New (to me) boat?

[mikefleetwood]

After years of watching from the sidelines, I am planning to buy a 1979 Moody 30 as our first real boat. We go to look at it next week sometime. Does anybody have anything to say about this boat - either good or bad? Anything in particular we should look out for or ask from the seller? Many thanks!

 

[Baggywrinkle]

Oh, how we used to dream of the luxury of a Moody back in the day when we were sailing this ...




Usual things to look out for, condition of engine, sails, and hull below the waterline. Soft decks, and water content in any balsa cored parts - not sure if Moodys of that era were balsa cored, but it was common for decks to be balsa cored, so watch out for soft decks. Also leaks, rot, and mildew .... the boat is over 40 years old, so there are bound to be issues unless you are extremely lucky.

Otherwise, good luck and I hope it's a nice one. You'll know as soon as you go below decks

Don't know what the price is, or your experience, but if you know someone who knows what to look for then take them along, ideally a qualified surveyor, but they are expensive and it may not be cost effective.

 

[mrming]

After years of watching from the sidelines, I am planning to buy a 1979 Moody 30 as our first real boat. We go to look at it next week sometime. Does anybody have anything to say about this boat - either good or bad? Anything in particular we should look out for or ask from the seller? Many thanks!

I don’t know that model, but can mention some of the usual stuff in case it’s helpful. Age and condition of sails and standing rigging. Condition of external canvas. Condition and service history of engine. What’s the fuel tank made of? If mild steel, would replacing it mean engine out? Condition of interior woodwork and upholstery. Age of electronics. All expensive things which can make a “cheap” second boat double or triple in price. A surveyor will find anything really bad.

 

[mikefleetwood]

Thank you - all good things to look out for when we visit. We will be taking a friend who has some experience buying and selling boats, although not in a professional capacity. Also considering a survey, although that depends to some degree on the impression we get of both boat and seller. Asking price is £9k - so hopefully a little out of the "project boat" range. I've seen plenty of photographs and internally and externally it looks surprisingly clean - although I'm under no illusions that there will be things to be done, but hopefully not too much urgently.

As for my experience - none on a boat like this, lots of messing about in sailing dinghies as a teenager, then living on the coast for the last 25 years with a small fishing punt.