HELP! Can anyone help me focus on which boat to buy? I'm looking at Hunter 31's, 33's, and 34's. Those built in the '80's can be had for $20-$30 with all kinds of exceptions. I'm certainly interested in saving $$ on the purchase but plan on selling the boat in 2 years and going newer so I want one that I can sell easier and recoup most of my money. Which boats seem to have held up the best and/or can be repaired in a straightforward mannor. Any pros/cons would be appreciated! Thanks
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Buy the high end of "classic plastic"?
Interesting question. If you plan to sell in 2 years, I would recommend buying a boat in very good condition. Although the price will be higher, you will get it back (less transaction costs) in 2 years. More importantly, you will be able to enjoy the boat for 2 years without spending much time and money on maintenance and upgrades. We bought our '77 h27 for $9,000 in 2000. The highest price you can see on the web for this boat is $13,000. But we have put around $7,000 into major maintenance, upgrades and new sails. We will never get that back in resale, but that's OK, because we intend to stay with Lady Lillie and take out our return in enjoyment over the coming years. If you scale those numbers up to the 30 to 34 foot range, the story is the same - you will not realize the return for putting the boat in good condition in 2 years. So how do you pick a boat? This is actually the easy part! None of the classic plastic Hunters (or Catalina's for that matter) from 20 years ago have general problems to disqualify them based on reading this forum over the past 3 years. Most of them do have some issues relating to being 20 years old.I'd start out be selecting the best surveyor I could find, and then meet with him to discuss your plans. Make it clear that you want a boat in very good condition to enjoy for two years, and then sell without major issues. Then go out and look at boats for sale, working the high end of the market (and probably going smaller to stay in your budget.) When you find one you like, the survey will ensure that you are getting the quality you want. That's it! Everything else is personal preferences, and reactions. I like the Cherubini Hunters (30's and 33's in your size range.) But good friends have a Catalina 30, a Juneau 34, and a Hunter 34 from that time period. They are all great boats, and all require the same kinds of work to keep them in condition. You just want to buy one that someone else has kept or brought ahead of the maintenance curve! Anyway, that's my 2 cents. David
Interesting question. If you plan to sell in 2 years, I would recommend buying a boat in very good condition. Although the price will be higher, you will get it back (less transaction costs) in 2 years. More importantly, you will be able to enjoy the boat for 2 years without spending much time and money on maintenance and upgrades. We bought our '77 h27 for $9,000 in 2000. The highest price you can see on the web for this boat is $13,000. But we have put around $7,000 into major maintenance, upgrades and new sails. We will never get that back in resale, but that's OK, because we intend to stay with Lady Lillie and take out our return in enjoyment over the coming years. If you scale those numbers up to the 30 to 34 foot range, the story is the same - you will not realize the return for putting the boat in good condition in 2 years. So how do you pick a boat? This is actually the easy part! None of the classic plastic Hunters (or Catalina's for that matter) from 20 years ago have general problems to disqualify them based on reading this forum over the past 3 years. Most of them do have some issues relating to being 20 years old.I'd start out be selecting the best surveyor I could find, and then meet with him to discuss your plans. Make it clear that you want a boat in very good condition to enjoy for two years, and then sell without major issues. Then go out and look at boats for sale, working the high end of the market (and probably going smaller to stay in your budget.) When you find one you like, the survey will ensure that you are getting the quality you want. That's it! Everything else is personal preferences, and reactions. I like the Cherubini Hunters (30's and 33's in your size range.) But good friends have a Catalina 30, a Juneau 34, and a Hunter 34 from that time period. They are all great boats, and all require the same kinds of work to keep them in condition. You just want to buy one that someone else has kept or brought ahead of the maintenance curve! Anyway, that's my 2 cents. David
Well, David puts it wisely....
I have had my 33 for 21 years now, new... enjoyed all systems in good working order, then, middle of its life, certain things start to fail, but not the boat's fault. Items such as pressure pump, hot water heater, etc. The boat itself has been solid. But just spent 61 days doing bottom work to repair blisters, new shaft, new cutless, new coupling, new prop, new instruments, new lights on rigging, new wiring in the mast, etc. I will enjoy all this for the next FEW years.. I would hate to sell her in two years from now, I would lose big time, so, buy one that has everything in good working order and needs no major repairs. Love my H-33 1982 Cherubini model. Good luck.
I have had my 33 for 21 years now, new... enjoyed all systems in good working order, then, middle of its life, certain things start to fail, but not the boat's fault. Items such as pressure pump, hot water heater, etc. The boat itself has been solid. But just spent 61 days doing bottom work to repair blisters, new shaft, new cutless, new coupling, new prop, new instruments, new lights on rigging, new wiring in the mast, etc. I will enjoy all this for the next FEW years.. I would hate to sell her in two years from now, I would lose big time, so, buy one that has everything in good working order and needs no major repairs. Love my H-33 1982 Cherubini model. Good luck.
Know of a 33 for you in Jersey
I know of a very nice Cherubini Hunter 33 for sale here in NJ. Contact me at sailbode@gis.net for details.
I know of a very nice Cherubini Hunter 33 for sale here in NJ. Contact me at sailbode@gis.net for details.
Not sure I agree with David
I'm not sure bying a "turn key" boat is the answer for you. Typically, folks that are selling premo boats want premo prices. All used boats have a value range, including premos and skankers. If you can find one that is basically sound but suffers in the cosmetic department...(maybe just a good bath), you are much more liable to get a "deal". The boats that look neglected in some cases have been sitting for a while and the owners might be real happy to get rid of it for a "song". When I see a boat sitting in a yard with a three or four year old registration sticker on the hull, I see a prime prospect. I would then inquire if the owners would be interested in selling. If yes, I would do a quick "self survey" and then talk to the owner about how much he'd like for the boat. If it looks like a winner, get it surveyed before proceeding. The more flexible you are regarding size, brand, vintage, etc, the easier it will be to find a good deal.
I'm not sure bying a "turn key" boat is the answer for you. Typically, folks that are selling premo boats want premo prices. All used boats have a value range, including premos and skankers. If you can find one that is basically sound but suffers in the cosmetic department...(maybe just a good bath), you are much more liable to get a "deal". The boats that look neglected in some cases have been sitting for a while and the owners might be real happy to get rid of it for a "song". When I see a boat sitting in a yard with a three or four year old registration sticker on the hull, I see a prime prospect. I would then inquire if the owners would be interested in selling. If yes, I would do a quick "self survey" and then talk to the owner about how much he'd like for the boat. If it looks like a winner, get it surveyed before proceeding. The more flexible you are regarding size, brand, vintage, etc, the easier it will be to find a good deal.
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