Basket Case 37c, Approx price??

Don S/V ILLusion · Apr 4, 2015

You can always tell how well maintained it is by how much effort was put into making it look good for sale.

The bulkhead looks rotted but hard to tell. My take on this is don't worry about the cap cost of purchase which may be insignificant compared with the repair cost.

People buy boats for two reasons typically: to sail or to work on. I assume you fall into the latter category.

Stu Jackson · Apr 4, 2015

Don's right. The experience on this and every other boating forum I've ever read is simple:

If you don't ever want to sail, buy a project boat.

and

Project boats end up costing way more than a good boat in good condition, and you never get to sail.

centerline · Apr 4, 2015

TC_Rogers said:
Hello All,

I'm looking for a late model 37C to put some time and $ into and came across this add:

No telling what's hidden.
I appreciate any and all advice and info.

Cheers,

TC

I'm looking for a late model 37C to put some time and $ into and came across this add:
if this statement is true, then it would appear that you have found your dream boat

....

it was well rigged at one time, and worth some money, but sadly it just isnt so any more....

with time and money you could still have a nice boat that you could be proud of, but the actual market value will never increase above the time and money it will take to bring it back to acceptable condition.

tread lightly with your eyes wide open, and for every 1000 dollars you think it will take to resurrect from its run down state, add another 500 dollars... or 50%, and you will be pretty close to the mark on the actual price of restoration. AND, this is without any surprises that you may find...

rardiH36 · Apr 4, 2015

My take is similar to the other responders. Walk away. These are very good boats, but a lot in the link that you included raises red flags. My 2007 purchase of a 1980 Cherubini Hunter 36 was at a good price $22k for the time. All systems on it were "go". It even had sails that I am still using. Just needed cosmetic improvements.

I get the feeling from the for sail description you are looking at that the seller did a lot of "Rube Goldberg" repairs and modifications. A buyer with several boats already under his/her belt would be able to access whether an issue or not. But not the best bet for a "new to sailing" person.

A suggestion for you is to buy a copy of "Inspecting the Aging Sailboat" by Don Casey. About $10-15 on Amazon. A must have for anybody looking to buy a sailboat more than just a few years old.

Kermit · Apr 4, 2015

I look pretty good from a distance, too. ;-) I know you've made your decision to walk away and it appears to be the right decision. I'm just glad I was in pretty good shape when my First Mate fell in love with me. I wouldn't go for much money now and the cost of restoration would be quite high. With very little increase in market value.

Bill1565 · Apr 4, 2015

[QUOTE="-> I would also like to ask another question('s), uh oh,... The '84+ boats had the change in portlights to a couple amidships that do not open. Is this a problem, or did the factory try to fix the leaking Bomar ports or increase light in the cabin? Reason for the question: Earlier boats look like they have better ventilation because all the ports open. Thanks for taking the time to reply to my NOOB questions. I've found my dream boat, now it's a matter of implementation. Cheers, TC[/QUOTE]

In Florida, we hardly ever open the ports except in the head. Hatches and wind scoops provide ventilation. Ports provide dew and rain.

centerline · Apr 4, 2015

TC_Rogers said:
LOL!! Thanks Bill! That's the kind of info I'm looking for...
Those who have "been there and done that..."

We have all been there and done that, lol... that is why we can give you the advice that we have... and regardless of what we say, im sure you will "be there, doing that" soon... because until one has did it, they can never comprehend the full weight of any conversations concerning the time and money involved in fixing up a rundown boat...

braol · Apr 6, 2015

I'd say offer 3k, pay a yard 9k to do the hard stuff and you should have a great boat for $12,000. I'd bet even money that the owner is just looking to get rid of the boat. The bottom hasn't been cleaned in a while, that's the #1 telltale sign.