I am shopping for my first boat. I am looking for something that will let me get on the water, develop sailing skills and spend an occaisional night onboard. I am looking at boats up to 30' and up to $10,000 that are in the Eastern NC area. I've looked at some Catalinas, but nothing in my price range was appealing. My short list includes a 1982 Kelt 27 and 1974 Paceship 26. Both of these are lesser known brands with cast iron keels. Cockpits and cabins are similar. The Kelt is newer and outfitted better and that is reflected in a higher price. Other than the cast iron, is there anything else that jumps out at you experienced sailors that I should think about?
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Keep looking, The end of the season is the best time.
People want to upgrade, people are getting old and want out, people didn't use their boat... The end of the season is a free-for-all in finding good deals.
Don't buy a boat for the price. Buy it because you like it (hopefully you have sailed in it).
To buy an old boat, more than 10years old, it can take 5 of 6 thousand to fix the leaks and rigging and replace a sail, just to get it on the water.
Take your time.......
If you buy it and are not happy with it, you have to sell it!
Do it right the first time.
Sorry for the tone...
Keep looking!
r.w.landau
People want to upgrade, people are getting old and want out, people didn't use their boat... The end of the season is a free-for-all in finding good deals.
Don't buy a boat for the price. Buy it because you like it (hopefully you have sailed in it).
To buy an old boat, more than 10years old, it can take 5 of 6 thousand to fix the leaks and rigging and replace a sail, just to get it on the water.
Take your time.......
If you buy it and are not happy with it, you have to sell it!
Do it right the first time.
Sorry for the tone...
Keep looking!
r.w.landau
Good advise from r.w.
Might I suggest one other boat. There is one in Georgia: http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/boatDetails.jsp?&units=Feet¤cy=USD&ro=3&r=1880535&rs=yachtworld.com&rt=Cruiser/Racer&boat_id=1880535&checked_boats=1880535&searchtype=advancedsearch&Ntk=boatsEN&type=%28Sail%29&hmid=0&sm=3&enid=0&cit=true&toLength=27¤cyid=100&luom=126&boatsAddedSelected=-1&fromLength=27&ftid=0&man=lancer&slim=quick&is=false&resultsLayout=0
This is a Lancer 27. Lots of room and you can get it for 4 digits. The one listed is not a '92, it is more like a '82. But they are good boats. Like I said, very roomy. Check out my boat by clicking on the link in my signature.
Good luck boat hunting and true, the boating season should start to wind down a little and you can get some great deals.
Might I suggest one other boat. There is one in Georgia: http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/boatDetails.jsp?&units=Feet¤cy=USD&ro=3&r=1880535&rs=yachtworld.com&rt=Cruiser/Racer&boat_id=1880535&checked_boats=1880535&searchtype=advancedsearch&Ntk=boatsEN&type=%28Sail%29&hmid=0&sm=3&enid=0&cit=true&toLength=27¤cyid=100&luom=126&boatsAddedSelected=-1&fromLength=27&ftid=0&man=lancer&slim=quick&is=false&resultsLayout=0
This is a Lancer 27. Lots of room and you can get it for 4 digits. The one listed is not a '92, it is more like a '82. But they are good boats. Like I said, very roomy. Check out my boat by clicking on the link in my signature.
Good luck boat hunting and true, the boating season should start to wind down a little and you can get some great deals.
R.W. hit the nail on the head
R.W. hit the nail on the head - twice. The Kelt owner is selling due to physical limitations forcing him off the water, and the Paceship owner said the he simply does not use the boat. I had a friend who is a lifetime sailor look over the Paceship today. He quickly recommended @ $600 in electrical upgrades which was good to know. Another friend owns an O'day 30 but has sailed the Paceship often and gives it a good review. I am going to see the Kelt on Saturday and hope to take it out if it passes my basic inspection.
R.W. hit the nail on the head - twice. The Kelt owner is selling due to physical limitations forcing him off the water, and the Paceship owner said the he simply does not use the boat. I had a friend who is a lifetime sailor look over the Paceship today. He quickly recommended @ $600 in electrical upgrades which was good to know. Another friend owns an O'day 30 but has sailed the Paceship often and gives it a good review. I am going to see the Kelt on Saturday and hope to take it out if it passes my basic inspection.
NC NoviceCouple, Please don't miss read what I said.
Keep your eyes open. These two boats are not the only boats in town!
Be patient. Look and sail before you buy!
r.w.
Keep your eyes open. These two boats are not the only boats in town!
Be patient. Look and sail before you buy!
r.w.
Good Advice Here
and they are right. There are many, many good old boats to choose from, especially since the season's end is in sight. I own a Paceship, and love it - but then most owners will sing the praises of their own particular boats. Paceship has an extensive website, huge network of owners willing to offer assistance, and a message board support staff. I've spent as much time there as I do here on SBO. Always something new to learn. Most any old boat can be a dog or a gem (no offense to dogs). Depends on the amount of care it has been given over it's life.
and they are right. There are many, many good old boats to choose from, especially since the season's end is in sight. I own a Paceship, and love it - but then most owners will sing the praises of their own particular boats. Paceship has an extensive website, huge network of owners willing to offer assistance, and a message board support staff. I've spent as much time there as I do here on SBO. Always something new to learn. Most any old boat can be a dog or a gem (no offense to dogs). Depends on the amount of care it has been given over it's life.
I'm making progress
I'm lucky to know 2-3 long-time sailors that have looked at boats with me. They have been helpful at pointing out areas of concern. None of them have ever heard of a Kelt and have limited exposure to Paceships. The sailboat community has been very generous with their time (including SBO forums). To use a car analogy, I don't know if a Kelt is more like a Kia or a Cadillac. From what I've read it is a well built boat from around Nova Scotia. Most of the Kelts I find on the internet are in other countries. As long as no one at SBO says a Kelt is the Edsel of sailboats I will be comfortable. I can have repairs on mechanical, electrical, rigging, etc. done at my local marina just like any other boat.
I'm lucky to know 2-3 long-time sailors that have looked at boats with me. They have been helpful at pointing out areas of concern. None of them have ever heard of a Kelt and have limited exposure to Paceships. The sailboat community has been very generous with their time (including SBO forums). To use a car analogy, I don't know if a Kelt is more like a Kia or a Cadillac. From what I've read it is a well built boat from around Nova Scotia. Most of the Kelts I find on the internet are in other countries. As long as no one at SBO says a Kelt is the Edsel of sailboats I will be comfortable. I can have repairs on mechanical, electrical, rigging, etc. done at my local marina just like any other boat.
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