Purchasing my first boat, a brand new Hunter 27

[Broke sailor SV Marcell]

*yks I saw the boat yesterday. Arranging for Sea Trails. This is the first boat I have ever owned. This will definitely be a challenge for me since I have zero experience dealing with boat maintenance/upkeep. The boat is in the water, should I have the dealer take it out of the water to inspect the bottom? Should I get the boat surveyed even though it's new?

 

[Drew]

More Questions

Are you buying from an authorized Hunter dealer? It's sort of unusual to find a new boat in the water....Is the bottom painted yet? If not, you'll have to have it hauled and painted anyway. Usually a survey is not necessary on a new boat, but, if you're completely new to this it's worth it to have someone look it over - dealer will (usually) take care of everything no questions asked, but you're better off having the "punch list" done and taken care of before you take off and find some silly little thing wrong.Where are you keeping the boat? Mine's on the hard across the river from you at Aqualand. I'm looking for a home for it - I love Colonial Beach. And BTW, congratulations on your new boat!

 

[Broke sailor SV Marcell]

Buying a new 2005 Hunter 27

I am getting it from Norton's Yacht Sales in Deltaville. I already asked them and they said no problem to taking it out of the water after sea trails so I can take a look. Yes the bottom is painted. I am planning on sailing it over from Deltaville to Colonial Beach by myself after I take a Cruising COurse with J Port in Annapolis. Bad idea? I figured it was only 60 some miles.There are some available slips still left at Colonial Beach yacht Center. What's your boat's draft? How do you like Potomac Sailing?

 

[Steve O.]

Taking delivery

Not necessarily a surveyor, but take someone with experience with you even if you have to pay them, especially when you deliver the boat to her home berth. It's commendable that you're taking a class--everybody should--but there's no sub for experience, and it sounds like you don't have a lot of experience, and that can get you into trouble.

 

[Jim Seamans]

Do you live in Va or Md

Depending on which side of the bridge you are on there is a good marina at Cobb Island, MD across from Colonial Beach. I came up from Deltaville last July and took 9hrs, make for a long day.JimS/V Java

 

[Broke sailor SV Marcell]

Do you live in MD or Va?

I am in Va. 9 hours? Was that under sail? Good info.

 

[Drew]

Hey Broke Sailor

I was in Colonial Beach yesterday - the yacht center folks said all they had left was 45' slips for $2,000 or so a year. I have a 24' footer - an H240 - it draws two feet with board up, five and half board down. If you know someone there that can help let me know. I was thinking of calling WinkieDoodlePoint, too.I love sailing on the Potomac - it's a scream, especially down by you - perfect location! I would be a little leary of taking a brand new boat from Deltaville to Colonial Beach alone - unless you are an experienced sailor. The prevailing winds are northwesterly - you could get absolutely pasted and have to beat all the way home. No danger in and of itself except that you will be exhausted and alone - that is in my experience when things always get dicey.If you choose to do it, bring a friend with some sailing experience and make sure you find and consult the latest NOAA small scales for that portion of the river - if you ding your new boat we will all wince collectively!And let me know if you know of available slips in CB for a 24-footer. Thanks, Drew

 

[Sailgirl]

Congratulations on your boat

I just wanted to reply to your post to assure you that Norton Yachts are great to deal with. Our first boat came from Norton's and so did the new one that we just bought. They really go the extra mile to make sure you are happy and comfortable with your boat. This is not to say that you shouldn't get a surveyor if you want to, but they will give you an orientation on the boat and it's systems. My husband and I both were there and I ran a video camera during the orientation. This worked out great as we were able to refer to the video to refresh our memory on the various systems afterwards. There is a lot of information and it was nice to have the video as well as written notes. If you have someone that could record your orientation while you are asking questions and going through the boat I highly recommend it. How long your orientation is will depend on you. They will take as much time as necessary for you to be comfortable with the boat. Again, congratulations. I hope you have a wonderful sailing season!

 

[Broke sailor SV Marcell]

New Hunter 27

Thanks for your post. I will try the video camera idea. I can't wait till Sea Trails and see how the boat handles.