Considering purchasing an '82 16 ft. ODay-opinions

[Diane]

Hi everyone. I am thinking about purchasing a 1982 16 ft. Oday. It is in fair to fair + condition, had 2 owners and was stored outside. Current owner says that the main sail has a small professionally repaired tear and the gib is in good cond. The bottom of the boat apparently was not cleaned after each season that it was moored in a fresh water lake. The bottom has some sort of for lack of a better word "crud" throughout. The trailer was repainted over top of old rust. One tail light on the trailor isn't working, and it may need 2 new tires. Also on the bottom at the front corner of where the center board slides through the opening, it looks like a fiberglass repair was done. I am a new sailer and would appreciate any and all comments. The buyer's asking price is $1,200. What do you thin? Thanks! Diane

 

[Brian]

Good Question

It's hard to say. If I could see the boat in question I could tell more, but even then I follow these rules.1. Am I skilled enough to fix any problems that I see. If yes, what will it cost?2. Can I buy anything in good to excellent condition, of the same model or simular, for anywhere near the same price. (don't forget the cost of repairs)3. Follow my gut.

 

[Don Evans]

Comparisons

Diane, not sure where your from but you need to look at a few other boat packages to see if its a fair price. Certainly there is nothing you described that is a "oh-oh", but there are always a few additional expenses beyond the purchase price, and you have identified a few of them. Some others can be stays and shrouds, lines halyards and other ropes, safety equipment to meet Coast Guard specs. What about an auxillery engine? Do you want to have one? If you have a budget, stick to it. Use the condition of the boat to your advantage. Point out the flaws, the work required to bring the boat back to life. Offer the owner less than the asking price if its outside your budget.A trailer is an advantage and will require some cost to make it road worthy, including wiring, bearings, tires, lights, bunks(rollers). Judgeing from what you have mentioned and the general condition and the cost of this size boat in my neck-of-the-woods, with a trailer, it does not sound out of whack to me. Good luck with your decision.Don