A 52 foot boat for $5,000 is a tempting thing for the bargain hunter. I hope I've got the spunk it takes to dream that big when I'm 71.
I'm interested in your sailing/boat handling experience, other than working on a fishing boat for 30 years. I'm also curious about your plans, should you acquire a 52 ft boat. Live aboard? Solo sail around the world? Occasional day sailing?
I'm 62, and trailer sail a power-sailer. It suits my needs and is fairly easy to handle. During the recent hurricanes, it was safely moored in my garage. If I kept my boat in a slip, I'd be comfortable going up in size, but probably not over 35-40 ft. So, I'm interested in the thought process that has you looking at this size range.
I'm also interested in what type of network or budget you have to work with. I weld. I have friends in various industrial businesses that do large steel fabrication. I wouldn't have taken on a steel 52 footer with questionable heritage. But, I'm interested in your thought process regarding how you were going to make the necessary modifications to such a large boat.
The guys on this forum are really nice. I have one of the most despised boats in the industry, yet they have been very nice to me. I find that if you give a good bit of information about yourself, budget, capability, and boating knowledge/experience, they are extremely helpful in suggesting possible boat choices. I have seen them talk a couple of folks off the ledge who were tempted to buy huge boat projects, either due to lacking the resources to pull it off, or the fact that the boat was such a bad example that it wasn't worth pursuing for anyone.
Personally, I would make a much different choice if I was going to spend $5,000 on a boat. But, maybe a 52 ft steelie fits for you. I'd really enjoy your thoughts.
What kind of boat do you have...and why it so dispised...??