Finding that perfect boat
- Thread starter Dalloway
- Start date
See if any local colleges or universities have boat auctions where they sell donated boats. I believe Chesapeake Maritime Museum has one. I bought mine at the Massachusetts Maritime Auction. Also, check local boat yards that may have taken possession of boats.
Right in Northeast......HPYC, NERYC, Bay Boatworks, maybe Charlestown. Any marina on upper eastern or western shore....H de G, Bohemia River, Summit North on Courthouse Point Road off 213, Fredricktown/Georgetown, Wicks (farther up the Sassafras). Any of those places might offer a "diamond in the rough". Enjoy!
Depends what you are looking for. Many non-profit organizations receive donated boats that are sold to raise money for the organization. For example, I work with Sea Scouts in Maryland that does this. Email me if you wish to discuss.
Bought and Sold 8 of my last 10 boats thru Craigs, although you do have to be ready to jump with the Cash in Hand, and catch that elusive perfect listing before anyone else does. Other than that I keep my eyes open just driving down the road. I agree that what you see on Craigs is often Not what you get when you arrive to see it in person. I looked at 17 listings before finding number 10. A Newport 33 circa 1984. ( the photo of my dog on the boat is boat number 4 a Newport 27) they may be classic plastic, but they slice the wind closer than most. Happy Hunting!
DA,
There is NO SUCH thing as a perfect boat unless you are a millionaire.
All boats for the common man are a compromise in fact.
Aside at looking at boats to buy, try spending some time sailing on boats you are looking at maybe buying to get a better idea of the right boat. If you just look at upfront cost, that may be your mistake.
It's a longer haul but, before laying out cash try-n-be-sure this is the boat for you. I bought a, "Fixer- upper" & it took me two years of money & sweat equity to get her up to satisfactory snuff. Would I do it again...............NO!!!
Is this the route you REALLY want to go at this point???? If a "fixer-up" is mentioned, simply walk away. You can pay as you go with money & sweat equity over time or, pay the difference upfront, unless you are a "hands-on guy" that loves fixing things , you may not wanna take this project on, it's your decision
If you enjoy working & outfitting your NEW boat, so be it, as opposed to an unknown boat w/ problems (some may be unknown). I would look at boats that are in better condition to sail. Now you can set up a maintenance schedule instead of always playing CATCHUP.
Again, it's all up to you, think smart & not be sorry in your decision...............
CR
There is NO SUCH thing as a perfect boat unless you are a millionaire.
All boats for the common man are a compromise in fact.
Aside at looking at boats to buy, try spending some time sailing on boats you are looking at maybe buying to get a better idea of the right boat. If you just look at upfront cost, that may be your mistake.
It's a longer haul but, before laying out cash try-n-be-sure this is the boat for you. I bought a, "Fixer- upper" & it took me two years of money & sweat equity to get her up to satisfactory snuff. Would I do it again...............NO!!!
Is this the route you REALLY want to go at this point???? If a "fixer-up" is mentioned, simply walk away. You can pay as you go with money & sweat equity over time or, pay the difference upfront, unless you are a "hands-on guy" that loves fixing things , you may not wanna take this project on, it's your decision
If you enjoy working & outfitting your NEW boat, so be it, as opposed to an unknown boat w/ problems (some may be unknown). I would look at boats that are in better condition to sail. Now you can set up a maintenance schedule instead of always playing CATCHUP.
Again, it's all up to you, think smart & not be sorry in your decision...............
CR