Just make sure to compare the price to a few others. There are probably lots of them on the market. Make sure you are aren't paying too much for one when you might get another that is better equipped or in better shape for the same price.
I personally am a big fan of fixer uppers. Fixing is part of the fun. That being said, it's good to find one that needs projects that can be done while you still USE the boat. Take that day when the wind is dead and do this project or that.
Deck recoring is a major project. I dont' think the iron keel will be that terrible, and I'm getting ready to refinish the one on my H34 next month (I'm getting it sandblasted, then will handle the recoating and fairing myself). Engine issues may or may not be an issue, depending on how mechanically inclined you are.
So, pay more up front and sail now, or pay less and sail a little later and piddle along the way. It's all in what you like, I guess!
I think a H28.5 at the right price would be an excellent boat not only to start on, but to grow into for a few years.
And really, it might not matter what you get, becasue 90 percent of us get three-foot-itis after the first couple years. If that's the case, you'll probably be wanting another one sooner than you think, and would you rather be selling a boat for $10K that you paid $5K for and fixed up yourself (this is the key point), or selling one for $15K that you paid $15K for just hoping to get your money back?
-Mark
I personally am a big fan of fixer uppers. Fixing is part of the fun. That being said, it's good to find one that needs projects that can be done while you still USE the boat. Take that day when the wind is dead and do this project or that.
Deck recoring is a major project. I dont' think the iron keel will be that terrible, and I'm getting ready to refinish the one on my H34 next month (I'm getting it sandblasted, then will handle the recoating and fairing myself). Engine issues may or may not be an issue, depending on how mechanically inclined you are.
So, pay more up front and sail now, or pay less and sail a little later and piddle along the way. It's all in what you like, I guess!
I think a H28.5 at the right price would be an excellent boat not only to start on, but to grow into for a few years.
And really, it might not matter what you get, becasue 90 percent of us get three-foot-itis after the first couple years. If that's the case, you'll probably be wanting another one sooner than you think, and would you rather be selling a boat for $10K that you paid $5K for and fixed up yourself (this is the key point), or selling one for $15K that you paid $15K for just hoping to get your money back?
-Mark
