Picky, picky

[Carl and Juliana Dupre]

A Combination......

...of research and LAFS (Love At First Sight). Once upon a time....we decided to buy a sailboat (an entire story unto itself, but not here). We started a period about 18 months long of fanatical money saving. In the meantime we researched; boat shows, periodicals, websites (most importantly this set of linked sites), and talking to people. The biggest hurdle was getting past a lot of the "traditional wisdom" about the evils of production boats, especially Hunters. After the 18 months, and equipped to buy, we had narrowed it down to 2 boats, visited a dealer that carried both, and spent an entire day going through them in detail. We were leaving the yard, tired and a bit perplexed, but pretty convinced of what we wanted to do (Hunter 320). As we were leaving we passed and briefly looked at a Hunter 340. LAFS. Yeah, it was more than we had definitely decided was the maximum we would spend,...but...LAFS! A week later we trial-sailed one, and it was LAFS and more; a week after that we signed papers.And now we just love her!Carl and JuleH340 s/v 'Syzygy'

 

[Joe Gooch]

All Four Are Correct

After a year with a 27 foot Hunter I wanted a larger boat yet with a Cheribini cabin; hence, the 33 foot Hunter came to mind. When I saw the first 33 it was love at first sight. The deal was too good to be true and I did not sail it before I bought it. So I would answer yes to all four questions. AND, I have never regretted buying the 27 nor the 33. To me the 33 is the perfect boat!!!!!!!!

 

[John]

Offer I could not refuse

I was living aboard a Hunter 380. Very nice boat. Just for kicks and giggles I mentioned to the owner of the dealer that I bought the 380 from that if I would not loose so much money I would upgrade to a 460. In short he made it happen. Took back the 380 and I bought the 460. No regrets.JR

 

[Kris]

Garage Sale

Three years ago during our annual subdivision garage sale, I saw a little red boat in the back yard of the neighbor two doors away. It obviously had been sitting for quite some time because the trailer had sunk down to the axles and the tires were a little better than memories (the last plate put on the trailer was 1973). I asked what he wanted for it and he told me $150. That was a little steep considering I really didn't need the boat and we had just moved into a handyman's nightmare. I walked away but kept my eye on it and dreamed of some day sailing it. The next year at the annual garage sale, I asked what his absolute bottom price was and he told me $25. A new set of tires (which I had for my pop-up camper), some elbow grease to clean her up a bit, some wiring on the trailer and away we went sailing. The sails, rigging, hull and all parts are in "like new" condition. Oh yeah, the name of the 15 footer - My Yacht!Kris

 

[Reinhold Fussle]

some research and just finding a deal

I have had a thing for boats and especially sailboats all of my life. Never owned one except for a little sunfish many years ago. Always figured sailing was just out of my financial reach. I finally saw some literature on the 26x. Mac Gregor does a very good job advertising and reaching out to new would be sailors. I sent for their video and knew I had to have a sailboat NOW before I got to old to enjoy it. Went to three boat shows and tried to buy a 26X from our local dealer. Their salesman wouldn't give me the time of day and I walked away somewhat ticked off. Then I saw a used H260 on the this website went to check it out and bought it. My wife and I discovered the pleasure of siling and we are hooked! Only regret is that we didn't do this years ago!Somehow us sailors and the industry need to do a better job in promoting sailing.I was very encouraged to read so many responses on this forum from people that bought less expensive boats and love them!

 

[Bob]

Timing, Price and Convenience plus Desire

Share sailed with my son for several years. As I was finalizing my choices, his boat came on the market. Unfortunately, the boat (H27) developed serious engine problems. Fortunately my wife

 

[SailboatOwners.com]

Final results

Final results for the Quick Quiz ending 1/20/2002:How did you choose your boat?41% Through careful research31% Got a deal too good to pass up21% Love at first sight08% Ordered without sailing her

 

[MR .MCGOO]

COUNTING CHICKENS

LEFT A FIRM AND HAD X$ IN MY 401KGOT A NEW JOB W/ MORE PAY BUT NO 401K.SO WHAT TO DO WITH TE $ . NOT MUCH BUT MY WIFE SAID DO WHAT YOU WANT ITS YOURS. TALKE TO MANY AND LOOKED AT LOTSBUT THE ALL SAID BY THE BEST,EVEN IF ITS OLD. 10 YERS OLD NO TRAILER NEEDED LOTS OF REPAIRS BUT SHE SAILS. I HAD MY BOAT! A CATALINA-22.SHES HAD HER BLISTERS FIXED A QUICK UNDER WATER LINE PAINT JOB. A USED 75% JIB REPAIRED FOR X$ (THE ORIG. 150 GEN. IS TO HARD TO 1 MAN SAIL).NEXT COMES THE LIGHTS AND OUTBOARD TUNE-UP.SHES AT MOORING (FREE)AT A LOCAL LAKE ROW OUT FROM A LOCAL BUTTERFLY BOAT CLUB(LOW FEES)AND AND SAIL HER ONCE A WEEK. THE TRAILER IS A 28' BUT BRAKES DOWN TO 18' SO I CAN KEEP IT AT MY SONS APT. COMPLEX. SO COUNT YOUR CHICKENS AND GET THE BEST YOU CAN.AND HAVE FUN!

 

[Tom Hogan]

Tips to New Buyers

If you are in the market for a new boat here are some tips I wish I would have known: Check the for water/oil in the bilge. If the there is oil in the bilge (from the inboard), demand the leak be fixed, or be prepared to shell out $65/hr for an overhall. Mayby you should just move-on to a different boat. If it is a brokerage boat or the owner says he had work done by the marina, demand the records. If the sails are over 10 year old, assume you need new sails. Budget $2000 per sail (for a Catalina 30). That's $4K total. Ask around about the boat and the person selling it. People around the marina will tell you whether the broker is reputable; how often the boat got sailed; how well the owner tended to the boat. Don't hurry the search -- look in all marinas near home (even if you will need to move the boat to preferred marina). When you are ready to buy, you need to act fast (at least around Dallas). Good boats are sold in about a week, it seems. If you plan to get a loan it may help to get pre-approved for a loan, or at least start the process. You will want to understand what your monthly obligation is likely to be before you go any further. You need to have AT LEAST another $1,000 spending cash for everything from lifejackets, VHF radios, minor repairs, joining the sailing club, etc. when you are done closing on the boat.  Remember all older boat leak, but most leaks are relatively easily fixed. Plan to spend MANY weekends doing grunge work getting the boat up to your stardards.If any of this seems extraordinately expensive, then you perhaps you should choose a different hobby or get into working as crew on somebody else's racing boat.If you choose to go forward with the purchase, buy stock in West Marine (WMAS on NASDAQ) -- at least you will feel like you are paying yourself back everytime you shop (in some twisted way).Happy shopping.