Frustrated...Questions to ask??

[John]

I want to thank you all first of all, for all your imput to my situation. I have decided to walk away from this one and look upward and onward. As they say.....Next??....  Anyway, my new question is this. Since I'm new to this sailboat hunting thing and I got off to a bad start, I was wondering if some of you would help me compile a list of "important" questions to ask the next owner of a boat I wish to buy? Maybe if I know what to ask and what to look for better, I will make a better decision the next time. I have a wife that is terribly disappointed as well and is getting rather anxious to go sailing. Again, thank you! *s*

 

[Charlie]

needs a lift

Well John,I'am sorry that things did not work out but no one said that buying a boat was easy. I spent two years looking in boat yards up and down the east coast. There are so many different things to look for. But all is not lost because you have at least a couple of options which will be a good learning experence. First you can do it yourself by first going to your local library where there are lots of books concerning boat buying and what to look for. This is what I did and I ended up buying a couple of the books so that I could study them and not have to worry about returning them.If your looking at spending 20k, and you will, 50 -100 bucks for information and knowledge is not a lot to pay. The other option is to hire a professional to have a look. that will cost about 300 400 bucks a shot. Differant boats have differant problems and the older they are the more problems are possible. Remember, If its to good to be true, it probably isn't!! If you and your WIFE your home work you will have a pretty good idea as to what questions to ask and what to look for. Have fun and good hunting.charlie

 

[Bob Camarena]

Talk to Owners

One of your best bets is to seek out owners of Catalina 27s or other types you're interested in and talk to them. We all love to talk about our boats and help others find a good boat. You'll probably find some good, word-of-mouth leads on boats that others know to be well cared for and in good condition. That's how I found my 30, it wasn't even on the market yet. One of my friends saw the owner doing a major clean-up and in conversation found out he was getting ready to sell. While you're at it, ask for recommendations as to surveyors and boat yards so you can avoid a repeat experience.I also recommend that you purchase a copy of Dick Dickens' Tech Talk Manual. It's written for the C-30, but much of the information will have application to the 27 as well. You'll learn a lot about what to look for and what to be wary of. It's available through the C-30 National Association web site.Check out the National C-27 Association's website to see if there is a close by "Fleet" that you can contact to find local owners.I don't know if you'll get a good answer or not, but one question to ask would be "If I have this boat hauled for a survey, is there anything I'm going to find out about that we haven't discussed? If there is, we're both better off if you tell me now."Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Ron]

Some notes...

After recently purchasing a 30, here are some things that you should ask for.Any previous maintenance records. The couple that sold me mine had the boat only 4 years. I got the old survey. Along with records that told me what was done. I probably should have had it pulled and surveyed, but in the interest of saving money I did not. I still have not seen the bottom of the boat but everything else is great. Ask about the rigging. Also check for pitting in the spars. Records on engine maintenance would be great. Check for gelcoat repairs, it's a good clue of damage underneath.I am selling my 25 now. I have a few buyers and it is great to have it dry docked. A great way to show off her bottom side.Just keep looking... Your dream boat is out there awaiting your arrival. When in doubt ask owners of the same model.Sea Ya...

 

[R. Palaia]

Practical Sailor

Practical Sailor, as part of a 5 book series, has a book on "buying and selling". The whole series is about $60, which has books on maintenence, upgrades, etc. or you can just buy whichever one(s) you want. Since a boat is a big expense, investing in these books is a small price to pay. Roc