New boat advice (well new to me not brand new)

[mikehibb]

Sorry for all these questions, but doing as much research as possible.

Just to give you all more background, I am not quite a complete beginner. I was in the Naval Cadets for 3 years during which time I took MFVs around western Scotland including night navigation etc. I have also done a few day cruises as Guest/winch man on friends boats plus a six day flotilla cruise. Sail experience was on 30 to 40 ft yachts (Westerly/Dufour etc)

However saying that I intend to take some additional instruction and have already found a school where the boat will be berthed.
Bodrum area of Turkey.

I am looking for around 33ft, most likely Beneteau or similar. Type of sailing will generally be day trips around the coastal waters and nearby islands ( the very close ones) to start, then after more experience longer trips further around Aegean and into the Med.

Budget as always is a concern ( I have already factored in mooring costs, insurance and annual maintenance, I double the latter just to be safe), at the moment most of the boats that I have seen advertised in the area are ex-charter boats. This is where I need some advice, there are both pros and cons for ex-charter boats.
I realise that they will have more general wear and tear, but on the other side most little problems that a private owner would leave for a while (bank account permitting) before fixing will have been fixed ready for the next charter. I have also been advised that a well used and serviced engine on a charter boat can be in much better condition than an engine that gets very low use and just one annual service.

I have seen a couple of boats advertised here in YBW that appear to be worth looking at, I will be in Turkey in two weeks time and both are very close to where I am staying. Both had new sails two seasons ago, so should not be blown out yet.

Other considerations are Wheel preferred over Tiller and good aft cockpit space (mid cockpit is not an option)

Two that I will look at are Gib'Sea 33 and Beneteau Oceanis 331.

From reading as many posts as possible on here I have picked up that there are some owners in the forum that have or had ex-charter boats and I would greatly appreciate their view in addition to everyone else.

Thanks again in advance.

Mike

 

[Talbot]

[ QUOTE ]
most little problems that a private owner would leave for a while (bank account permitting) before fixing will have been fixed ready for the next charter.

[/ QUOTE ]

Only on good charter boats. On some they just bodge it to get by til the end of the season.

 

[mikehibb]

I agree.

Still new here and was not sure about rules about posting company names etc, however the boats that are advertised are from a very well known charter company, and they do advertise their boats for sale in the brokerage section in YBW so I think that I am safe in mentioning the name. They are both being brokered through Sunsail.

 

[MoodySabre]

A friend of mine had a Sunsail deal whereby the boat was chartered and it paid the finance and he got it back after 4 years. He said the boat was in amazing condition - the odd scuff of course but very well maintained and a new set of sails. He was very pleased (and has subsequently sold three shares in it which covered all his cost). I think that some of the charterers are just agents for owners and don't have direct involvement with their "fleet". The big boys are probably more aware that they have a standard to maintain.

 

[PeterGibbs]

Assuming the boat you are viewing is not bashed about too much cosmetically, you might list the items that could cause you trouble: for example -

1. starter motor clean and lively on the key?
2. alternator delivering 14v at the batteries?
3. cooling pump leaking?
4. batteries knackered, showing 12v or less?
5. winch pawls missing beats?
6. damaged / slack steering?
7. engine vibration - feet falling apart?
8. prop out of alignment - feel (carefully) the rotating shaft
9. rudder bearing wear? - try swinging it when dry
10. slackness in the cutless bearing?

11. grounding strikes to keel and rudder - easy to spot when surveyed

With the exception of grounding, cutless bearing and rudder damage, the risks/costs of repairs are probabaly bearable.

You may have to do work in the heads (repair kits available) or galley, and freshen up the upholstery. Windows may well have crazed in the sun -it's only cosmetic. The pristine shine of new GRP will most likely have gone for ever...and other downsides.

How well cared for? Check if the oil and fuel filters look clean and new- signs of a proper maintenance schedule. Colour of oil - slightly off colour ok, or filthy - indicating long intervals between replacement. Take mirror to sump to see if corrosion is evident - not a risk you want to take. Alternator belt and water pump drive belt looking taut and fit for the job? Some rust on the engine block inevitable...

The sails will be well used but this will not matter too much except when pointing fine into the wind.

Halyards and sheets beaten up or fit for a couple more seasons?

Instruments working? - as we owners all know, they can cop out at any time, such is the aggressive nature of the environment. Be prepared, but not surprised...

Price researched? A significaqnt discount would be in order to reflect additional usage and lower reliability of ageing equipment. On resale you should recover most of your investment from a soundly-presented boat.

All in all, a sound strategy, in my view, for getting afloat.

PWG

 

[mikehibb]

Many thanks all for your advice.