Challenger boats

[Brian D]

As always, I am looking to upgrade. I love my Lancer but time to move up. My eye is on the Catalina 34, but recently a couple Challenger 32 boats have caught my eye. These are mid to late seventies boats and I have forced myself to stay away from such older boats. Not because they are older, but more so because they may be harder to offload later.Any one have any thoughts about Challenger boats by experience? Thanks

 

[Jim Seamans]

Brian, went sailing on a 35 Challenger

Last May, I can put you in touch with the owner if you wish. I had a fun ride with him on San Fran bay. Will be on his boat again Mar 15.He could tell just anything you want to know.Jim

 

[Brian D]

That'd be great Jim...

You can give him my email address: takara..at..legendary..dash..prime..dot..comIsn't it funny how we disguise our email addresses in fear of spammers?

 

[Stu Jackson]

One of your considerations may be the

support you can obtain about your boat before and after purchase. I'd check to see if there is a Challenger website or owner's group for information and support. As you may be aware, the C34 website (among many others for Catalinas) is pretty awesome.StuC34 IA Secretary

 

[Brian D]

No kidding on the C34 website...

Been there many times. That is one thing that draws me to the C34; the support. I'm just interested in seeing if the Challenger is a decent boat. I like the line of the boat, but not too much the age. I know, that is discriminatory in nature.

 

[Rick D]

Grab It!

Brian: I am somewhat familiar with these SoCal boats. They were heavy displacement from big lay up schedules, modern underbody but longish keel and I think the rudder is skeg hung. The rig is also oversize as is the standing rigging. I believe the interior is built-up and not a moulded in pan. The interior has a lot of finish work, drawers, lockers, etc. Nice tankage for the era. Perkins diesels, again by an old guy's memory. I think they are little known gems. This one looks like a nice example. Just the usual old-boat disclaimers. Tell us what you think. Dig out your check book, but negotiate a nice price! Good luck, Rick D.

 

[Brian D]

Rick...

I am ready financially but not location wise. I like San Diego, but it is too far south for me to do anything of interest. I don't like being confined to the bay. It take 3~4 hours to get to the ocean. I want to sail in the ocean, not a bay. I should have my slip in Oceanside (5 minutes to the ocean) next year. I was hoping for this year but the harbor office people lied about the turnaround in the harbor. Typical. It cost me $75/yr to remain on the wait list and I am not about to give up on that now. I'd still like to know about the boat though. I thank you for your info, it looks like a stout boat. Reminds for of a Willard 8 Ton I saw sometime last year in Mission Bay (also 5 minutes to the ocean).Thanks.

 

[Rick D]

I'm Serious, Brian.

Think carefully. Not many good examples come on the market. I'll bet you could figure out something for a slip for the season. How about Ensenada? You can bag the sales tax and play with a new cruising area for this season. Just be sure you have the right insurance. Anyhow, she's a nice looking boat even if you'd have to put in a new stove/oven unless it's sitting in the owner's garage. RD

 

[Brian D]

Thanks, Rick...

I'll keep it in mind.

 

[Norton]

3rd hand info

For what it is worth, I was interested in a Challenger 32 about a two years ago. At the time I contacted a guy who formerly owned a Challenger. He said he was harbored in Mexico when a storm blew in and destroyed alot of the boats in the harbor. He ended up with a 40' sailboat broken in half on top of his boat and only had superficial damage. Probably a combo of a well built boat and a lot of luck. Nice joinery, beamy, and seakindly, although not particularly speedy was what I was able to gather. The guy also said to carefully check the fuel tank because the original tanks almost always needed to be replaced. Here is one in your back yard http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/boa/583022166.html

 

[Daryl]

Challenger 32

I sailed these a few times from LA to Catalina Island. They are built like a tank. I was passed by a Catalina 30. Many of these had blisters associated with fire retardant chemicals used in the 70's. The cabin tops sag above the galley area and many owners add a support post there. Lots of nice wood, no veneer. Solid teak and holley floor. By this time most have tired gelcoat and are in need of paint. They can stand up to blue water better than the Huntalina production vessels made today

 

[Brian D]

Thanks guys...

Rob, the link to the Challenger 32 I posted is in Dana Point. Nicer looking boat. Wish Dana Point did slip transfers.

 

[Brian D]

Thanks, Susan...

I envy you and your intestinal fortitude to venture out like that. I envy anyone who does that.Thanks for the info on the boat. I am still eying it. There is also a Challenger 35 in Dana Point that draws my attention. Dang I hate this looking, finding, not having a place locally for it. Thanks again.

 

[Rick D]

Susan Is An Inspiration, Brian...

...and I'll bet she doesn't spend time over-analyzing. Heck, just buy one and park it in Ensenada BC while you work your way up the wait list. Tourism is way off, so you will be appreciated. Gas for your commute will be 2/3rds or less. And, Ensenada is a great place to spend some time and get your upgrades and cosmetics attended to. If you stay for a year (or maybe it's still 90 days) you save your sales tax too. Other than a brief few moments of buyer's remorse, you won't regret it. Go for it! What do the rest of you guys think; shouldn't he let Susan be his inspiration and spend his economic incentive check in a yachting manner? Why should he hoard all those dollars under his mattress? Brian's not getting any younger while he waits for the right moment. Come on guys, let's encourage him to buy while he has the passion... Rick D.

 

[higgs]

I like the boat

It is tough to find a true offshore boat for under 30k. This one looks to be well maintained.It is fun to have a boat with an unusual pedigree. Wherever you go people stop and talk to you about your boat. They won't do this is much if your boat looks like a hundred others out there.I think this is at least worth a trip to look it over in person. You can tell a lot about how a boat is built by being aboard and poking around.