I want to buy a 29-32 foot sail boat. In the SF Bay area.
What should i check as far a electrical, pumps.
And how would i go about makeing sure the keel in not all dinged up? or is there even a point to ferivying the hull
Also if a late 70's early 80's 30 foot sail boat is for sail for around $4000 is it doomed to have something wrong with it?
2006-10-30 17:25:35 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Boats & Boating
If you never owned a boat before... get someone to do it for you... Sometimes it's better and cheaper to buy a used boat if it's was owned by someone who cared about it. First look at the hull ... it should be crack or bumpy free. And the inner hull... can have some water but shouldn't be too much to make you worry.... also check the engine, if it's clean that means the owner has been taking care of it ... ask when was the last time he changed the oil and the filter... . check the deck for cracks and the condition. Control all the electrical parts and ask the owner for a test cruise .... make sure not to get a boat that shakes too much ... check the sail... and the poats performance.... it's always good to check the bottom paint. If it's bad he might be able to bring the price down ... Good Luck .... Get the one you like the best... or you'r going to be tired of it. Also try this link too :http://www.firstboat.com/howtobuy.html
2006-11-01 09:04:19 · answer #1 · answered by Blaredtx 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Big boats with low prices mean problems. the problems usually are that the sails are wore out,hull cracks around fittings,wiring looks like birds nest, the stays maybe worn look for broken strands of wire on the stays, the wooden core of the decks might be rotted look for soft spots on the fiberglass. The seals that connect the hull with the deck might leak look for water streaks around all joints and windows or hatches. The ropes and lines will need replacing. Tests all electronics don't assume they work. A survey is a good investment if you believe the boat has gone aground or banged the pier look for gashes and scrapes on the hull. And above all stay away from lien boats they have been stripped to the hull you will have to buy everything from sails to drapes to get it from the dock. Basically if your paying less than 10,000 for a 30' boat it's bad. 4,000 will get you a nice 20-25' boat.
2006-10-31 04:46:53 · answer #2 · answered by brian L 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
4K for a 30ft boat has to be a handyman's special at best. Pay for a survey (maybe $250+hauling costs) and you will know what you are getting into. You may need a current survey to insure her, and you may need insurance to get a slip.
If it needs work, you need to think about where you plan to do said work. You don't want to pay storage fees on a boat you maybe can't sail, can't fix, and can't sell. If you want the boat, any deficiencies the survey turns up can be used to drive a harder bargain. If the surveyor advises you to pass on this one, that's also money well spent. If the owner refuses to allow a survey, then forget about it.
2006-10-31 17:30:30 · answer #3 · answered by michinoku2001 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to get a survey by a qualified surveyor who will go over the boat in its entirety and issue you with a report. $4000 sounds cheap to me but there are some good deals out there. I could write a whole long list of things to look for but a surveyor in your case is a must for your own satisfaction. My boat is a 36' Columbia built in 1971 and still sound!
2006-10-30 23:19:52 · answer #4 · answered by Mike D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In those waters it is essential to have a certified marine surveyor check the boat before buying it. Your insurance will require it also. In fact, theywill have a list f acceptable surveyors.
For pumps, it should have at least one manual and one electric, minimal.
For the older boat, they can be fine, ours is a 1978. Do have it surveyed.
2006-10-31 00:07:20 · answer #5 · answered by science teacher 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋