There was an ad in a recent issue of Sail Magazine for a boat described as Nigel Calder's personal boat. Assuming he practices what he preaches, one can only assume it would be in superb condition (and was probably priced accordingly). But how about your boat? Did the prior owner of your boat take really good care of it and do a proper job with the installation of electronics and other add-on equipment? Or did you inherit a boat with lots of fix-up projects to correct the inattention of a prior owner... or their misadventures in maintenance? Even if your boat was purchased new, did the prior owners (i.e. manufacturer and dealer) do a quality job preparing your boat for delivery? Or in the final analysis, must you check everything yourself to know if your boat is prepared to go out on the water? Share your views and experiences then vote in the Quick Quiz on the bottom of the home page. (Quiz by Gary Wyngarden)
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A few things to do
I purchased my O'day 28 from the original owner. He was a "yacht club member", and he had purchased a lot of racey stuff for the boat some of which I never use, but all the clutches and stoppers and lines to the cockpit have been nice. Fortunately he lived near the marina and didn't stay on the boat much, therefore the interior bearly had the "lived in" look (cushions etc looked new) He fancied himself a racer, but needless to say the boat really was never intended to be raced, and I think he spent most of his time in dock and at the "clubhouse". He set the boat up to singlehand and that was nice as I do sail by myself from time to time (I guess he thought that it had a good "look"). I had to add furling,dodger,bimini,Bruce and all the other crusing stuff. I don't think he was as picky as I am about maintenance probably due to the fact that I go longer distances and need to rely on the mechanics more than he did. Some of his installations were less than perfect - guages, radio, etc. and I have had to redo some things to my satisfaction, but at least he didn't cut into the deck for skylights and fans like I have seen so many boaters do. I was generally lucky as a whole that he didn't do a bunch of stupid "innovations" such as the ones that seem to be common on some used boats. I had some superficial teak work to do such as replacing hatch runners and an eyebrow. None of my ports or hatches leak, and that is a rarity on a boat such as the O'day. I guess that all and all I was lucky.
I purchased my O'day 28 from the original owner. He was a "yacht club member", and he had purchased a lot of racey stuff for the boat some of which I never use, but all the clutches and stoppers and lines to the cockpit have been nice. Fortunately he lived near the marina and didn't stay on the boat much, therefore the interior bearly had the "lived in" look (cushions etc looked new) He fancied himself a racer, but needless to say the boat really was never intended to be raced, and I think he spent most of his time in dock and at the "clubhouse". He set the boat up to singlehand and that was nice as I do sail by myself from time to time (I guess he thought that it had a good "look"). I had to add furling,dodger,bimini,Bruce and all the other crusing stuff. I don't think he was as picky as I am about maintenance probably due to the fact that I go longer distances and need to rely on the mechanics more than he did. Some of his installations were less than perfect - guages, radio, etc. and I have had to redo some things to my satisfaction, but at least he didn't cut into the deck for skylights and fans like I have seen so many boaters do. I was generally lucky as a whole that he didn't do a bunch of stupid "innovations" such as the ones that seem to be common on some used boats. I had some superficial teak work to do such as replacing hatch runners and an eyebrow. None of my ports or hatches leak, and that is a rarity on a boat such as the O'day. I guess that all and all I was lucky.
You CAN have BOTH !
My 82' Mac 25 came with LOTS of charcter, and many miles. The previous owners were a couple who were ready for a larger boat (AREN'T WE ALL) They were very upfront about the boat's condition and actually suggested that it might be possible to add a battery and use the running lights, something they had never done. Grabbing a flashlight I transformed myself into Indiana Jones and started to explore the far reaches of the interior. I discovered two, distinct acheological strata. The HERO layer and the GOAT. The HERO's work was all shipshape and Bristol fashion ... proper marine gauge wire, properly secured and lots of holes where electronics were installed. The wire always mysteriously ended with a straight cut, right next to a set of poorly patched holes. The GOAT layer was on top of the HERO strata and was marked by a tangle of 110AC wiring straight from Home Depot. In fact EVERYTHING seemed to come from Home Depot, Radio Shack and Auto Zone. Nothing was functional, because ALL of it was rusted and corroded. That's evidently how it became a day sailer. Now I love to save money, that's why I bought a Mac. But I learned several important lessons. #1 Salt Water will turn almost anything into junk. #2 There IS a difference between marine grade and stuff that isn't. #3 Your work does reflect your personality. I thought about that a LOT when I went to re-work the electrical system, especially when I learned how much this stuff COSTS. But the vision of all my work turned into another pile of red goo ... being analyzed by yet another owner has turned me into a reluctant hero. One with a lower case "h". I just couldn't resist the new stainles steel section of my local hardware store. Ol' Dave
My 82' Mac 25 came with LOTS of charcter, and many miles. The previous owners were a couple who were ready for a larger boat (AREN'T WE ALL) They were very upfront about the boat's condition and actually suggested that it might be possible to add a battery and use the running lights, something they had never done. Grabbing a flashlight I transformed myself into Indiana Jones and started to explore the far reaches of the interior. I discovered two, distinct acheological strata. The HERO layer and the GOAT. The HERO's work was all shipshape and Bristol fashion ... proper marine gauge wire, properly secured and lots of holes where electronics were installed. The wire always mysteriously ended with a straight cut, right next to a set of poorly patched holes. The GOAT layer was on top of the HERO strata and was marked by a tangle of 110AC wiring straight from Home Depot. In fact EVERYTHING seemed to come from Home Depot, Radio Shack and Auto Zone. Nothing was functional, because ALL of it was rusted and corroded. That's evidently how it became a day sailer. Now I love to save money, that's why I bought a Mac. But I learned several important lessons. #1 Salt Water will turn almost anything into junk. #2 There IS a difference between marine grade and stuff that isn't. #3 Your work does reflect your personality. I thought about that a LOT when I went to re-work the electrical system, especially when I learned how much this stuff COSTS. But the vision of all my work turned into another pile of red goo ... being analyzed by yet another owner has turned me into a reluctant hero. One with a lower case "h". I just couldn't resist the new stainles steel section of my local hardware store. Ol' Dave
What maintenance?
Got an awesome deal on an O'DAY 30 from a dock neighbor - but knew that maintenance was not his thing. It had the whole gamut of "problems" associated with poor care - including a bad case of osmosis (blisters.) Stucturally the boat was sound and no permanent damage was done, and the money I saved more than paid for the elbow grease needed to bring her back. I'm very proud of her today. Bill on STARGAZER
Got an awesome deal on an O'DAY 30 from a dock neighbor - but knew that maintenance was not his thing. It had the whole gamut of "problems" associated with poor care - including a bad case of osmosis (blisters.) Stucturally the boat was sound and no permanent damage was done, and the money I saved more than paid for the elbow grease needed to bring her back. I'm very proud of her today. Bill on STARGAZER
Its a little bit of both I guess
I purchased my O'day 22 for $1500, which I really think only paid for the trailer and the motor. Anyhow, the trailer needed new bearings off the bat, and will need new springs before long. Other than that in good shape. The boat: lets see... Lots of blue tape everywhere, I think possibly to seal the boat for storage, haven't quite gotten a clear answer. I went ahead and bought it because on the day I first looked at it, it was raining, and everything inside was dry. told me no leaks. The teak needs cleaning, and there were alot of "tree droppings" from sitting for a long time. The electronics will be tested tonight/tomorrow to make sure it all works, and I'll be installing a depth finder sometime this season. the Backstay was fraying, but he had purchased a new backstay, never put it on. the other shrouds look great. All of the sheets sat out, so I'll be replacing them. The sails are in good to eh condition, lots of tape on them as well. I'll most likely replace them this year.
I purchased my O'day 22 for $1500, which I really think only paid for the trailer and the motor. Anyhow, the trailer needed new bearings off the bat, and will need new springs before long. Other than that in good shape. The boat: lets see... Lots of blue tape everywhere, I think possibly to seal the boat for storage, haven't quite gotten a clear answer. I went ahead and bought it because on the day I first looked at it, it was raining, and everything inside was dry. told me no leaks. The teak needs cleaning, and there were alot of "tree droppings" from sitting for a long time. The electronics will be tested tonight/tomorrow to make sure it all works, and I'll be installing a depth finder sometime this season. the Backstay was fraying, but he had purchased a new backstay, never put it on. the other shrouds look great. All of the sheets sat out, so I'll be replacing them. The sails are in good to eh condition, lots of tape on them as well. I'll most likely replace them this year.
Owner Upgrades
The previous owner of my vessel had a Hunter Budget and added lots of stuff from "Home Depot Marine". I've stayed with that tradition adding some Walmart items and avoiding West Marine (aka. "Worst Marine" around here) although my best source for supplies is ebay.
The previous owner of my vessel had a Hunter Budget and added lots of stuff from "Home Depot Marine". I've stayed with that tradition adding some Walmart items and avoiding West Marine (aka. "Worst Marine" around here) although my best source for supplies is ebay.
Goat
Not one hose on the boat was double clamped!! Not many of the clamps appeared to be stainless steel. The non-skid paint on the decks was probably supposed to be gray but looked lavender. Lots of cleaning products on the boat but I didn't think it was all that clean. And you just wouldn't believe the raw water strainer that had been fashioned out of PVC plumbing fixtures from the hardware store, oh and all of the plumbing was actually rigid pvc pipes & elbows. The hotwater heater looked like one you'd find in a house not a boat and it was attached to a small beer keg. Any ideas on what that was for? The wiring looks like spagetti. The water pump is right behind the electrical panel & battery switch. Charcoal cabin heater that was vented through the roof that leaked, sole delaminated & fungus growing. Damage to core in roof not as bad as anticipated. We knew the boat had issues so when the yanmar died we decided to go for a complete overhaul. Armed with Don Casey's this old boat we are having quite the adventure !!
Not one hose on the boat was double clamped!! Not many of the clamps appeared to be stainless steel. The non-skid paint on the decks was probably supposed to be gray but looked lavender. Lots of cleaning products on the boat but I didn't think it was all that clean. And you just wouldn't believe the raw water strainer that had been fashioned out of PVC plumbing fixtures from the hardware store, oh and all of the plumbing was actually rigid pvc pipes & elbows. The hotwater heater looked like one you'd find in a house not a boat and it was attached to a small beer keg. Any ideas on what that was for? The wiring looks like spagetti. The water pump is right behind the electrical panel & battery switch. Charcoal cabin heater that was vented through the roof that leaked, sole delaminated & fungus growing. Damage to core in roof not as bad as anticipated. We knew the boat had issues so when the yanmar died we decided to go for a complete overhaul. Armed with Don Casey's this old boat we are having quite the adventure !!
mmmmm.
My O'Day 22 was a wreck when I purchased her 3 years ago. Water in the cockpit a foot hight, stains, a broken mast, no electrical, broken teak handrails, the list goes on and on. Over the past 3 years, I have replaced almost everything. The ugliest thing on the boat was a horrible deck repair on the bow. It's ugly but the boat sails great. I just sold her last week with more work to do. The new owner is just as motivated to continue where I left off. ( I still am doing final deck repair on it for him) MY new O'Day 28 is a cosmetic nightmare. I like buying boats that need TLC. I'd rather pay in sweat labor, than in cash. It is easier on the pocket to find a "neglected" boat that can be saved.
My O'Day 22 was a wreck when I purchased her 3 years ago. Water in the cockpit a foot hight, stains, a broken mast, no electrical, broken teak handrails, the list goes on and on. Over the past 3 years, I have replaced almost everything. The ugliest thing on the boat was a horrible deck repair on the bow. It's ugly but the boat sails great. I just sold her last week with more work to do. The new owner is just as motivated to continue where I left off. ( I still am doing final deck repair on it for him) MY new O'Day 28 is a cosmetic nightmare. I like buying boats that need TLC. I'd rather pay in sweat labor, than in cash. It is easier on the pocket to find a "neglected" boat that can be saved.
Eyes and Sharp Edge to the Front!
First, I got the boat for a good price, and the old owner often did a good job and is a nice person. However, when I bought the boat, I had as much as 2 inches of barnacles to scrape. Working nights and weekends, I got the boat from my driveway into the water within a few weeks. The first time or 2 in the water, boat handing was sluggish and mushy. I went down one evening to take the rudder back to my house to see if I could improve handling and noticed the new rudder blade installed by the previous owner had been installed backwards! The blunt edge of the rudder was in the front - no wonder she handled like a barge. Another little issue. the depth gauge readout is mounted in the stern portion of the cockpit, with the gauge facing the front of the boat. While I am anxiously threading through the numerous shallows of Tampa Bay, I have to bend down and look to the rear to see the depth gauge. Then, I look up just in time to see the boat heading off in the wrong direction - what a pain! Other annoying features - the razor sharp steel mounting installed in the back portion of the cockpit for the mast holder pole, the galvanized pipe used as a tiller, and the use of mere galvanized steel bolts to mount the motor. The previous owner did a great job on the interior, and I am very happy with the boad.
First, I got the boat for a good price, and the old owner often did a good job and is a nice person. However, when I bought the boat, I had as much as 2 inches of barnacles to scrape. Working nights and weekends, I got the boat from my driveway into the water within a few weeks. The first time or 2 in the water, boat handing was sluggish and mushy. I went down one evening to take the rudder back to my house to see if I could improve handling and noticed the new rudder blade installed by the previous owner had been installed backwards! The blunt edge of the rudder was in the front - no wonder she handled like a barge. Another little issue. the depth gauge readout is mounted in the stern portion of the cockpit, with the gauge facing the front of the boat. While I am anxiously threading through the numerous shallows of Tampa Bay, I have to bend down and look to the rear to see the depth gauge. Then, I look up just in time to see the boat heading off in the wrong direction - what a pain! Other annoying features - the razor sharp steel mounting installed in the back portion of the cockpit for the mast holder pole, the galvanized pipe used as a tiller, and the use of mere galvanized steel bolts to mount the motor. The previous owner did a great job on the interior, and I am very happy with the boad.
Sharp end of the rudder in front?
Tampa Marty, Since when does the "blunt end" of the rudder go in back?
Tampa Marty, Since when does the "blunt end" of the rudder go in back?
Kind of Sad
When I went looking,I knew that whatever I ended up with would require some elbow grease.I bought my bought from a marina ,The owner had died.Once home I started cleaning out the cockpit lockers.I found little wooden boats,childrens snorkels,fire wood and a working ted williams 5.5 out board.It felt like I was looking at someone's photo album.Surely those kids are grown and have children of their own.The boat itself was in very good shape considering nothing had ever been replaced or upgraded.
When I went looking,I knew that whatever I ended up with would require some elbow grease.I bought my bought from a marina ,The owner had died.Once home I started cleaning out the cockpit lockers.I found little wooden boats,childrens snorkels,fire wood and a working ted williams 5.5 out board.It felt like I was looking at someone's photo album.Surely those kids are grown and have children of their own.The boat itself was in very good shape considering nothing had ever been replaced or upgraded.
A learning expereience, as always
We purchased our 1989 Hunter 37 last year after selling our MacGregor 26. Although the boat has clearly been well maintained and upgraded for much of its life, it had suffered significantly from near-term neglect. The good news is that the worst of the problems were identified by the surveyor and we were able to negotiate a fair price all things considered. The obvious problems were handled by a fair amount of elbow grease (mildew everywhere from being wet for all of the '02/'03 winter season and minor internal repairs),and writing some large checks to the yard for some minor fiberglass hull and deck repairs, and to an electronics shop to rebuild the electronics on the pedestal that were clobbered in transport. What was a bit more troubling was the lack of care supplied by the yard and bokerage that we bought the boat from. The holding tank was not pumped out at all during the prior lay-up and thus we are still battling odor issues. The radar mast was laid on the deck and left un-covered through the winter. The boat was turned over to us after a check by the yard's diesel expert, yet we had a raw water drive belt fail after about 3 hours. The steaming/anchor lights were not checked before stepping the mast and of course did not work when I first needed them on our maiden voyage. Obviously we're learning. As owner's we've learned what things to check frequently, what questions to ask, and what to expect from a professional boatyard that has some concern for their reputation.
We purchased our 1989 Hunter 37 last year after selling our MacGregor 26. Although the boat has clearly been well maintained and upgraded for much of its life, it had suffered significantly from near-term neglect. The good news is that the worst of the problems were identified by the surveyor and we were able to negotiate a fair price all things considered. The obvious problems were handled by a fair amount of elbow grease (mildew everywhere from being wet for all of the '02/'03 winter season and minor internal repairs),and writing some large checks to the yard for some minor fiberglass hull and deck repairs, and to an electronics shop to rebuild the electronics on the pedestal that were clobbered in transport. What was a bit more troubling was the lack of care supplied by the yard and bokerage that we bought the boat from. The holding tank was not pumped out at all during the prior lay-up and thus we are still battling odor issues. The radar mast was laid on the deck and left un-covered through the winter. The boat was turned over to us after a check by the yard's diesel expert, yet we had a raw water drive belt fail after about 3 hours. The steaming/anchor lights were not checked before stepping the mast and of course did not work when I first needed them on our maiden voyage. Obviously we're learning. As owner's we've learned what things to check frequently, what questions to ask, and what to expect from a professional boatyard that has some concern for their reputation.
Well, he didn't hurt her any.
He used her as a club racer so the hull and rigging were in great shape. The interior had been neglected but was at least in the original condition. Engine needed new hoses and clamps. The deck was beat up a bit from having things banged around and dropped on. But the important things were kept in good condition. The rest we would have improved on anyway.
He used her as a club racer so the hull and rigging were in great shape. The interior had been neglected but was at least in the original condition. Engine needed new hoses and clamps. The deck was beat up a bit from having things banged around and dropped on. But the important things were kept in good condition. The rest we would have improved on anyway.
Prior owner was no electrician!
I recentely purchased a 1989 H 26.5. Everything checked out well on the survey, a few minor items were pointed out, and they have been repaired. I just completed a redo of the electrical wiring after installing an AC invertor/charger connected to the existing shore power hook-up. Each time I opened a junction box or access point, I found another rats nest of wiring. Some of it is probably from the original dealer installed shore power hook-up. But most was just bad practice as far as adding accesories to the 12 volt system. The ground wires were all connected via a single S.S. 1/4 - 20 bolt and nut run through eye terminals on the ends of all the grounds. No ground terminal buss, or splice strip. Most of this was in concealed areas, were the surveyor was unable to gain access. The survey was correct in that all electrical items functioned as designed, but the wiring left alot of doubt about the safety of the boat. My choice was to replace all wiring and update the distribution panels. Also the type and quality of equip. available today is far superior to what was commonplace in 1989. I may be extremely picky as far as appearance and workmanship, but I never skimp on safety. I would advise on checking out the electrical wiring very carefully.
I recentely purchased a 1989 H 26.5. Everything checked out well on the survey, a few minor items were pointed out, and they have been repaired. I just completed a redo of the electrical wiring after installing an AC invertor/charger connected to the existing shore power hook-up. Each time I opened a junction box or access point, I found another rats nest of wiring. Some of it is probably from the original dealer installed shore power hook-up. But most was just bad practice as far as adding accesories to the 12 volt system. The ground wires were all connected via a single S.S. 1/4 - 20 bolt and nut run through eye terminals on the ends of all the grounds. No ground terminal buss, or splice strip. Most of this was in concealed areas, were the surveyor was unable to gain access. The survey was correct in that all electrical items functioned as designed, but the wiring left alot of doubt about the safety of the boat. My choice was to replace all wiring and update the distribution panels. Also the type and quality of equip. available today is far superior to what was commonplace in 1989. I may be extremely picky as far as appearance and workmanship, but I never skimp on safety. I would advise on checking out the electrical wiring very carefully.
It's always the poor PO ...
I've noticed when talking with people about their boats and their problems that it is always, "The previous owner screwed up and ..." I've been wondering in my few short years of boat ownership how many of the sins of current owners are attributed to that poor, badmouthed, unlucky guy who had the boat way back when and is no longer present to defend himself. For a 1986 C27, my PO's have done a good job. And he left me a 3" binder full of manuals, schematics, rigging diagrams, etc. I'm pretty grateful to him!!! Tom Monroe s/v Different Drummer Carlyle Lake
I've noticed when talking with people about their boats and their problems that it is always, "The previous owner screwed up and ..." I've been wondering in my few short years of boat ownership how many of the sins of current owners are attributed to that poor, badmouthed, unlucky guy who had the boat way back when and is no longer present to defend himself. For a 1986 C27, my PO's have done a good job. And he left me a 3" binder full of manuals, schematics, rigging diagrams, etc. I'm pretty grateful to him!!! Tom Monroe s/v Different Drummer Carlyle Lake
I'm waiting for the guy who bought my H26
to right something here. That could be an eye-opener. Markdb
to right something here. That could be an eye-opener. Markdb
Good Shape
We bought our h23 from a really nice guy. The boat was in good shape they hadn't used it much and nothing more than what came from the factory had been added. The worst thing was the workwork which I have replaced with all new teak. At first I wished it had more on it but after reading some of the posts it might be better to just add things yourself. I just hope like the other guy said that one of the ones we sold doesn't come up. I can always say it was the GUY we bought it from!!! Rob Morton S/V Euphoria
We bought our h23 from a really nice guy. The boat was in good shape they hadn't used it much and nothing more than what came from the factory had been added. The worst thing was the workwork which I have replaced with all new teak. At first I wished it had more on it but after reading some of the posts it might be better to just add things yourself. I just hope like the other guy said that one of the ones we sold doesn't come up. I can always say it was the GUY we bought it from!!! Rob Morton S/V Euphoria
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