We currently own a 1983 Hunter 34, it was surveyed a few years ago and found to be in above average condition. Since then we have made all the surveyors recommended repairs, and in addition, new bronze gate valves and thru-hulls, completely restored the bottom (very few blisters) and added a hefty barrier coat and hard epoxy bottom paint. Added all new running rigging, restored the complete head system with new electric head and new hoses. New cutlass bearing and several other general minor improvements. New set of sails and canvas are in the budget for the future! Other than being a few years older (and a tiny fuel leak at a filter), the boat is in much better condition (and looks better) than when we bought her! (She'll be paid for in 2 years!!!) We sail her in a freshwater lake, mostly weekend daysails and some overnights, so far she is seeing light use and lots of loving care. Our dream is to do some light coastal cruising along the gulf coast (Florida) as we approach and into retirement. My crazy question is . . . is it remotely possible that this boat can be maintained (with reasonable cost) to live a long life into our retirement? (15 years to go!) Has any one had experience with this type of "crazy" plan? If so please share some of your wisdom with me, at the moment the task seems this side of crazy! We love this boat, its plenty big but not too big to handle and we want to have the funds to cruise without boat payments! What do you think??? Charles & Lynn "Artistry"
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Good Old Boat
Go to the Catalina Links where you'll find a link to a site called Good Old Boats which celebrates the virtues of boats that are "10, 20 or 30 years old."
Go to the Catalina Links where you'll find a link to a site called Good Old Boats which celebrates the virtues of boats that are "10, 20 or 30 years old."
Two things...
Certainly there are fiberglass boats out there that are 30+ years old that are cruising happily in great condition. Lots of Pearsons (some of the first fiberglass sailboats) from the 60's are still going strong. I know of a 32' Pearson Vanguard that looks great, is equipped well, that spends 6 months a year in the Bahamas and beyond with continuous use during the winter season. 2nd thing. You didn't really put new gate valves on your boat did you. Gate valves are a big no no for thruhulls. They jam easily and you can't tell from the outside if a gate valve is fully open or closed. Bronze (or even Marelon) BALL valves are much preferred. My boat is 23 years old and going strong. Just got back from a 1000 mile passage from La Paz, Mexico to San Diego. We're repainting the topsides for the first time this winter. She's had a new diesel put in 9 years ago. We've done a lot of upgrading of equipment in the last 3 years, but it is still far cheaper than buying a new boat of the same size (regardless of type).
Certainly there are fiberglass boats out there that are 30+ years old that are cruising happily in great condition. Lots of Pearsons (some of the first fiberglass sailboats) from the 60's are still going strong. I know of a 32' Pearson Vanguard that looks great, is equipped well, that spends 6 months a year in the Bahamas and beyond with continuous use during the winter season. 2nd thing. You didn't really put new gate valves on your boat did you. Gate valves are a big no no for thruhulls. They jam easily and you can't tell from the outside if a gate valve is fully open or closed. Bronze (or even Marelon) BALL valves are much preferred. My boat is 23 years old and going strong. Just got back from a 1000 mile passage from La Paz, Mexico to San Diego. We're repainting the topsides for the first time this winter. She's had a new diesel put in 9 years ago. We've done a lot of upgrading of equipment in the last 3 years, but it is still far cheaper than buying a new boat of the same size (regardless of type).
Is this a Rhetorical Question?
Just kidding...couldn't resist. But actually, like many other boaters, fifteen years from now you will probably be in another boat. As technology changes we find that the latest and greatest may not always be adaptable to what we own. As far as lasting another fifteen years, like anything else, with proper care and attention it probably will last. I mean, I just got rid of my 1993 Jeep Cherokee with 347,000 miles on it. Took real good care of it all its life. But, like anything else, you get to the point of diminishing returns. The next thing that breaks might be substantial enough that in order for you to take corrective action you might have to decide to keep the boat another few years in order to get your money out of the repair. I the mean time, what will break next? I just went through the same situation with my previous boat. Repower or get out? So I split the difference, rebuilt the engine myself (which now runs beautifully) and sold the boat. The writing was on the wall. I was in for many repairs in the next few years. On the other hand, I've seen people restore some of the most common production boats and spare no expense doing it. Why? Because they love the boat. Simple as that. So I guess the answer to your question is...Whatever floats yer boat! Good luck! Cheers, Bob
Just kidding...couldn't resist. But actually, like many other boaters, fifteen years from now you will probably be in another boat. As technology changes we find that the latest and greatest may not always be adaptable to what we own. As far as lasting another fifteen years, like anything else, with proper care and attention it probably will last. I mean, I just got rid of my 1993 Jeep Cherokee with 347,000 miles on it. Took real good care of it all its life. But, like anything else, you get to the point of diminishing returns. The next thing that breaks might be substantial enough that in order for you to take corrective action you might have to decide to keep the boat another few years in order to get your money out of the repair. I the mean time, what will break next? I just went through the same situation with my previous boat. Repower or get out? So I split the difference, rebuilt the engine myself (which now runs beautifully) and sold the boat. The writing was on the wall. I was in for many repairs in the next few years. On the other hand, I've seen people restore some of the most common production boats and spare no expense doing it. Why? Because they love the boat. Simple as that. So I guess the answer to your question is...Whatever floats yer boat! Good luck! Cheers, Bob
Crazy not to
Charles; Maintenance will keep your boat for a long time. No one really knows how long fibreglass boats will last but look around. Just about all of the fibreglass boats built in the late sixties and seventies are still around. I have a 1984 H31 that I bought new and it is still going strong and with continued proper maintenance will for a long time. So far, no blisters or any other problems with the boat construction have have occured. You should read Dan Spurr's book "Heart of Glass". It will give you a better idea of how good fibreglass really is. Also go to www.goodoldboat.com and have them send you a free copy of their magazine. It is one magazine worth the subscription. Regards, and happy sailing. Mac Lindsay sv Kitkatla 1984 H31
Charles; Maintenance will keep your boat for a long time. No one really knows how long fibreglass boats will last but look around. Just about all of the fibreglass boats built in the late sixties and seventies are still around. I have a 1984 H31 that I bought new and it is still going strong and with continued proper maintenance will for a long time. So far, no blisters or any other problems with the boat construction have have occured. You should read Dan Spurr's book "Heart of Glass". It will give you a better idea of how good fibreglass really is. Also go to www.goodoldboat.com and have them send you a free copy of their magazine. It is one magazine worth the subscription. Regards, and happy sailing. Mac Lindsay sv Kitkatla 1984 H31
More power to ya!
My boat is 28 years old and looks better than most "new" boats on the river. Of course you'll have to maintain her & upgrade when necessary but there's no reason (aside for a catastrophy) she shouldn't be just a great 15 years from now. BTW, I also noticed your "gate valve" comment. I'm hoping/praying you just got the words mixed up and actually installed ball valves. Does it have a little round knob to turn or a lever? I'm hoping it's the lever! LaDonna
My boat is 28 years old and looks better than most "new" boats on the river. Of course you'll have to maintain her & upgrade when necessary but there's no reason (aside for a catastrophy) she shouldn't be just a great 15 years from now. BTW, I also noticed your "gate valve" comment. I'm hoping/praying you just got the words mixed up and actually installed ball valves. Does it have a little round knob to turn or a lever? I'm hoping it's the lever! LaDonna
Ot better yet...
...click on a banner ad to their magazine, found on most sites in the 'Boat spec' section.
...click on a banner ad to their magazine, found on most sites in the 'Boat spec' section.
Yes you are crazy
I had a Catalina 25 which came factory equipped with valves on thru hulls that were equivalent (and I believe purchased from the same manufacturer) as the valves that are on the outside of my house for turning the water on for my hose. This is completely unacceptable for this application and I always wondered how Catalina could get away with such construction standards? Aren't there laws for this kind of thing? Cutting costs is one thing but putting your customers at risk is another. I had the boat for 10 or 11 years and they never leaked but I always worried about them. Dave
I had a Catalina 25 which came factory equipped with valves on thru hulls that were equivalent (and I believe purchased from the same manufacturer) as the valves that are on the outside of my house for turning the water on for my hose. This is completely unacceptable for this application and I always wondered how Catalina could get away with such construction standards? Aren't there laws for this kind of thing? Cutting costs is one thing but putting your customers at risk is another. I had the boat for 10 or 11 years and they never leaked but I always worried about them. Dave
If you maintain her like you mean to keep her...
... then she'll last, and if you decide to sell, she'll be in saleable condition without further work. Just don't expect a dollar for dollar return on your investment when it comes to biggies. Justin - O'day Owners' Web - 20 year old boat, 15 year old Volvo, 100 year old piano - and they all work great
... then she'll last, and if you decide to sell, she'll be in saleable condition without further work. Just don't expect a dollar for dollar return on your investment when it comes to biggies. Justin - O'day Owners' Web - 20 year old boat, 15 year old Volvo, 100 year old piano - and they all work great
Opps! I meant BALL valves!
Of course I Meant to say BALL valves, really good bronze ones!!! Yes I am very familiar with Good Old Boat magazine, funny you should ask... I have been a contributing marine artist and writer for them since they started! Planning to do more for them soon. There's a reflections article and a more in the current issue, check it out! Thanks for all the support, If we are not able to be in a different boat at retirement I know I'll be happy with Artistry.
Of course I Meant to say BALL valves, really good bronze ones!!! Yes I am very familiar with Good Old Boat magazine, funny you should ask... I have been a contributing marine artist and writer for them since they started! Planning to do more for them soon. There's a reflections article and a more in the current issue, check it out! Thanks for all the support, If we are not able to be in a different boat at retirement I know I'll be happy with Artistry.
Same situation
I have gone through the same thing with a 82 H30 and love it. Glad you really did do the ball seacocks not gate valves. When I bought mine during the survey the galley had a gate valve that was broke open. The knob could come out into your hand, lucky it did not leak. At the first haul I had a brass ball seacock put in and eased my mind. I have upgraded a lot of other items and enjoy it greatly.
I have gone through the same thing with a 82 H30 and love it. Glad you really did do the ball seacocks not gate valves. When I bought mine during the survey the galley had a gate valve that was broke open. The knob could come out into your hand, lucky it did not leak. At the first haul I had a brass ball seacock put in and eased my mind. I have upgraded a lot of other items and enjoy it greatly.
Not BRASS
Hello Bgammon: I thought about not replying to your post, about replacing your gate valve with a brass ball, but finally figured I should. The problem is brass should never be used below the water line, needs to be bronze. I got mine from Home Depot, probably same as many other DIYs. Good luck red
Hello Bgammon: I thought about not replying to your post, about replacing your gate valve with a brass ball, but finally figured I should. The problem is brass should never be used below the water line, needs to be bronze. I got mine from Home Depot, probably same as many other DIYs. Good luck red
Not crazy
I have owned my Hunter 33 for nineteen years, lived aboard fifteen, and cruised her hard for about half that time. I have some very good friends who just arrived in New Zealand on their thirty year old Cal 34. But, I would also say that I usually quote a MUCH higher annual maintenance expense than most other boat owners....and I do almost all my own work. I have also found out what are the one year maintenance items, the five year, the ten year, and even the twenty year items. You take the hit either in maintenance costs or depreciation....and if you are going to keep the boat, it had better be the former. Under those circumstances, I do not think it is wise to accept deterioration. You will want to keep the boat in as good condition as you can. Mine has lots of good equipment, excellent sails, ground tackle, etc.etc., and I figure my REAL maintenance costs (including periodic replacement of big-ticket items, repainting, re-upholstering, etc, but NOT upgrades or additions) to be $3000-$3500 annually, plus LOTS of elbow grease. Good luck.
I have owned my Hunter 33 for nineteen years, lived aboard fifteen, and cruised her hard for about half that time. I have some very good friends who just arrived in New Zealand on their thirty year old Cal 34. But, I would also say that I usually quote a MUCH higher annual maintenance expense than most other boat owners....and I do almost all my own work. I have also found out what are the one year maintenance items, the five year, the ten year, and even the twenty year items. You take the hit either in maintenance costs or depreciation....and if you are going to keep the boat, it had better be the former. Under those circumstances, I do not think it is wise to accept deterioration. You will want to keep the boat in as good condition as you can. Mine has lots of good equipment, excellent sails, ground tackle, etc.etc., and I figure my REAL maintenance costs (including periodic replacement of big-ticket items, repainting, re-upholstering, etc, but NOT upgrades or additions) to be $3000-$3500 annually, plus LOTS of elbow grease. Good luck.
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