New guy

[Dougpad]

Hello there.

Although I have been an avid reader of Cruisers Forum, this is my first post.

We moved to the coast of NC last year. I was lucky enough to find someone who took me sailing and was willing to become my mentor.

Although I have been a water baby all of my life, sailing has become a passion (or obsession).

My wife and I completed our first two ASA classes. Then, we went on the hunt for our first sailboat.

We are unwinding a contract for a boat with a rotten bottom now. Soon, we will restart the hunt.

I hope to be able to pick the minds of the experienced on Cruisers Forum to help us in our search.

Our dream is to sharpen our skills in the next five years...having a blast in the meantime...and sail away after our youngest moves to college.

Any help that can move us more quickly or surely toward our dream of our first sailboat is welcome!

[caribnsol]

Welcome aboard, I am fairly new and just a little north of you.

[swagman]

Welcome Doug,
Good luck in filling the plans and look forward to seeing you on the water.
Take Care
JOHN

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Doug,
Welcome aboard!! Good to have you here. Was the boat you were interested in wood?
Let us know what you are looking at and there might be some other owners here that can point you in the right direction and give you pointers on what to look for in that particular model.
Kind Regards,
JohnL

[Ex-Calif]

Welcome aboard! Good luck on the boat hunt and it's good that you passed on one that wasn't up to snuff.

I am sure you will find a suitable boat.

[Dougpad]

I just took action to get out of my current contract offered 10/21/07. The boat required a bottom job that the seller agreed to pay for. The yard has removed the gel coat and it looks ugly underneath--lots of resin starved fibers still evident and small sections of delamination. My surveyor requested core samples. So far, the seller has refused.

I don't want the boat as is. My original offer was subject to survey. But if the items in the survey were fixed at the seller's expense, I agreed to accept the boat.

Based on my surveyor's opinion and my research, there would be a high likelihood of continuing blistering in years ahead unless the job is done right.

The seller and his agent have stated that my concerns are arbitrary and are seeking the forfeiture of my deposit.

Ow!

[SkiprJohn]

Hi Doug,
I hope your next experience in boat purchase is much more enjoyable. Can you name the boat (make and year) so other members of the forum can beware of that particular model.
JohnL

[Dougpad]

I would be glad to...later.

My surveyor is at the boat taking pictures and preparing to write a report.

I will have a much more professional opinion on it after he finishes. I don't want to slander the boat if undeserved.

As soon as I hear from him, I will post.