove it.

[james247]

Originally Posted by Empty Pockets

Lotta negativity here. Maybe they’re jealous? You were interested in the boat for $8000. You got it for free! Strut and associated repairs won’t be $8k, maybe not even close.

If you are a practical person there is money to be made from others problems
If not run
I've made good money fixing up boats over the years.
No risk no gain
What's the worst for a break even

[2big2small]

Originally Posted by james247

If you are a practical person there is money to be made from others problems
If not run
I've made good money fixing up boats over the years.
No risk no gain
What's the worst for a break even

There’s usually no “making money” when you account for your time. You have to do this out of passion if you go for it.

[Olddan1943]

If you think I am being negative, remember I am the guy who had the Nordhavn 46 fall off the jacks when the yardbird thought he could pull a jack before putting in another jack, driving the port stabilizer into the owner's stateroom result in a "constructive loss."

That was maybe 8 years ago and I am still not a happy camper. Their insurance company, in my mind, were about $100k of a reasonable offer. So dont be giving me, "Oh, you are just being negative."

[Blue Crab]

This is a hard lesson to learn vicariously. Even harder if you accept the boat.

[boatpoker]

I have done three total rebuilds on boats over 37' where the primary tool was a chain saw so I speak from some experience.

If you have to come on a forum like this to ask such questions as the OP...... You are not ready to take on a free boat.

[Blue Crab]

Guess I'd like to add some thoughts. 1) living near the ocean is not enuff experience, 2) I've been off this forum for quite awhile but as I read these posts, the guys telling you to pass this by are the old experienced hands. It takes a while to discern who knows what. 3) I've been in your situation many times and my strategy has evolved into buying a good, well-maintained boat at the fair market price. Go sailing. 4) The learning curve for the skills to fix up old boats is very steep.

That said, all readers know you've likely accepted the boat. That will be the last free thing about it.

[Empty Pockets]

To the OP. If you decide to pass on the boat (I don’t think you should), don’t post your decision here. Half of these poo-poo-ers will be PM’ing you asking where the boat is to go get for themselves!

[john61ct]

What would be foolish for someone with less experience and fewer skills

may well be a realistic project for those with lots.

But "free" is never **economically** wise for anyone whose goal is to go out sailing in rough waters anytime soon.

Only for those who enjoy working on boats as much as sailing on them.

[Blue Crab]

Originally Posted by Empty Pockets

To the OP. If you decide to pass on the boat (I don’t think you should), don’t post your decision here. Half of these poo-poo-ers will be PM’ing you asking where the boat is to go get for themselves!

My guess is all the poo-pooers have boats.

[moseriw]

So it seems to be a project boat. Dont matter if you are a professional DIY. if not see above run away - don't walk.