When is a boat too old?

[Larry Wilson]

How old is Old?

There is no dearth of ads that start out, "Well Kept boat offered in estate sale. Owner died, widow needs to sell to clear estate." Just about any fiberglass boat out there will out last me. Fiberglass versus Flesh and blood? Fiberglass wins every time. Larry Wilson

 

[tom]

Old is Great for a first Boat

You will probably make mistakes and a scratch on an old boat hurts a lot less than a scratch on a new boat. But it goes without saying(but I will) that a newer boat is better than an older boat of the same initial quality. dowm side of an older boat is that financing and insurance is more difficult. Many banks and insurance companies don't work with boats over 20 years old. We had to buy our boat (1980 pearson) with a second mortage and tried several insurance compaines that wouldn't insure a boat over 20 years old!!! One idea about an old boat. Buying one with a bad engine is a good idea. You pay less for the boat and buy a new engine. Replacing a diesel can easily cost $10,000!!!! often more.

 

[Ed Hanley14076]

A good old boat

I bought my Ericson 30 15 years ago when it was 22 years old. I've replaced the standing rigging, head, and the Albin gas engine (w/ diesel), added roller furling, Autohelm, holding tank, propane stove, and a dodger, and it is a better boat now than when new. Not shinier, but better. I do not believe the hull or rig has degraded a bit. I have never had any leaking portlights, stanchion bases, through-hulls, or soft spots in the deck, and no hull built before early '70s will ever see a blister. I've kept up the woodwork and deck finish and get a lot of compliments on its looks, lots of them from folks who simply haven't seen boats with that sweet sheerline and slender deckplan. "Old", in itself, is not a detriment to a boat if it was built by a reputable builder to a proven design. Just check that it hasn't been traumatised or neglected beyond redemption.