Trade in question

[AADIVER]

I'm about to negotiate a trade-in: my '01 250 for an '84 30 with Catalina Yacht Anchorage in Marina del Rey, California. The 30, SALTY PAWS, seems to have been given TLC and has everything I want except lazy jacks. She's not listed on their website but she's owned by Catalina. Depending on the results of a survey, the "ballpark" deal is my boat plus $2,500 plus tax. Does this sound reasonable, or in the current economy should I stand firm for a boat for boat trade?
Also, what are the most important items the survey should concentrate on?
Thank you.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Sounds pretty good

But only YOU can do the negotiating.

A survey should find everything. Really. You already have a boat, so you should know the weak points of any boat: engine, chainplates for deck rot, electrical system, everything works.

For anything specific to the C30, try www.catalina30.com

The C30 spreaders were originally wood, have been replaced with aluminum. Check those.

A search on the word survey finds this, specific to a C30, and has great PRICELESS link to checking out older boats previously posted on this forum: http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=583857

 

[Bad Obsession]

Other faults of Catalina 30:

Catalina smile (Crack on the keel). Not a big deal but make sure you fix it if it is there.

Delaminated rudder: Replace the rudder (make the old owners do this)

Bird bath: Area in front of the mast dips due to the compression post. Not as common but it can happen. A survey will check this.

Blisters: This is common in Catalina 30s of earlier vintage. I have blisters on my hull too. Blisters are the "Boogie Man" of sailboats. They can be ground out and filled but I know plenty of people who paint over them and continue on.