Advice on 34 thats been sitting for years

[Jethro411]

Thank you all for your advice. There is a 1988 34 in redondo that was purchased by the current owner 7 years ago and may have never been sailed. New Bottom in 2011. Broker has little info. Little items have been worked on and the universal was run in the slip occasionally. I was only able to see it for a few minutes. It does not look bad but the dodger is hard, windows crazed and normal signs of a boat that has been sitting out for years. I live out of state and would only be coming to her once a month.

Questions: If I could get this boat for $20k, would another $10k put her in top top shape? I will have to have someone doing the work. I understand that's a loaded question. But I'm trying to see what freshening up something may run that hasn't been used in years.

What does neglect do to a boat that isn't used? I assume the bottom is ok with last paint. I imagine there could be fuel tank issues and tuning needed. It looks great inside.

I will have a survey but don't want to waste my money if this is more than I can handle.

 

[Stu Jackson]

If you can get that boat for that $$, then even if your $10K is wrong and you spend another $10K, you still have a great deal.

Our C34 website is invaluable for information you need.

www.c34ia.org, look in the tech wiki and the forum, Main Message Board

Good luck.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

The only two "big ticket" concerns that could turn it into a money pit are a major engine problem or a wet core where water has penetrated and saturated areas of the deck.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Don's right, but the chainplates on a C34 are dead simple to do.

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7265.0.html

Engine issues are covered in the wiki. If you don't know about diesels, get an engine survey.

Good luck.

 

[Jethro411]

Thank you for the insight.
I appreciate the responses.

 

[caguy]

If this is the boat you are talking about it looks like a steal.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1988-Catalina-Sloop-101662192

It looks like it was well taken care of judging from the interior pictures.

 

[Jethro411]

We will see. Survey on Monday. I'm sure ill have a million questions in the future. Thanks!

 

[fstbttms]

I assume the bottom is ok with last paint.

Why do you assume that? Depending on the product, amount applied and maintenance it has received, it may very well be shot.

 

[Jethro411]

Engine fired, ran,then stalled before leaving the slip. Never made it to hauls out. Surveyor found no structural issues before I called it off. Maceratot dead. Blower weak. Sails nearing the end of their useful life. No Catalina known issues corrected. Bottom never seen.

There is a price for everything. But I couldn't make a call when it couldn't leave the slip. She's not ugly, just has been a slip queen for many years.

 

[The Garbone]

Probably needs a severe diesel polishing/ new fuel.