Leisure 27 comments before buying

[BeMarek]

Hello.

I'd like to ask any owners or past owners of Leisure 27 boat to comment on anything I should be careful while reviewing.
I will not have a possibility to engage a professional surveyor so knowing all potential weak points will help me lot.

Also please point me any good resources on the web with hints on surveying a sailboat.

If I decide on buying this boat would be my first one thus I am quite afraid of making a mistake on the other hand I almost can't wait to buy her. I've spent so much time looking for the boat that I simply need to go out sailing on my own this season.

Thank you in advance for any help.

Marek

 

[alahol2]

Also please point me any good resources on the web with hints on surveying a sailboat.

This site covers many of the things to look for along with lots of things that won't be relevant... http://www.pcmarinesurveys.com/Marine%20Survey%20101.htm

 

[Daydream believer]

Hello.


I will not have a possibility to engage a professional surveyor

If I decide on buying this boat would be my first one thus I am quite afraid of making a mistake on the other hand I almost can't wait to buy her.
Marek

With all due respect that sounds like a recipe for disaster
Are you really sure that you cannot engage a surveyor?
If it is a question of cost then it is even more important that you get one, as any problems will upset your budget & you may well be stuffed
Please please tread with care -- but I wish you luck all the same

 

[BeMarek]

a recipe for disaster

Well, I'm not such a greenhorn. I need to know the weak points specific to L27. The rest I can do myself and if any doubts I'll decide if I need to engage anyone more.
Looks like the owner took good care of the boat. He's a sea captain, still on duty, nice and fair person from the talk, just have no time to use the boat.

Anyhow thank you for bringing this aspect to life. I know I need to be calm but anyone here could be so while getting into marriage?

 

[dolabriform]

Check out the Leisure Owners association.

http://www.leisureowners.org.uk/

 

[ghostlymoron]

I'm a member of the Leisure owners and have had a couple of their small yachts. They are very helpful especially Colin.
If investing a significant sum, say £15k+, I would usually have a surveyor look it over nonetheless.

 

[dimdav]

Is it definitely a 27? There was also a 27SL which is a completely different boat with different weaknesses.

 

[BeMarek]

Is it definitely a 27?

Yes, it is L27.

 

[dimdav]

Yes, it is L27.

Generally solid boats by cobramold. Check for spongy decks or a faint cracking sound when walking on deck. They have a balsa core which if its got soggy is a pain to fix!

Also as with any boat of this vintage having a reliable engine is a must, if its been replaced then great if not then look for signs/records of annual maintenance.

 

[peteK]

Make sure its not fitted with the Volvo 7.5hp as its underpowed ,knew some one who changed to a 20hp Beta.

 

[BeMarek]

I knew to avoid these small engines. This one has Volvo Penta MD7A 14.5hp. Hopefully it's enough.