Did your boat cost more or less than what you had budgeted for its purchase? Did you sweat over every dime, or did the boat of your dreams sweep you off your feet... and your budget? If so, what was it that pushed you past your limits? Are you happy you were impulsive that day, or do you now wish you'd been more fiscally responsible? Share your boat buying stories here, then vote in this week's Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page.
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DAVE
shop shop shop
i looked for almost a year before i found then perfect boat as i was not willoin gto settle for one that had been neglected or a fixer upper and i knew the minute i saw her i was going to buy her and it was at the price i wanted!
i looked for almost a year before i found then perfect boat as i was not willoin gto settle for one that had been neglected or a fixer upper and i knew the minute i saw her i was going to buy her and it was at the price i wanted!
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Frank Rich
No more gas
I just sold my 1988 Baretta Success w/ a Volvo Penta motor. tHis summer was a disaster with repairs costing more than the boat was worth. Fixed them all but decided to sell at a loss. Decided on sailing after crewing on my buddies 192 ODAy. However wanted something with more amenities. Look at Odays but fell in love w/ Cat 25. Plus the capabilities of purchasing parts was a plus. Found a 1984 well equipped needed some cleanup but all is going well. I paid what i thought was a fair price and am glad i did. I look foward to the spring of 2002 when "Irish Ayes" will be in the water.
I just sold my 1988 Baretta Success w/ a Volvo Penta motor. tHis summer was a disaster with repairs costing more than the boat was worth. Fixed them all but decided to sell at a loss. Decided on sailing after crewing on my buddies 192 ODAy. However wanted something with more amenities. Look at Odays but fell in love w/ Cat 25. Plus the capabilities of purchasing parts was a plus. Found a 1984 well equipped needed some cleanup but all is going well. I paid what i thought was a fair price and am glad i did. I look foward to the spring of 2002 when "Irish Ayes" will be in the water.
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Capt. Kimo
Budget for 96' Mac26X in 97'
1. Boat cost $20K which is what I had budgeted for 1996 model in 1997. Had sails that never been used, fully instrumented Johnson 50 HP with lift, two batteries with Perko switch, cockpit RV table and portable cooking shelf on transom,swim ladder, bimini, cockpit cushions, mast lifting kit, anchor and rode, Origo alcohol stove, and surge brakes on trailer. 2. Deciding factors was the boat and trailer had never been in salt water, new sails and within 500 miles of my home.
1. Boat cost $20K which is what I had budgeted for 1996 model in 1997. Had sails that never been used, fully instrumented Johnson 50 HP with lift, two batteries with Perko switch, cockpit RV table and portable cooking shelf on transom,swim ladder, bimini, cockpit cushions, mast lifting kit, anchor and rode, Origo alcohol stove, and surge brakes on trailer. 2. Deciding factors was the boat and trailer had never been in salt water, new sails and within 500 miles of my home.
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Tom
Weighed needs, shopped around.
I carefully considered my needs, then went shopping for the boat and equipment that came closest. Considered new and preowned then settled on a new boat because it had new features not available on older models. Also shopped between dealers (3 in my area) and saved quite a bit. Generally you get more boat and equipment buying used, but might sacrifice on the most recent innovations. Also, I held off buying electronics and some accessories to live with the boat a year to determine my needs and preferences and I am glad I did. Fair winds... Tom
I carefully considered my needs, then went shopping for the boat and equipment that came closest. Considered new and preowned then settled on a new boat because it had new features not available on older models. Also shopped between dealers (3 in my area) and saved quite a bit. Generally you get more boat and equipment buying used, but might sacrifice on the most recent innovations. Also, I held off buying electronics and some accessories to live with the boat a year to determine my needs and preferences and I am glad I did. Fair winds... Tom
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Jeffrey DeLotto
Prepare to enjoy
We had been planning to buy a larger boat, had been saving for it for a long time, and bought one within our price range, though we went looking around the country, first in ads, then on a shopping vacation. Staying within what we budgeted was important for us because now the boat is not a burden to usiiwe don't have to try to get our money's worth--we enjoy her and buy new supplies for her when we want.
We had been planning to buy a larger boat, had been saving for it for a long time, and bought one within our price range, though we went looking around the country, first in ads, then on a shopping vacation. Staying within what we budgeted was important for us because now the boat is not a burden to usiiwe don't have to try to get our money's worth--we enjoy her and buy new supplies for her when we want.
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William Fraser
way bigger than expected
I started shopping for a used boat in the 35' range in the summer of 2000. I used the internet extensively and was interested in a Beneteau late model in the 30-35' range for the 30's to 50's. I surveyed an old Catalina 38 and had to reject it due to numerous repairs. I asked the broker for my deposit back and told him why. The next Monday he came in with a 43' Beneteau 1989 that had been a Moorings boat,,, in the 40's. Holy Cow! This was way way more boat than I had expected and being 10 years old I thought it couldn't be structurally or mechanically that bad. I had it surveyed, the surveyor found a lot of minor stuff but nothing overwheming. As it turns out this boat had 3 year old Elvstrom sails, 3 year old standing rigging, an overhauled Perkins 50 and some new thru hulls. I had it trucked over to CC from Lauderdale, had the riggers rewire it and repair damaged fittings for $2000 and spent $3000 reconditioning the bottom and topsides, repairing minor gelcoat and prop/rudder repairs. $3000 for new chain and rode/anchors, lots of varnishing,interior cleanup,parts replacement, a new bimini cover and some deck and interior accesories and I have a really presentable blue water cruiser/racer. Some neat graphics for $300"Caribbean Soul", new fuel filters/oil/transmission fluid and a lot of just picking at small problems by myself and my helpers and I am really set up. Dirty, dirty job though. Its been a lot of work, but I am not an experienced boat restorer. Sealing around the deck fittings with Gluvit and having all the hatch Lexan and portlight Lexan replaced($2000), new interior mirrors and I've got a beauty. Getting the deck leaks stopped is step one and is critical. Put in a dockside charger,new batts,some new light fixtures and its awesome. Of course it didn't hurt that I had a lot of free time because my family was still up in Dallas(they're here now). Its taken a year but I've been racing a cruising a bit with it as well. Its been great to see the improvements but they occur at a very slow rate I must admit. This approach isn't for everyone but.,,,,,,,,, If you find a relatively recent boat that is fundamentally sound, this works. Jut don't go half way. If you are like me you are going to want to really go after problem areas. Took all the cabin sole plates out, stripped them, refinished them and applied Git-Rot and resin over damage on the sole bottoms. Its amazing what a little water left in the bilge can do to your wood, get it out! Had to replace some broken plumbing fittings too. Hated it, but succeeded. Now,I've got one of the best looking, biggest and fastest boats in Corpus Christi, and I paid about as much as someone would pay for a new 30 footer. After three years, that thirty footer will look and work no better than mine, and I've got twice the seaworthiness, crew capacity and value. Check this approach out. Go to Mark Lipkus at wellfoundyachts.com in Key Largo. A really good and trustworthy broker. I'm stoked! And ready to go anywhere when I'm want to. Bill Fraser Corpus Christi Texas
I started shopping for a used boat in the 35' range in the summer of 2000. I used the internet extensively and was interested in a Beneteau late model in the 30-35' range for the 30's to 50's. I surveyed an old Catalina 38 and had to reject it due to numerous repairs. I asked the broker for my deposit back and told him why. The next Monday he came in with a 43' Beneteau 1989 that had been a Moorings boat,,, in the 40's. Holy Cow! This was way way more boat than I had expected and being 10 years old I thought it couldn't be structurally or mechanically that bad. I had it surveyed, the surveyor found a lot of minor stuff but nothing overwheming. As it turns out this boat had 3 year old Elvstrom sails, 3 year old standing rigging, an overhauled Perkins 50 and some new thru hulls. I had it trucked over to CC from Lauderdale, had the riggers rewire it and repair damaged fittings for $2000 and spent $3000 reconditioning the bottom and topsides, repairing minor gelcoat and prop/rudder repairs. $3000 for new chain and rode/anchors, lots of varnishing,interior cleanup,parts replacement, a new bimini cover and some deck and interior accesories and I have a really presentable blue water cruiser/racer. Some neat graphics for $300"Caribbean Soul", new fuel filters/oil/transmission fluid and a lot of just picking at small problems by myself and my helpers and I am really set up. Dirty, dirty job though. Its been a lot of work, but I am not an experienced boat restorer. Sealing around the deck fittings with Gluvit and having all the hatch Lexan and portlight Lexan replaced($2000), new interior mirrors and I've got a beauty. Getting the deck leaks stopped is step one and is critical. Put in a dockside charger,new batts,some new light fixtures and its awesome. Of course it didn't hurt that I had a lot of free time because my family was still up in Dallas(they're here now). Its taken a year but I've been racing a cruising a bit with it as well. Its been great to see the improvements but they occur at a very slow rate I must admit. This approach isn't for everyone but.,,,,,,,,, If you find a relatively recent boat that is fundamentally sound, this works. Jut don't go half way. If you are like me you are going to want to really go after problem areas. Took all the cabin sole plates out, stripped them, refinished them and applied Git-Rot and resin over damage on the sole bottoms. Its amazing what a little water left in the bilge can do to your wood, get it out! Had to replace some broken plumbing fittings too. Hated it, but succeeded. Now,I've got one of the best looking, biggest and fastest boats in Corpus Christi, and I paid about as much as someone would pay for a new 30 footer. After three years, that thirty footer will look and work no better than mine, and I've got twice the seaworthiness, crew capacity and value. Check this approach out. Go to Mark Lipkus at wellfoundyachts.com in Key Largo. A really good and trustworthy broker. I'm stoked! And ready to go anywhere when I'm want to. Bill Fraser Corpus Christi Texas
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Tom Madura
I did plenty of research!
I owned a 30' wooden boat for ten years, so when I decided to upgrade, I had a good idea of what features I wanted, but I had very little knowledge of the used boat market, Sooo... I did a lot of reading, and looked at a LOT of boats. Particularly useful was Practical Sailor's guide to used boats, a two volume set that reviews a variety of used boats, including good and bad features and price comparisons. I believe the most recent edition was published in 1995, but it served as a good starting point. Next my wife and I went to several boat shows, and visited four different brokers along the entire length of Lake Erie. I monitored the web-sites of all four brokers and looked carefully at any boat that fit my main criteria (28-32 ft; inboard diesel; shoal draft) and was in my price range. I also obtained a current copy of a used boat price guide. After six months of looking at close to fifty(!) boats (We looked at 20 in ONE DAY at one broker's open-house), we decided on a 1985 Hunter 31 that was in near-new condition (surveyor said it was the cleanest 15 year old boat he'd ever seen). It was exactly what we wanted, and with a little negotiating we got it in the top end of our price range. Two years later I have no regrets whatsoever. Bottom line - all the research I did let me recognize the right boat when it came along.
I owned a 30' wooden boat for ten years, so when I decided to upgrade, I had a good idea of what features I wanted, but I had very little knowledge of the used boat market, Sooo... I did a lot of reading, and looked at a LOT of boats. Particularly useful was Practical Sailor's guide to used boats, a two volume set that reviews a variety of used boats, including good and bad features and price comparisons. I believe the most recent edition was published in 1995, but it served as a good starting point. Next my wife and I went to several boat shows, and visited four different brokers along the entire length of Lake Erie. I monitored the web-sites of all four brokers and looked carefully at any boat that fit my main criteria (28-32 ft; inboard diesel; shoal draft) and was in my price range. I also obtained a current copy of a used boat price guide. After six months of looking at close to fifty(!) boats (We looked at 20 in ONE DAY at one broker's open-house), we decided on a 1985 Hunter 31 that was in near-new condition (surveyor said it was the cleanest 15 year old boat he'd ever seen). It was exactly what we wanted, and with a little negotiating we got it in the top end of our price range. Two years later I have no regrets whatsoever. Bottom line - all the research I did let me recognize the right boat when it came along.
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Mike
No real choice but to stick to the budget
I bought my boat two years ago with the proceeds of an unexpected stock windfall. I finally had some "spare" money, and I was determined to finally buy a boat. Since I never even considered taking out a loan, I was limited in my selection to what I could afford based on the cash at hand. Fortunatly, the amount I had also coincided with the type of boat I wanted to buy: primarily a day sailer with weekending capabilities. I knew I could handle and would like the possibilities offered by a larger boat, but my family was not ready to take that step (very young kids, nervous wife). Like many of us, I have been shopping for a boat for years, so I knew pretty much what I wanted. Once I started really looking at what was available, I quickly narrowed down my search to three boats: the Catalina 22 and 25, and the O'Day 23. I looked at what was available, and eventually found an O'Day 23 that was in nice shape and within my budget. Sometimes I am really glad that I opted for the smaller 23 over the Catalina 25; no real "systems" to agonize over and maintain, quick, manuverable, and there are times when I am really glad of the centerboard (like yesterday when I heard the board scrape/bump against some uncharted something on the bottom while the boat just kept on going). And there are other times I wish I had pushed against the budget and opted for the bigger, more stable boat. When I look at it dispassionately, I do realize that the 25 is not a real big leap and would not make that much difference, especially for the way I really use the boat, vs. how I would like to use the boat. At this time in my life, my family's time is necessarily split, and we spend a lot of our summer weekends doing things other than sailing.
I bought my boat two years ago with the proceeds of an unexpected stock windfall. I finally had some "spare" money, and I was determined to finally buy a boat. Since I never even considered taking out a loan, I was limited in my selection to what I could afford based on the cash at hand. Fortunatly, the amount I had also coincided with the type of boat I wanted to buy: primarily a day sailer with weekending capabilities. I knew I could handle and would like the possibilities offered by a larger boat, but my family was not ready to take that step (very young kids, nervous wife). Like many of us, I have been shopping for a boat for years, so I knew pretty much what I wanted. Once I started really looking at what was available, I quickly narrowed down my search to three boats: the Catalina 22 and 25, and the O'Day 23. I looked at what was available, and eventually found an O'Day 23 that was in nice shape and within my budget. Sometimes I am really glad that I opted for the smaller 23 over the Catalina 25; no real "systems" to agonize over and maintain, quick, manuverable, and there are times when I am really glad of the centerboard (like yesterday when I heard the board scrape/bump against some uncharted something on the bottom while the boat just kept on going). And there are other times I wish I had pushed against the budget and opted for the bigger, more stable boat. When I look at it dispassionately, I do realize that the 25 is not a real big leap and would not make that much difference, especially for the way I really use the boat, vs. how I would like to use the boat. At this time in my life, my family's time is necessarily split, and we spend a lot of our summer weekends doing things other than sailing.
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Matt
Over budget but well worth it...
The C-22 that I bought was a good deal ($900 for an 1982 fin keel). It was slightly damaged from a storm, but nothing I couldn't handle. My plan of attack was simple: repair everything that had to be repaired to get it in the water, get the trailer back to its owner (see story below), then fix the small things. The part that sent me over-budget was when the previous owner cashed the security deposit check for the trailer a month before we had originally agreed for me to return it. This event was a setback on completing the boat restoration for monetary reasons, not to mention I was furious that the other party had breached the agreement. What is funny, is that he had the nerve to call my wife and tell her that he decided the trailer was worth more than what we had agreed and I should just send him another $1000. HA!HA!HA! I now own the trailer...and I did not send him another grand... So, now that I don't have a deadline as far as getting the boat in the water, I am taking my time and doing everything right. Well over-budget, but loving every minute of it. I will have the best looking C-22 on Lake Martin when I am done.
The C-22 that I bought was a good deal ($900 for an 1982 fin keel). It was slightly damaged from a storm, but nothing I couldn't handle. My plan of attack was simple: repair everything that had to be repaired to get it in the water, get the trailer back to its owner (see story below), then fix the small things. The part that sent me over-budget was when the previous owner cashed the security deposit check for the trailer a month before we had originally agreed for me to return it. This event was a setback on completing the boat restoration for monetary reasons, not to mention I was furious that the other party had breached the agreement. What is funny, is that he had the nerve to call my wife and tell her that he decided the trailer was worth more than what we had agreed and I should just send him another $1000. HA!HA!HA! I now own the trailer...and I did not send him another grand... So, now that I don't have a deadline as far as getting the boat in the water, I am taking my time and doing everything right. Well over-budget, but loving every minute of it. I will have the best looking C-22 on Lake Martin when I am done.
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Bob Howie
Boat on budget
Two years ago, I bought a 1978 Hunter 30 that had been graced with new paint and a new mainsail by its previous owner. The boat was well founded and in good shape and I bought it for $14,000 since the previous owner had purchased a larger boat and just didn't want to be bothered with dickering in hopes of getting a higher price, but having to be a two-boat owner for an extended period in the process. Since that time, I have spent about $10,000 in upgrades including a new engine, converting the main to full batten, a mainsail track system, some fix-up things that I couldn't let slide. I've gotten plenty of "pleasure equity" out of this as well as the fact it's a hobby to fix up boats. I've always wanted one of the nicest 30-footers around and have it. Do I ever expect to get all of my money out of this boat? That was never a factor in the equation, but in my market, I could easily sell it for $20k any day given the fact it has new sails, new engine, new paint and all the little "nice" things done. Just another case of men and their toys.
Two years ago, I bought a 1978 Hunter 30 that had been graced with new paint and a new mainsail by its previous owner. The boat was well founded and in good shape and I bought it for $14,000 since the previous owner had purchased a larger boat and just didn't want to be bothered with dickering in hopes of getting a higher price, but having to be a two-boat owner for an extended period in the process. Since that time, I have spent about $10,000 in upgrades including a new engine, converting the main to full batten, a mainsail track system, some fix-up things that I couldn't let slide. I've gotten plenty of "pleasure equity" out of this as well as the fact it's a hobby to fix up boats. I've always wanted one of the nicest 30-footers around and have it. Do I ever expect to get all of my money out of this boat? That was never a factor in the equation, but in my market, I could easily sell it for $20k any day given the fact it has new sails, new engine, new paint and all the little "nice" things done. Just another case of men and their toys.
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Ramsay Selden
I Actually Went UNDER Budget!
I was looking at 37-40' boats, and thinking I'd need to pay $50K and up. In the middle of that, I realized the Hunter 34 would meet my needs and be considerably cheaper: $30K. So, that's the route I went!
I was looking at 37-40' boats, and thinking I'd need to pay $50K and up. In the middle of that, I realized the Hunter 34 would meet my needs and be considerably cheaper: $30K. So, that's the route I went!
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Howard Zwicker
Happy as a Fat Pelican
After researching all kinds of used sailboats for the last three months, I focused my search on a Catalina 27 to 30. I found a 1980 Cat 27 for $9,000 three weeks ago, had it surveyed and bought it, not only because I thought it was a good deal, but because the surveyor thought so, too. The boat needs a few accessory repairs, but the hull, mast, rigging, and other essentials are all in very good condition. So I'm very happy about it--"happy as a fat pelican"--you might say.
After researching all kinds of used sailboats for the last three months, I focused my search on a Catalina 27 to 30. I found a 1980 Cat 27 for $9,000 three weeks ago, had it surveyed and bought it, not only because I thought it was a good deal, but because the surveyor thought so, too. The boat needs a few accessory repairs, but the hull, mast, rigging, and other essentials are all in very good condition. So I'm very happy about it--"happy as a fat pelican"--you might say.
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stefan oetter
much less!
I bought a used 94 MacGregor 26S three years ago for 10K US and haven't put a penny in since, other than about $50 a year for gas! Best buy I ever made!
I bought a used 94 MacGregor 26S three years ago for 10K US and haven't put a penny in since, other than about $50 a year for gas! Best buy I ever made!
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Peggie Hall/Head Mistress
Might be time to put a few $$ in it, Stefan...
It's called PREVENTIVE maintenance...things like a rebuild kit in the toilet, new engine intake imeller, etc, etc, etc. Those things are due about 2-3 years. When it comes to maintaining a boat, remember the following: "For want of a nail, a shoe was lost; For want of a shoe, a horse was lost; For want of a horse, a battle was lost; For want of a victory a kingdom was lost." And remember too, that "horse shoe nails" COST a lot less than "vet bills!"
It's called PREVENTIVE maintenance...things like a rebuild kit in the toilet, new engine intake imeller, etc, etc, etc. Those things are due about 2-3 years. When it comes to maintaining a boat, remember the following: "For want of a nail, a shoe was lost; For want of a shoe, a horse was lost; For want of a horse, a battle was lost; For want of a victory a kingdom was lost." And remember too, that "horse shoe nails" COST a lot less than "vet bills!"
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Greg
Less then, Still less and counting
We were shopping for a 30 something boat. I had made appointments to checkout a Hunter 320 and a Catalina 320 as well as several used boats. The Hunter was a no-show. The Catalina was interesting but did not appeal to my wife's sense of value. The fact that the bulge was filling as we went didn't help me any either but I gotta say the central heat and air was fascinating. You would think dealers would take a few simple precautions. We ended the day with some choice pre-owned boats including a pre –‘84 S2 9.2A (solid F/G hull, no core) that I really liked but again the wife had reservations. Thoroughly exasperated, our agent suggested we try a center cockpit S2 that had just hit the market but was not yet listed. We no sooner planted ourselves in the cockpit than my wife leaned over and whispered, "get this one, I like it!" I know better than object and after a sail and inspection we bought S/V Impulsive. You just can't beat the view from a center-cockpit. Since I’m trapped in a consulting role for a while, Impulsive is in the process of a complete refit an cosmetic work over. I doubt I ever will spend even ½ what we would have spent on a new 30 ft’r. So I took the dif and bought myself a Z3 3.0i and my daughter a Lazer. Greg
We were shopping for a 30 something boat. I had made appointments to checkout a Hunter 320 and a Catalina 320 as well as several used boats. The Hunter was a no-show. The Catalina was interesting but did not appeal to my wife's sense of value. The fact that the bulge was filling as we went didn't help me any either but I gotta say the central heat and air was fascinating. You would think dealers would take a few simple precautions. We ended the day with some choice pre-owned boats including a pre –‘84 S2 9.2A (solid F/G hull, no core) that I really liked but again the wife had reservations. Thoroughly exasperated, our agent suggested we try a center cockpit S2 that had just hit the market but was not yet listed. We no sooner planted ourselves in the cockpit than my wife leaned over and whispered, "get this one, I like it!" I know better than object and after a sail and inspection we bought S/V Impulsive. You just can't beat the view from a center-cockpit. Since I’m trapped in a consulting role for a while, Impulsive is in the process of a complete refit an cosmetic work over. I doubt I ever will spend even ½ what we would have spent on a new 30 ft’r. So I took the dif and bought myself a Z3 3.0i and my daughter a Lazer. Greg
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LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners
Less
I actually got my boat for $400 less than what I would have paid! Of course that was quickly made up by all sorts of improvements but I think I still have less invested (minus moorage,etc) than what I could get for her. LaDonna
I actually got my boat for $400 less than what I would have paid! Of course that was quickly made up by all sorts of improvements but I think I still have less invested (minus moorage,etc) than what I could get for her. LaDonna
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Phyllis
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Chris Phillips
$500 aint bad
I got a '74 H25 this past spring for $500 from a organization that sells donated boats. It was in great shape and I sailed it home three weeks later. I only had to buy anchor line and updated safety gear. It came with a full load of sails including 2 mains, 2 genoas (a brand new 170) and two spinnakers. Talk about coming in below budget! It costs more to put it in a slip for a year!
I got a '74 H25 this past spring for $500 from a organization that sells donated boats. It was in great shape and I sailed it home three weeks later. I only had to buy anchor line and updated safety gear. It came with a full load of sails including 2 mains, 2 genoas (a brand new 170) and two spinnakers. Talk about coming in below budget! It costs more to put it in a slip for a year!
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Jim Green
Weighed needs, shopped around
Did a lot of reading, looked at lots of boats (new and used) and talked to other sailboat owners. Had two dealers in the area, so some choice. Bought my Hunter 22 new in 1985. Been happy with it ever since. The two luxuries I permitted myself were buying new, and roller furling.
Did a lot of reading, looked at lots of boats (new and used) and talked to other sailboat owners. Had two dealers in the area, so some choice. Bought my Hunter 22 new in 1985. Been happy with it ever since. The two luxuries I permitted myself were buying new, and roller furling.
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