What to Look for in (Almost) First Sailboat (Used)

TanzerTom · Mar 16, 2016

goofeyfoot said:
Tom. I think the draft may be a misprint, although I'm probably splitting hairs. I think actual as posted in specs is 1.5 meters which I think is 4 feet, 11 inches. Or roughly five feet.

I guess your thinking is that 4 feet is as deep as you'd want to go, right?

There actually is a crude rear seat which is, rather uncomfortably, integrated into the swim ladder.

Thanks.

Michael

Yeah, 4' is it for me. Maybe some others with more experience in Oriental area will have different opinions. The ICW will be your route north and south and the ditch gets really skinny in too many places. Shoaled inlets are common. I sail alone most of the time and kedging off the bottom is no fun; doing it with the Admiral on board is worse.

The seat issue is one of those little things that could become a big thing. Having to sit on the side means you head is constantly turned 90* looking over your should. Try that in the comfort of your favorite chair and see how long it feels good. Then imagine it with the chair moving back and forth and up and down.

The mast furling is something you should get some feedback on from those with experience using one. I understand the jaming issues have improved but the cut of the sail necessary for system is something that cannot be improved. Seek out the threads on this issue for other opinions. It's a nice boat, but for me the draft, even if an inch under 5', and mail furling would be a game ender. The seat has solutions.

I look forward to seeing what others have to say about this boat. It looks like it could be pretty speedy in light air. The light ballast would concern me heavier air.

Also, as a new sailor, perhaps a boat with a large user group and known manufacturer support on which to lean would be factor in your selection.

She is a pretty boat.

TanzerTom · Mar 16, 2016

TanzerTom said:
Yeah, 4' is it for me. Maybe some others with more experience in Oriental area will have different opinions. The ICW will be your route north and south and the ditch gets really skinny in too many places. Shoaled inlets are common. I sail alone most of the time and kedging off the bottom is no fun; doing it with the Admiral on board is worse.

The seat issue is one of those little things that could become a big thing. Having to sit on the side means you head is constantly turned 90* looking over your should. Try that in the comfort of your favorite chair and see how long it feels good. Then imagine it with the chair moving back and forth and up and down.

The mast furling is something you should get some feedback on from those with experience using one. I understand the jaming issues have improved but the cut of the sail necessary for system is something that cannot be improved. Seek out the threads on this issue for other opinions. It's a nice boat, but for me the draft, even if an inch under 5', and mail furling would be a game ender. The seat has solutions.

I look forward to seeing what others have to say about this boat. It looks like it could be pretty speedy in light air. The light ballast would concern me heavier air.

Also, as a new sailor, perhaps a boat with a large user group and known manufacturer support on which to lean would be factor in your selection.

She is a pretty boat.

Just googled Pamlico Sound average depth. It's 5'. FYI.

TanzerTom · Mar 17, 2016

Offer nothing until you set foot on the boat and give it a good going over based on the recommendations you will have received by reading the material recommended by others on this and Cruisers Forum on doing a self survey. It's not rocket science, but you do have to know what to look for and how to know if you've found it. Have a knowledgeable friend go with you if possible. And, of course, have the real decision maker along, too . Ask the owner to take you out for a sail! A motivated seller and sailor will be glad to do this.

I have no idea what the value of this boat is. It's a buyer's market, sailboats are a tough sell, and as much as anything else, it's worth exactly what someone is willing to pay. Research owner opinions. It's an oddball make, at least in this area, so avoid buying a pig in poke. Information, information, information and CONDITION, CONDITION, CONDITION rule. Read that again. Make offer contingent to acceptable sea trial (just a test drive, hopefully with someone who knows how to test the boats systems and can give you some idea on how she sails) and survey by a surveyor recommended by someone on this forum. Do not use a broker's surveyor.

If all is well and assuming the asking price is within reason, I'd go with history and offer 75% of the asking price. I've been looking seriously for over a year and that seems to be what they actually sell for based on Yacht World listed price. Remember, the broker is getting 10% for selling... shouldn't you get at least double that for actually putting your money in the seller's hand? I'm serious here. Others may have different opinions. Remember, it's a buyer's market and there are hundreds of option for you; few for the seller . And don't ignore the fact that you will most likely be selling this boat some time in the future.

Most important: Don't listen to me! I'm one old guy with given set of experiences and resulting opinions. Seek input from others and take your time. I bought my Tanzer new. It was my first cruiser. Thousands of dollars later I loved the boat but found I would have been much better off buying used and getting many of those thousands spent on necessary/desired gear for next to nothing. Others who know this boat may tell you it's a steal at the listed price... I'll stick with idea that things are worth only what someone will pay.
Offer low, you can always go up. The seller is most likely asking high knowing he will have to go down. As a car dealer once told me, being reasonable is for those that don't value their own money! You're making a business deal, not friends. Harsh? Perhaps.

TanzerTom · Mar 17, 2016

Sorry, I'm not that far along so haven't searched for one. Ask on here and you should get several suggestions. Meanwhile, research that boat so you will not be totally dependent on surveyor. Pay particular attention to the motor!

Jackdaw · Mar 17, 2016

goofeyfoot said:
Ok I will find someone. I guess you don't like Volvo?
l

Absolutely nothing wrong with Volvo Penta motors. In general you have to look very carefully at the diesel on old boats because a re-power will cost 1/4 to 3/4 of the value of the boat. Kinda throws the whole deal off.

VP spare parts can be pricey, but welcome to sailing.

FastOlson · Mar 17, 2016

goofeyfoot said:
Also, should I condition purchase on some sort of engine diagnostic that I would pay for?
Thanks.
Michael

Yes. It will be a separate engine survey. I got one for our first "big" boat back in '94 and the problems that the mechanic found (and the seller fixed before the sale was finalized) were substantially more $ than the cost of the survey.
Loren

TanzerTom · Mar 17, 2016

goofeyfoot said:
Tom:

Ok I will find someone. I guess you don't like Volvo?

Thanks.

Michael

Not that at all. But a motor, any motor, replacement or even repair can cost a large percentage of the value of an older boat. I have no earthly idea why these little diesels are so expensive to buy/maintain compared to autos and motorcycles (which are infinitely complex/ powerful)... but they are. From forum comments I gather Volvo parts have a close relationship with pirates.

TanzerTom · Mar 19, 2016

goofeyfoot said:
Tom.

Thanks. I made an offer based, rather simplistically on what I think a similar Catalina or Hunter would sell for. so we will see what happens.

In the meantime, are you able to PM me names of reputable surveyors, maybe even one who would do a sea trial?

Thanks again.

Michael

Michael,

There is a guy at Southport Marina named Jeff Fisher that is a delivery captain and specializes in marine electronic. Not sure if he does surveys, but he will be my first stop when I go looking for a survey. He has done some very good work on my friends boat. FYI.

Davidasailor26 · Mar 27, 2016

goofeyfoot said:
Number two there is no chart table. I haven't seen a 31 foot boat without a chart table before, but maybe it's no big deal?

Depends on how you plan on using the boat. If you're going to be sailing mostly in familiar waters, then it's no big deal. You could always use the dining table in a pinch. If you're looking to do more serious cruising then you might want a dedicated place to spread out.

As for the backstay-less rig - Hunter (and other manufacturers) have made tons of those. They rely on the swept back spreaders to support the mast instead. Structurally I think it's considered just as sound. The downsides are that the spreader sweep reduces mainsail efficiency when sailing downwind, and you don't have any adjustment to introduce mast bend to help trim.

You should be able to add air conditioning. We did that on a 28' boat without issue. You just need to find a place to house the unit and run the vents and plumming. Likely at least a couple thousand dollars, but doable.