is it worth fixin?- H22

[ed kangas]

i went to look at a 22 today...the boat had been sitting for a very long time...the sails..mast and rigging..cushions...and a small outboard were all stored elsewhere out of the weather and i didn't get to see them...here's what i saw on the boat and the trailer... IS IT WORTH FIXING?the rollers on the trailer appear hardened and have "oil canned" the hull up on the starboard side...the winch is a ball of rust...both tires are rotted and flat...rest of trailer appears sound as it is the factory (i guess) galvanized frame...the boat was open...4 inches of water on the sole...i think just aft of the companionway is where the main sheet traveller belongs...that wood is gone...actually no wood on the boat appears usable...forward hatch has only the frame...companionway hatchtop was surprisingly nice...no visible cracks...most troubling was the starboard chainplate...it was "sunk" into the deck and down below i found the wood bulkhead clearly rotted...some stress cracking around the mast step but solid feeling...the guy only wants 700 for this boat and i have no idea how good the keel bolt is or realy much else other than my 30 minute walk/crawl around ...that revealed the list of things i've noted...has anybody ever done a full restoration on one of these little hunters that would care to comment?toerail and deck hull seam felt and appeared solid...deck felt solid under foot...and of course the boat was filthy but under a deep layer of gelcoat oxidation i still found a little "shine" when i "spit polished" a tiny spot...thanks for your input and opinions...

 

[Pat Small]

How much time and money do you want to invest?

Ed,By the sounds of it, you'll have to spend at least a few thousand to buy replacement parts. Unless you want to spend all your time working on the boat vs sailing, I think you'd be better off putting the money into something a little less ragged. Just my opinion........Pat

 

[Rick Macdonald]

Not to me

I bought a 7 year old boat that was in great condition, and still spent countless hours improving and cleaning it up. But I didn't lose any sailing time while I was doing it. I'm still fiddling, and I've had the boat for 18 months now.

 

[Rob Morton]

Not worth it!

In my humble opinion its not worth it. Our boat was in good shape and I still spent alot of time and money getting it how we want it. We fixed up one boat that we got a good deal on 2 years ago and it ended up costing more than if I would have just bought a newer boat in better shape. Plus this did not count any of my labor and hassle factor. Unless you want a hobby of fixing the boat instead of sailing I don't think its worth it.Rob Morton

 

[Travis]

I woundn't

I bought my 1982 Hunter 22 this year (2003) for $3000 including trailer and motor. After a few minor repairs that baby gave me a fantastic summer full of sailing (with no leaks, stains, or missing teak). By the sounds of it, the time and money that boat needs will probably take more energy and money than you think. I know 3000 is more than 700, but look around. Better deals are out there.

 

[Jim Kolstoe]

It Depends

If you cannot afford any more than the $700, but expect to have sufficient cash flow over time (possibly a lot of time) to cover the cost of repairs, and you have the time, patience and skills to make all necessary repairs, consider it while checking other options. As suggested, you might make a counter-offer (although $200 might be regarded as insulting). Certainly you need to factor in projected costs to make it seaworthy, and the unforseen costs that will occur. And keep in mind, it must be seaworthy because you will be trusting your life and those of your crew/passengers to the integrity of the boat. A friend of mine got into a S-20 on the cheap that way, but he had to invest considerable repair costs and sweat equity to get a seaworthy boat. Therefore, the simple question: "Is it worthwhile for you, now and down the road?" If not, don't get involved. Good luck.Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo