Buy another used boat or add comfort creatures

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May 12, 2007
14
Hunter 410 Baltimore Maryland
We bought a 1988 Hunter 30 that the PO lost interest in the boat and let it sit in the water for a couple of years. After a thorough survey, we negotiated a good price knowing we were going to need to do some work on her. Since our ownership four years ago, we replaced the engine, fuel tank, drive shaft, head, bimini and removed many blisters. My wife and I are thinking about adding on board air/heat and refrigeration. The main sail is also in need of replacement. The boat is in really good condition and with many new mechanicals; we are at a crossroads on what to do next with this boat.

We are debating buying a larger (35-38 ft) used boat with the creature comforts or add these items to our existing Hunter. Other than the greater acquisition cost of buying a larger boat in the 1999 -2005 age group versus "investing" more money a 24 year old boat, what other things should be we considering?
 
Jun 7, 2009
116
Hunter 1999 Passage h420 CC Oceanside
No matter how much time and money you spend on that 30' boat, when all done it is still a 30' boat.

If it has the room, features and sailing characteristics that you like then up date it, but remember adding anything to a boat takes up room, storage and performance.

I would clean her up, make any necessary repair, sell her and get a boat more to your liking.

Thought to ponder... after the deal is made, the price is forgotten and it is the boat you are left with, is this the boat you want?

Bob
 
May 24, 2004
7,176
CC 30 South Florida
If the issues are air/heat, refrigeration and new sails then stay with the 30'. A brand new air conditioner should last longer than a 7 year old one. If the issues are more space then the 30' won't do. Remember that costs rise exponentially with the size of the boat. Slip fees, insurance and maintenance are some of these costs.
 
Sep 6, 2011
435
We just went through this exercise this past summer. Our bottom line was we wanted larger and more beam and no creature comforts would achieve that. So sold the little one with a lot of sweat equity and new parts but still for similar $. We bought a comfortable boat that feels like the Taj Mahal now. We had to extend our budget a bit but we can see keeping this boat long term AND be comfortable. It had all the checks on both his and her lists. I would suggest cleaning up the 30, everyone make a list of wants, needs and nice to haves and see what you can find within your budget. SC
 
Aug 23, 2009
361
Hunter 30 Middle River MD
As the others have said it depends on what you really are after. I would also add one more variable to the equation. How old you are and your retirement plans.

I am nearing my 60th birthday. Have about 3 to 5 years more I must work. At 65 living aboard is very unlikely for us my wife already has a few mobility issues and is reluctant to more than days sail.

We also plan to relocate the draft in my boat is going to be an issue in the waters near where we hope to live but is workable. A bigger boat could draw more so buying now might be an issue.

Air on a 30 with a marine unit seems to expensive. Are you going to anchor out a lot or do you tie up most nights. If you type up more than anchor a window unit and a small electric space heater will cost less than 500 a good used main sail can be had for less than 2k so the exonomics if you like your boat really favor keeping it.
 
May 12, 2007
14
Hunter 410 Baltimore Maryland
Thanks everyone for the feedback. A couple of other items we did not consider were mentioned.

We purchased a slightly used Cruiseair portable air conditioner a couple of years ago. While it does a good job of cooling the cabin, it does occupy the majority of the v berth consuming valuable space. This space can get recaptured if we install built in air/heat.

Went shopping for a new used boat over the past weekend to see what's on the market. Many to choose from. We listed the wants and needs on paper and many of what we saw met both lists. Jumping up to a 35 and bigger yacht sure brings many amenities. Of course that comes at a cost. Next thing is to put ours up for sale and see what the market will bear.
 
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