Hello, I am writing in this forum in search of advice. A local non-profit residence for the mentally challenged will be having their yearly fund raiser soon. Amoung the items for auction are two Hunter sailboats. The first is a 1986 26 footer and the other is a 1984 22 footer. As someone who loves to sail but has only served as "crew" on friend's boats, I am only considering the smaller of the two craft. That and the fact that the 22' comes on a trailer and the other is sitting on a craddle. My request is any and all suggestions/advice that can be rendered as to what to look for specifically with this model and or sailboats in general. Any particular gear or equipment that has a shorter then average life span or any other items that would be important to consider. I have not yet seen the interior of the boat, but I must assume that it has not been in the water for about 2 years. Thank you all for your help. Mitch
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Taking a gamble
Used boats can be a bit of a gamble. Of course new boats can also be a gamble. A professional survey can reduce the risk, but at a cost. With a mid 80s boat the sails are likely to be original equipment and quite likely in poor condition. They can look ok but you won't know how well they trim until your on the water. A 22' boat is pretty simple. One major concern is the possibility of problems with the deck coring. Look for soft spots and cracks; particularly around deck fittings where water may be leaking into the coring. I wouldn't be too concerned with hull blisters on a trailer boat, but they're easy enough to spot if they are really bad. Perhap a more knowledgable friend can take a look at the boat with you. I'd say bid low enough that you won't be hurt too bad if you have to put some money into the boat for new sails or repairs. Good luck.
Used boats can be a bit of a gamble. Of course new boats can also be a gamble. A professional survey can reduce the risk, but at a cost. With a mid 80s boat the sails are likely to be original equipment and quite likely in poor condition. They can look ok but you won't know how well they trim until your on the water. A 22' boat is pretty simple. One major concern is the possibility of problems with the deck coring. Look for soft spots and cracks; particularly around deck fittings where water may be leaking into the coring. I wouldn't be too concerned with hull blisters on a trailer boat, but they're easy enough to spot if they are really bad. Perhap a more knowledgable friend can take a look at the boat with you. I'd say bid low enough that you won't be hurt too bad if you have to put some money into the boat for new sails or repairs. Good luck.
Second Rick's take a friend idea.
It's hard to justify three hundred dollars or more for a survey. But that still might be the best option. Otherwise the very knowledgeable friend would be a good move.
It's hard to justify three hundred dollars or more for a survey. But that still might be the best option. Otherwise the very knowledgeable friend would be a good move.
Check the rudder
Check the rudder housing, or gudgeon mount. It may be made of aluminum and be in disrepair or ill repair. I am currently dealing with that problem on my boat.
Check the rudder housing, or gudgeon mount. It may be made of aluminum and be in disrepair or ill repair. I am currently dealing with that problem on my boat.
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