May Be Buying 1st New To Me Sailboat???

[sigbear]

I am looking at a 2004 Catalina model 310 sailboat for sale in Florida ( I live In Mass.). Is there any way to checkout a particular boat's repair history like you can with a car?

I would of course get a surveyor, but, my concern is buying a boat that has had hurricane damage or something like that and been cleaned up to look as good as new but may have serious hidden flaws.

Thanks,

Sigbear

 

[RECESS]

I am sure a good surveyor would catch it. There is a site that says they can check to see if there has been a claim agianst the Hull ID number.

http://www.boathistoryreport.com/

BTW I was next to a 2006 Catalina 310 while I did my bottom paint in Jacksonville Florida. The owner and I talked for a couple days while both of us did bottom work. It was a really sweet boat!

 

[sailingdog]

Recess—

Wouldn't recommend that site... not very reputable. From a BoatUS article on them:

The BoatU.S. Consumer Protection Bureau’s database of consumer complaints gave us a ready-made list of boats with known problems. We searched BoatHistoryReport’s records using the HINs of 10 hard-core examples of boats with serious defects, warranty issues and accident and storm damage. Our goal was to compare the information we have on file with what is available through BoatHistoryReport.com. The results were not impressive.

The Web site advises boat buyers, “Be sure to always ask your dealer for a ‘Boat History Report’ when looking at a used boat, waverunner or other watercraft. You never know what hidden problems could exist until you review the complete ‘Boat History Report’ for the vessel.”

Despite the promises, we discovered that, of the 10 cases from the Bureau’s database, in only two instances did BoatHistoryReport.com mention a serious problem (see chart). In all other cases, the online service gave boats clean bills of health.

What makes this worrisome for consumers is that BoatHistoryReport.com promotes its service to boat dealers and brokers. According to the Web site, “By becoming a part of the [BoatHistoryReport.com] program, your customers will have significant peace of mind and security when purchasing boats from your dealership/brokerage.”

Following are the various areas about which BoatHistoryReport.com says it provides data and our analysis of whether an accurate report is possible.....

BoatHistoryReport.com doesn’t live up to its promises. The site’s fees are steep, considering that the information they provide is available for free elsewhere. Most troubling is that consumers who rely on their service are given a false sense of security.

Also, if you google Boathistoryreport.com, you'll see a lot of links that report them as a fraud or scam...

 

[Rich Stidger]

I wish you good luck with your sailboat purchase. Buying a new or new-to-you boat is always exciting!

I am wondering though- Why are you considering a boat that is so far from your home? Boats and cars are not like fine art where there is only ONE of a kind. Can't you find a great condition boat of the same vintage close to Massachusetts? The logistics of a remote location purchase are numerous, not to mention relatively expensive. Another consideration is that hurricane damage for a northern boat is much less likely and the wear and tear on a southern boat with year-round use and higher levels of UV means that for a same-year comparison the southern boat is likely to be in worse condition. Maybe you are planning to keep the boat in Florida and then a local purchase there would make sense.

I think that now is a great time to be a buyer. My sense is that you should be able to get a great boat for a very reasonable price almost anywhere.

I also live in Massachusetts and if you are going to keep your boat in MA, where would that be? I'm in Narragansett Bay, and the sailing is excellent.

 

[sailingdog]

Rich raises some excellent points... and I'd recommend you at least consider them. Unless you're intending to keep the boat in Florida, which can have its own headaches, buying a boat closer to home may make a lot more sense.

 

[seadaddler]

Agree

That is pretty far away to be buying a boat and than transport it up north if that is your intention unless it will be kept closer.
I did buy a sailboat in Virginia while living in NY and was able to drive down to see her and sail her and do all the paper work over the phone from a dealer with out too much more expense to sail her back to NY.
I would think also you could fine a good deal up north in these times but your deal may be real good because why ???????.
I now live in Florida with my boat from NY and do agree Florida boats do tend to get more wear and tear even if only sitting at the dock.

 

[sigbear]

Rich/Seadadler

I live in Massachusetts, however, I have chartered 30' - 33' sailboats on Kentucky lake for 2+ weeks a year (from 1993-2001). My one and only child will be going off to college next year.

Since they no longer charter big sailboats on the lake, I think now might be a good time to take the plunge.

Buying a sailboat in Florida would be a trip to sail it to Kentucky, however, I spoke to a few people that have sailed from Kentucky lake to Florida for the winter and back in the spring. I believe you cross the Gulf and go up river in Mobile Alabama.

It would be a heck of an adventure and I would have the summer to do it since I work in the school system.

 

[jackhartjr]

I envy you!
Jack

 

[Ross]

Consider the cost of round trip airfare to Florida to see the boat first hand and work with a surveyor. Compared to the cost of the boat a trip to have a look is a small price to pay for the comfort of not buying a pig in a poke.

 

[RECESS]

Recess—

Wouldn't recommend that site... not very reputable. From a BoatUS article on them:


Also, if you google Boathistoryreport.com, you'll see a lot of links that report them as a fraud or scam...

I found that site on a google. I hope my post was not an endorsement. Good info about them. I would trust a good surveyor.

 

[seadaddler]

OK

I think Jerry Clark who owns a 356 sails on Kentucky Lake and think he has made the trip from that lake to I think the west coast of Florida.
Nick

 

[Benny]

There is no substitute for a good survey. There are no reliable data banks about a small boat's history.

 

[Dean5735]

Michigan has millions of boats and most are for sale. NO hurricanes, NO salt, and MOSTLY stored indoors or sitting still for HALF its life (winters), keep looking, and good luck.

 

[sigbear]

Blowinganddrifting.

Blowinganddrifting and others, can you recommend any web sites listing boats for sale on the great lakes? Of course I would much prefer to buy a fresh water boat, but I keep finding most of the Catalina 310's for sale in Florida.

Regards,

Sigbear

 

[Jerry Clark H356 SV Persi]

If you decide to buy the boat in Florida and make the trip to Kentucky Lake, send me your information and I will be glad to discuss the trip with you. I helped a friend take a Cabo Rico 38 from Kentucky Lake to Punta Gorda on the west coast. Took about 3 weeks, but we were limited on time. It will be a great trip for you and with the entire summer, you can take your time. Some of the area you traverse in the Tenn Tom waterway is like going back in time. Just be sure you get inland before hurricane season starts.

 

[sailingdog]

If you're going to go see the boat, and I highly recommend that you do so before even considering getting it surveyed... I would recommend you read the Boat Inspection Trip Tips thread I posted. Read at least the first two posts...

 

[Clark]

Go to Yachtworld.com and select their Advanced Search. With that, you can specify (or not) all manner of attributes and locations of boats you wish to see for sail. Obviously, it will not have every boat that is for sale but it can really help.

Good Luck!!