Project boat.

[doug748]

A topic that often generates a lot of heat on these pages. However here is a boat that will appeal to some, and is a good example of a project that has every sign of being a good buy. The Solent Boat Butler:

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[Graham376]

If anyone's looking for a project boat, I know of a Robert Ives Galion 22 which can be had for free, widow wants it out of the way. AFAIK hull is sound but has engine problem, I think a spare one comes with it. Although the boat would be free, it would need wagon with hiab hiring to collect. Location is Cheshire Derbyshire border.

 

[steveeasy]

She looks a good blank canvas and a price that allows for the project to be completed and still be financially viable depending on ones requirements.

Steveeasy

 

[Frogmogman]

A topic that often generates a lot of heat on these pages. However here is a boat that will appeal to some, and is a good example of a project that has every sign of being a good buy. The Solent Boat Butler:

Thanks for posting that

I had heard of @GeorgeIsted - he is something of a legend in Contessa 32 circles, but I didn’t know that he and the Boat Butler were one and the same.

I’ve been really enjoying the videos; a reminder of what a colossal amount of work goes into restoring a boat properly. And George does seem to do everything properly; “that’ll do” does not seem to feature in his lexicon.

 

[steveeasy]

Thanks for posting that

I had heard of @GeorgeIsted - he is something of a legend in Contessa 32 circles, but I didn’t know that he and the Boat Butler were one and the same.

I’ve been really enjoying the videos; a reminder of what a colossal amount of work goes into restoring a boat properly. And George does seem to do everything properly; “that’ll do” does not seem to feature in his

Some people do like to spend thier hard earned cash.

Steveeasy

 

[doug748]

Some people do like to spend thier hard earned cash.

Steveeasy

They do.

A new Contessa 32 will now set you back c £300,000. I am informed, by people who know, that a comprehensive yard restoration might be 60% of that figure.
Makes 9 grand for the featured boat look a good bet.


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[Frogmogman]

They do.

A new Contessa 32 will now set you back c £300,000. I am informed, by people who know, that a comprehensive yard restoration might be 60% of that figure.
Makes 9 grand for the featured boat look a good bet.


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Which makes this extensively and expensively restored one for sale seem relatively good value…(FWIW, I remember this one being one of the boats to beat back in the early 89s when she was called Eymet).

Contessa 32 1979 Used Boat for Sale in Lymington, United Kingdom

 

[dunedin]

Which makes this extensively and expensively restored one for sale seem relatively good value…(FWIW, I remember this one being one of the boats to beat back in the early 89s when she was called Eymet).

Contessa 32 1979 Used Boat for Sale in Lymington, United Kingdom

So spent a "six figure sum" on restoration and being advertised at just over £100k. Shows the poor economics of the restoration.
But of course some people can afford to splash a few hundred k on a watch, a on old Ford car ..... or an old boat. Money is not their concern.

 

[Frogmogman]

So spent a "six figure sum" on restoration and being advertised at just over £100k. Shows the poor economics of the restoration.
But of course some people can afford to splash a few hundred k on a watch, a on old Ford car ..... or an old boat. Money is not their concern.

Indeed. That’s the point. This is so often the best way in to a restored classic car or old boat; buy one that some other idiot has splashed way too much money on.

 

[steveeasy]

Recently described to me as a cult following. May well be in the Solent but further afield things become more normalised.

What do I mean. Well money seams no object to refitting certain boats. It seams considerations such as future values go out the window. If he has that I’ll have one too.

So comparing two types of boat that I perceived to be sort of similar such as a Twister and a Contessa 32 they actually are quite different markets ish. Twisters have a much narrower price range and contessa 32 prices are all over the place.

What do I think? Not much really each to thier own. Nice project boat though.
Steveeasy

 

[Frogmogman]

Recently described to me as a cult following.

It is really. It sort of reminds me of Morgan ownership; you buy one for its beauty and character, and just ignore all of its inherent shortcomings.

I bought my Morgan new in 2011, had five very enjoyable and trouble free years with it, then sold it for pretty much what I paid in the first place. Do I want to buy another one ? No, but I don’t regret a minute of it. It was an absolute joy.



As far as Contessa 32s are concerned, I’ve always had a soft spot for them. I have enjoyed sailing and racing them, I love how pretty they are, but I’m totally over ever wanting to own one. Doesn’t stop me admiring them.

 

[Groucho]

£300k for a new Contessa 32 sounds a lot compared to the cost of a new Contessa 26 - 50k according to this!

Contessa 26 for sale UK, Contessa boats for sale, Contessa used boat sales, Contessa Sailing Yachts For Sale 2022 Contessa 26 - Apollo Duck

 

[Ribtecer]

A topic that often generates a lot of heat on these pages. However here is a boat that will appeal to some, and is a good example of a project that has every sign of being a good buy. The Solent Boat Butler:

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He's interesting this guy, an enjoyable watch.

 

[steveeasy]

£300k for a new Contessa 32 sounds a lot compared to the cost of a new Contessa 26 - 50k according to this!

Contessa 26 for sale UK, Contessa boats for sale, Contessa used boat sales, Contessa Sailing Yachts For Sale 2022 Contessa 26 - Apollo Duck

Must be going mad. If you wanted a smallish boat in tip too condition then you might well think it was a good buy, perhaps not. Clearly I’m loosing my marbles.
Steveeasy

 

[steveeasy]

It is really. It sort of reminds me of Morgan ownership; you buy one for its beauty and character, and just ignore all of its inherent shortcomings.

I bought my Morgan new in 2011, had five very enjoyable and trouble free years with it, then sold it for pretty much what I paid in the first place. Do I want to buy another one ? No, but I don’t regret a minute of it. It was an absolute joy.

View attachment 167994

As far as Contessa 32s are concerned, I’ve always had a soft spot for them. I have enjoyed sailing and racing them, I love how pretty they are, but I’m totally over ever wanting to own one. Doesn’t stop me admiring them.

Very nice indeed.
Steveeasy

 

[doug748]

Recently described to me as a cult following. May well be in the Solent but further afield things become more normalised.

What do I mean. Well money seams no object to refitting certain boats. It seams considerations such as future values go out the window. If he has that I’ll have one too.

So comparing two types of boat that I perceived to be sort of similar such as a Twister and a Contessa 32 they actually are quite different markets ish. Twisters have a much narrower price range and contessa 32 prices are all over the place.

What do I think? Not much really each to thier own. Nice project boat though.
Steveeasy

I don't think Twisters are a great match they are c3ft shorter and the full keel sets them apart. I would put forward the Rival 32/34 as being better and, of course, the Wauquiez Centurion 32. Contessa do have a huge spread of asking prices because of the number that have had expensive restoration plus you can see 5 or 50 year old examples.

Speaking of what a grand deal the 9k Contessa was, here is a Rival 32 asking 7.5K:

Rival 32 for sale UK, Rival boats for sale, Rival used boat sales, Rival Sailing Yachts For Sale 1972 Rival 32 - Apollo Duck

That really is a boat you would not want to touch with the proverbial barge pole.


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[steveeasy]

I don't think Twisters are a great match they are c3ft shorter and the full keel sets them apart. I would put forward the Rival 32/34 as being better and, of course, the Wauquiez Centurion 32. Contessa do have a huge spread of asking prices because of the number that have had expensive restoration plus you can see 5 or 50 year old examples.

Speaking of what a grand deal the 9k Contessa was, here is a Rival 32 asking 7.5K:

Rival 32 for sale UK, Rival boats for sale, Rival used boat sales, Rival Sailing Yachts For Sale 1972 Rival 32 - Apollo Duck

That really is a boat you would not want to touch with the proverbial barge pole.


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I agree they are chalK and cheese with significant design differences.
Steveeasy

 

[Bodach na mara]

Rival 32 for sale UK, Rival boats for sale, Rival used boat sales, Rival Sailing Yachts For Sale 1972 Rival 32 - Apollo Duck

That really is a boat you would not want to touch with the proverbial barge pole.

I disagree. I would love to get my hands on that boat. However my wife would have kittens if I did. She would point out that, at my age, I should be past even thinking about a boat in that condition.

 

[Chiara’s slave]

300 grand for a C32? Their customers must be out of their tiny minds.

 

[dunedin]

300 grand for a C32? Their customers must be out of their tiny minds.

But this sort of buyer might be otherwise paying £500k for a small Spirit yacht - of £300k for a 40 year old Ford car - ie the very wealthy looking for a toy and not concerned about the cost.
may have 3 other boats near their three houses?