cold calling on abandonded boats

[Hushinish]

I'm in the market for a second hand trailer sailor, I want to pay as little as possible. There are two in my area that haven't moved from their owners driveways in years. One is an e-boat, the other some tradional cornish shrimper style thing with a bowspirit but largely hidden by bushes and a boat cover.

My question is, has anyone ever door stepped an owner of abandonded boats on driveways with any success, I'm toying with the idea of approaching the eboat owner!

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[aztec]

definitely, i do regularly, usually end up you're doing them a favour. or conversely as sometimes happens, giving them advice or even helping them with their project.... swings and roundabouts, but never try to fleece anyone... what goes round...etc..

knock that door, and good luck. steve.

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[stevebirch2002]

Go and ask. The very worst they can say is no....

<hr width=100% size=1>Albin Vega "Southern Comfort" V1703

 

[drawp]

Please let us know how you get on.

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[brianrunyard]

Go on, you've nothing to lose.

<hr width=100% size=1>Brian
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/brunyard

 

[Birdseye]

and if you ever want anything a bit bigger, there are 40 or more boats never launched at my club where some doorstepping might well be rewarding.

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[petery]

a mail shot is less stressful than a cold call - so why not drop a postcard through the letterbox giving your contact number.



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[h4nym]

<snip>
40 or more boats never launched at my club
<snip>

Can we have any details? PM if you believe it's more appropriate!

H

<hr width=100% size=1>Life balance?

 

[Rowana]

That begs the question as to how many more "Unused & Unloved" boats there are around the country.

Perhaps there are as many people who would love to take one of these "Projects" on. I've been keeping an eye on <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.projectboats.fsnet.co.uk>http://www.projectboats.fsnet.co.uk</A> but ther never seems to be many boats there.

Anybody got any ideas as to a solution ???

BTW, If anyone knows of a "Project" somewhere in Scotland, please let me know.

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[Evadne]

In my experience, most boatyards have at least a couple of boats that they'd sell to anyone who will take them away, sometimes for the cost of the outstanding bills or, if that is unreasonably high then for a reasonable price. And they often seem to be sailing boats in the 18-22 foot range. Some of them aren't much more than soggy bonfire material though.

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[dickh]

Yes, knock on the door. I bought a neglected Enterprise many years ago when looking for car spares at the back of a garage. Asked the garage owner, he said what will you offer, I said a low figure and he said "It's yours!" Spent a winter sorting it out but it was basically sound and with all the gear safely in a shed. Just had to get two new tyres for the trailer.
Go for it.

<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[milltech]

I bought a house that way some years ago, why not. I had to relocate into suburban London and wanted a green view, so I found three streets that backed onto 2 different parks and dropped a note through every door. Got seven replies, out of about 200, three for sale immediately, did a deal.

<hr width=100% size=1>John
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.allgadgets.co.uk>http://www.allgadgets.co.uk</A>

 

[Hushinish]

Events have overtaken me and I have no purchased a Hawksbill 24 (it's ok, I had never heard of one before) a Robert Tucker design (Corribee, Sillouette) despatched from the factory in 1988 in kitform, never quite finished and thus never launched. Some of you might have seen it on EBAY last week, I bid on it but wasn't successful, however using the same type of lateral thinking as per my original post, I emailed the seller informing the seller that I would be interested in arranging a private purchase should the winning bidder back out. He did indeed back out, and I have a very reasonable 24 ft 4 berth cruiser with unused sail, unused yanmar diesel, rigging etc. and nice 4 wheel road trailer.

Thanks for the advice herewith though.

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[Rowana]

Well Done ! !

<Never quite finished> ?? How much have you still got to do ? When is the big day when you hope to get her finally afloat?

Please keep us posted as to how you're getting on.

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[MADFISH]

When you call, try to speak to the lady of the house first. They usually want to see the back of the boat the most and push husband into accepting your wild offer!!

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