I just bought the Emma Jean, 1977 Catalina 30 out of Oak Harbour, LA (North of New Orleans). Is it rude to contact the previous owners? The boat was salvage boat so I never met the owners. I just want the owners to know where the boat is and that is now receiving a new life. So, there are questions that I would like to ask them about mods that they made. Would this be out of line?
Contacting Previous Owners
- Thread starter Traumaguard
- Start date
- Status
No it's not
As long as you show the prior owner that the boat got a good home, it's not out of line at all, especially since it was a salvage. Bet he'd be glad to know that somebody's "sweat equity" is going to have her going again. You can get a lot of info on what you've got quicker and easier than if you have to uncover it yourself.
As long as you show the prior owner that the boat got a good home, it's not out of line at all, especially since it was a salvage. Bet he'd be glad to know that somebody's "sweat equity" is going to have her going again. You can get a lot of info on what you've got quicker and easier than if you have to uncover it yourself.
Not Rude, and Here's a Suggestion
Go to http://www.jojamela.us/forum/, and ask about the boat there. Jojamala is run by a live-aboard owner at Oak Harbor, and a lot of the "former residents" (and even current ones) keep in touch on the website.
Go to http://www.jojamela.us/forum/, and ask about the boat there. Jojamala is run by a live-aboard owner at Oak Harbor, and a lot of the "former residents" (and even current ones) keep in touch on the website.
Not rude, but awkward
Kinda like calling up your fiance's first husband for a background check. Then again, not a bad idea.
Kinda like calling up your fiance's first husband for a background check. Then again, not a bad idea.
Unless the P.O. has something to hide, or...
You drive him nuts calling time after time with questions (which the buyer of my last boat did), most POs don't mind hearing from the new owner. It's kinda reassuring to know that their "baby" is in the hands of someone who cares about it enough to want to learn as much as possible about how to maintain it from 'em...what its quirks are.
You drive him nuts calling time after time with questions (which the buyer of my last boat did), most POs don't mind hearing from the new owner. It's kinda reassuring to know that their "baby" is in the hands of someone who cares about it enough to want to learn as much as possible about how to maintain it from 'em...what its quirks are.
Neither Rude nor Awkward
I dont feel that it is either rude nor awkward. I for one would be glad to know that my old salvaged boat was going to have a new life. I would also offer any information on the boat as to any unusual quirks it may have. I would also suggest that you get on the Catalina Owners website for a wealth of additional information. Then you will be getting info and advice from catalina 30 owners more specific to your question. Besides, whats the worse that could happen? The PO hangs up on you....not likely. Watching your boat get totaled and salvaged is like a death in the family. You will breathe new life into it. Maybe even rename your boat "the Phoenix", back from the ashes. Now for renaming, thats another post altogether. Good luck.
I dont feel that it is either rude nor awkward. I for one would be glad to know that my old salvaged boat was going to have a new life. I would also offer any information on the boat as to any unusual quirks it may have. I would also suggest that you get on the Catalina Owners website for a wealth of additional information. Then you will be getting info and advice from catalina 30 owners more specific to your question. Besides, whats the worse that could happen? The PO hangs up on you....not likely. Watching your boat get totaled and salvaged is like a death in the family. You will breathe new life into it. Maybe even rename your boat "the Phoenix", back from the ashes. Now for renaming, thats another post altogether. Good luck.
Do it
You might end up with a knowledgable friend. We communicated frequently with the PO of our boat and he appreciated it, and enjoyed carrying on boat talk after he was no longer able to keep the boat. His expertise was valuable to us, and his friendship valued. Sanders s/v Good News
You might end up with a knowledgable friend. We communicated frequently with the PO of our boat and he appreciated it, and enjoyed carrying on boat talk after he was no longer able to keep the boat. His expertise was valuable to us, and his friendship valued. Sanders s/v Good News
I called the new owner of my old boat
to tell him the tarp blew off of it in a storm. I loved my old boat and would welcome a call anytime good or bad. If he is having a problem, I would love to help him. I refitted and made new many items on my old boat. I also had more ideas that I didn't do. Call him. r.w.landau
to tell him the tarp blew off of it in a storm. I loved my old boat and would welcome a call anytime good or bad. If he is having a problem, I would love to help him. I refitted and made new many items on my old boat. I also had more ideas that I didn't do. Call him. r.w.landau
They may be receptive...
...but , they may also not be ready for a call. My friend bought a damaged boat and when he called the PO, they were very rude to him and asked him not to call any more. Don't let this deter you from contacting them, but be prepared for a possible negative response.
...but , they may also not be ready for a call. My friend bought a damaged boat and when he called the PO, they were very rude to him and asked him not to call any more. Don't let this deter you from contacting them, but be prepared for a possible negative response.
It might be a welcome call or
it might not be. It kind of depends on how you acquired the boat and how the PO feels about it. If you bought it and the seller was under duress, they may not want to think about it. If you took advantage of their situation, same thing. If they just traded up, it may not matter to them or they may be glad to help.
it might not be. It kind of depends on how you acquired the boat and how the PO feels about it. If you bought it and the seller was under duress, they may not want to think about it. If you took advantage of their situation, same thing. If they just traded up, it may not matter to them or they may be glad to help.
Ordinarily I'd say yes...do it
worst they can do is hang up on you. But the hurricane/salvage adds a twist to it, so be prepared. I think many folks down that way are fighting with insurance companies. And, they may have lost their home and/or family members in the storm. The boat might be pretty low on their list. How you start the conversation may foretell a great deal.
worst they can do is hang up on you. But the hurricane/salvage adds a twist to it, so be prepared. I think many folks down that way are fighting with insurance companies. And, they may have lost their home and/or family members in the storm. The boat might be pretty low on their list. How you start the conversation may foretell a great deal.
I'm A Victim of Katrina..Make the Call
My Catalina 30 is in the process of being totalled by the Ins. Co. and is still floating and will be salvaged. We lived aboard and loved our boat and REALLY miss her. If anyone here was to buy FREE SPIRIT and bring her back to life, i would love to hear from them. It may sound snobby although not intentionally, but when you own a powerboat, you drive it like a car, however, sailors , because of the nature of the beast, seem to have a more intimate relationship with their vessel. But, thats just me.
My Catalina 30 is in the process of being totalled by the Ins. Co. and is still floating and will be salvaged. We lived aboard and loved our boat and REALLY miss her. If anyone here was to buy FREE SPIRIT and bring her back to life, i would love to hear from them. It may sound snobby although not intentionally, but when you own a powerboat, you drive it like a car, however, sailors , because of the nature of the beast, seem to have a more intimate relationship with their vessel. But, thats just me.
Contacting previous owner
Go for it. I live in Slidell, and if something had happened to my boat, I would love to hear from the next owner. I happen to know Tony who posted above and I am in total agreement with him.
Go for it. I live in Slidell, and if something had happened to my boat, I would love to hear from the next owner. I happen to know Tony who posted above and I am in total agreement with him.
Tramaguard, so, what is it? what are you doing
and if you contacted the owner, what was the response? r.w.landau
and if you contacted the owner, what was the response? r.w.landau
Inquiring Minds Want to Know
I would think the PO would be much more at ease and more receptive to the new owner of his salvaged boat than if he sold the boat direct, for obvious reasons. The consensus of opinion on here is that you should call. You asked the question first Sooooooooooooooo..........did you call? If not, why not? That is our question to you.
I would think the PO would be much more at ease and more receptive to the new owner of his salvaged boat than if he sold the boat direct, for obvious reasons. The consensus of opinion on here is that you should call. You asked the question first Sooooooooooooooo..........did you call? If not, why not? That is our question to you.
- Status