Advice on fibreglass Dawncraft 1978 please

[rootytooty]

Firstly, Fibreglass seems to be immortal so donlt warry about the age. Condition is what is important. I would have thought about £2,000 would be nearer the mark for this boat. As said, donlt buy the first bot you see. There will be better and cheaper boats to be found. There always is. Don't rush into your first purchase. You have started well by asking your questions here. This is an exciting time for you as a first time buyer but be prudent!

Thanks for your help. I've heard fibre glass can as start bubbling and then cracking after a while from osmosis. I think I'd need to get a survey but that's not cheap. I don't think he will accept £2000 but maybe I should try for a reduction and get a survey.thanks

 

[rootytooty]

What is the length and condition of the dawncraft and what is the engine and hp as price will depend on both

Dawncraft boats for sale UK, used Dawncraft boats, new Dawncraft boat sales, free photo ads - Apollo Duck

The length is 26 ft . It seems in good condition apart from a repair job where a boat smashed into it which is apparently sorted but I don't know what the underneath is like
The engine is a honda probably worth about 1k . Thanks for the link . It's really hard to gauge what is a good price as it depends o. Alot of things

 

[rootytooty]

its not so much the fibreglass that will wear out-fibreglass will probably last forever , its the fixtures and fittings...... unless its had a complete overhaul -its not worth it in my opinion. spend sometime looking at what else you could buy for that money , do your research and find somebody who knows about boats to go and have a look at with you.

Thanks I did get someone to look at it who said it was a good deal but since then have heard it's overpriced from many people and could have problems if it has been repaired.
Ive heard from a boat expert that fibreglass can bubble and crack from osmosis after a while so that has put me off. I think I need to doore research. Thanks

 

[rootytooty]

A more apropriate forum might be Canalworld Forum...

Most on the canals will be either continuous cruisers - the rules for this type of licence mean that you have to move every two weeks, you can't just go A-B then B-A, e.g. look up the rules on the CART (Canal & River Trust) website. Or they'll have a mooring be it in a marina or on the canal, moorings come up on the Waterside Moorings web site although many others are available, e.g. adjacent to farmland where you rent the space off the farmer. Have a walk along the canal where you want to moor & get chatting to them...

On the subject of brokers' descriptions of boats, it seems to me that with a lot of river & canal boats, the descriptions are more akin to estate agents' descriptions of flats or houses - they'll tell you what colour the taps are but won't mention the condition of the hull or engine...

 

[Tranona]

Don't worry about osmosis. While bubbling is common on old boats like that you just live with it as it rarely results in any structural issues - and is less common in boats kept in fresh water.

Far more important as I suggested earlier to ensure that all the gear works, it does not leak, has a current Safety Certificate and the engine runs.

You don't know whether it is overpriced unless you have something similar to compare. Normally the boats that are overpriced need work as the costs of even basic work and replacements can soon overtake the purchase cost.

 

[rootytooty]

Apparently it's not too problematic to continuously cruise

A more apropriate forum might be Canalworld Forum...

Most on the canals will be either continuous cruisers - the rules for this type of licence mean that you have to move every two weeks, you can't just go A-B then B-A, e.g. look up the rules on the CART (Canal & River Trust) website. Or they'll have a mooring be it in a marina or on the canal, moorings come up on the Waterside Moorings web site although many others are available, e.g. adjacent to farmland where you rent the space off the farmer. Have a walk along the canal where you want to moor & get chatting to them...

On the subject of brokers' descriptions of boats, it seems to me that with a lot of river & canal boats, the descriptions are more akin to estate agents' descriptions of flats or houses - they'll tell you what colour the taps are but won't mention the condition of the hull or engine...

Apparently it's not too problematic to continuously cruise. They don't check much I've heard.
The engine works well . It's a honda worth about £1000.

 

[rootytooty]

Don't worry about osmosis. While bubbling is common on old boats like that you just live with it as it rarely results in any structural issues - and is less common in boats kept in fresh water.

Far more important as I suggested earlier to ensure that all the gear works, it does not leak, has a current Safety Certificate and the engine runs.

You don't know whether it is overpriced unless you have something similar to compare. Normally the boats that are overpriced need work as the costs of even basic work and replacements can soon overtake the purchase cost.

Seems fine in all those departments you mentioned.it has a boat safety certificate and runs well thanks for your help

 

[rootytooty]

Would not worry about the life of the hull, but all the bits inside it. Provided it does not leak and all the equipment works then with regular maintenance and replacements it should go on for ever. Boats die of neglect, not use. Looks like it has a modern Honda 4 stroke outboard which is normally reliable and easy to service. Unlike a seagoing vessel there is little expensive equipment, just the engine, steering and domestics (cooker, lights fridge and so on). Look carefully for leaks around the windows as a damp interior soon rots fabrics and ultimately the wood used inside.

The purchase price gets dwarfed by running costs over time. More important is to be sure of secure mooring for when you are not using it. Again unlike seagoing vessels the bottom does not get fouled, but suspect there is value from time to time of lifting to check the bottom. Ask around other owners. Whether the price is right depends on what else you can get for the money. Does not seem excessive to me if everything works, and despite what others say it is not easy to buy boats on the canals in decent condition. Your choice is limited to those close to where you intend keeping it as, although many canals are connected moving boats from another part of the country is a slow job.

Good luck.

Thanks for your help. Im getting mixed advice so hard to know what to follow.
Yes it's not often a boat near me comes up that is affordable.
It seems to work well and not leek. .
But most people are saying it's overpriced. I will try and bargain him down.

 

[dunedin]

Thanks for your help. Im getting mixed advice so hard to know what to follow.
Yes it's not often a boat near me comes up that is affordable.
It seems to work well and not leek. .
But most people are saying it's overpriced. I will try and bargain him down.

Not sure how many boats you have looked at, but you want to inspect at least 4 or 5 before leaping in to buy any one of them. Only by seeing a few alternatives can you “get your eye in” and get a feel for the options and prices/value.
No need to rush as the first boat is unlikely to sell fast, and the seller may need a few weeks of no sale before entertaining any low offers.

 

[Tranona]

Boats, particularly old ones rarely achieve their asking price as sellers tend overstate their value. So don't be ashamed about offering a lower price that you will be happy to pay. As you say there is a limit to the number of boats on the market at any one time and they tend to vary widely in types and prices so it is difficult to get a feel for what the going rate is. sometimes you just have to make a decision that the boat represents value to you and the value is the use you will get out of it not what you might get should you have to sell.

 

[snowbird30ds]

Forget osmosis, how many can come up with a boat that has sunk from it? I suspect none.
Mine has it and I'm happy to batter along at 18 knots on the sea, most older grp boats have it to some extent.

 

[waynes world]

Morning.

First that to me is over priced a lot from the pics, more pics and details would be better. That looks to me to be a DC 22. good boats but as said that is to much unless is real good all around.

For me personally an inboard ( diesel ) would be best for living on as you can get power and heat from the engine. Use a calorifier for water/heating, and you can charge batteries from the engine. outboards you cant do either.
Although outboards are most common on canals they are are good for it. getting petrol can be awkward at times. Easier to repair as they just lift off the transom. outboard size go for around 15-20hp for that size boat so you got the power when needed.

If you like the boat go look at it but also other so you see what your going at. if your living on it get the biggest you can.

oh dam late for work

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Captain Faffer

 

[rootytooty]

Morning.

First that to me is over priced a lot from the pics, more pics and details would be better. That looks to me to be a DC 22. good boats but as said that is to much unless is real good all around.

For me personally an inboard ( diesel ) would be best for living on as you can get power and heat from the engine. Use a calorifier for water/heating, and you can charge batteries from the engine. outboards you cant do either.
Although outboards are most common on canals they are are good for it. getting petrol can be awkward at times. Easier to repair as they just lift off the transom. outboard size go for around 15-20hp for that size boat so you got the power when needed.

If you like the boat go look at it but also other so you see what your going at. if your living on it get the biggest you can.

oh dam late for work

join us here if your on Face Ache

Cabin Cruiser Crew | Facebook

Captain Faffer

Thanks Captain!
It's not often boats in this price range come up near me , that's the thing.
I think as it's been repaired already it should be cheaper. Would need to see paperwork to show the repair job has been done professionally?
What price do you think I should offer?
Thanks for your help

 

[waynes world]

Thanks Captain!
It's not often boats in this price range come up near me , that's the thing.
I think as it's been repaired already it should be cheaper. Would need to see paperwork to show the repair job has been done professionally?
What price do you think I should offer?
Thanks for your help

It's hard to say what it's worth from the info. I wouldnt go more than £4k from what i can see. Your down London I guess. An Idea maybe is to buy a boat further away and cruise it to home waters.
I would be surprised to see it has proof of repair by a professional. If you can see the repair it's crap. Although not saying it will not do the job. Bad looking repairs can still be strong etc.

 

[rootytooty]

Ok well he's already reduced it from 10 k but you never know.
I'm in the west country.
It is a bad repair job ,very lumpy.
Thanks for your advice.

 

[Lucy52]

Probably priced as a cheap live-aboard, nothing to do with the value of the boat. The problem with a survey, is the cost of the survey is a large proportion of the value of the boat, and you have little or no comeback if they miss something. The money might be better spent on fixing the boat.
Outboards can go walkabout if you leave them on the boat when you are not there.

A more apropriate forum might be Canalworld Forum...
This^^^^^^

 

[oldharry]

I don't think a boat with an outboard on a canal would be a good combination.

Very slow speed and light hull with no keel will be very difficult to keep in a straight line and wander.

Yes but a very common canal outfit for anything small, other than a 'proper' narrowboat which properly should have a 10 -14 hp diesel weighing aorund a ton, with a max speed of around 400rpm! donk... donk.... donk. BiL had one: tickover at 250 rpm, flat out 400rpm with a giant propellor which chewed through anything it fouled!

 

[oldharry]

Not sure that £8k is so overpriced, even for a 1978 boat tht has been looked after and with a modern engine. Assuming it has a current safety certificate, it shud be in reasonable order, as Canal certification requires quite high standrards. We seagoing types dont have to comply with the comprehensive safety legislation that quickly takes anything off the water that is not in fair condition.

 

[waynes world]

Not sure that £8k is so overpriced, even for a 1978 boat tht has been looked after and with a modern engine. Assuming it has a current safety certificate, it shud be in reasonable order, as Canal certification requires quite high standrards. We seagoing types dont have to comply with the comprehensive safety legislation that quickly takes anything off the water that is not in fair condition.

Not at all. Any boat on a canal that has a BSC does not mean anything. Well to do with condition.

 

[waynes world]

This had a BSC so condition of boat means little.
All it means is the boat is safe for the services onboard to be used.