Refit or New?

[Guest]

I have an old Ohlson 35 - great sailing boat but limited accomodation and headroom. I have a choice of re-fitting (Engine, electrics, H/C Water, upholstery, instruments etc) or buying a new boat. A refit is going to cost 20K on top of the current value of the boat (say 20K), but I can get a new Bavaria 38 for 70K. The Ohlson will probably be worth 30K after the refit. I have sailed Bavarias a lot (38 and 41's) and have always been impressed with their performance and accomodation. Any thoughts?

 

[chippie]

I think the critical point is how long you would intend to keep your current boat after the refit. You accurately identify the fact that you will be spending money that you would only get half back on resale. I think you would probably lose a similar amount or more on a new boat in terms of depreciation depending on how long you kept her.

1 How much do you like your current boat?

2 Would the extra financial commitment take some of the shine from the new boat?

3 What else can you get for the money?

Good luck whatever you do , please post and tell us what you decide.

Cheers

 

[JeremyF]

I dont know about the Ohlson, but what I can vouch for is the attitude of wives and family to new boats. My wife, who tolerates sailing, has been so much more keen on sailing this year now we have moved from a 17 year old Moody 31 to a new Bav 34. Space, no musty or diesel smells, decent fridge, hot water etc has changed her attitude.

I guess the answer depends on your circumstances - I would guess that the Ohlson will be the better sea boat, or at least have a more kindly motion in a blow, than the Bav's which seem to be getting relatively lighter with each model release, but if you are primarily a weekend family sailor, like 80% of the posters here, then the arguments in favour of a new Ben/Jen/Bav are pretty compelling.

Jeremy Flynn