So you buy a 40 yr old boat................

[Dan the man]

there are good boats that are much newer at a lot less money...bide your time and look behind every boatyard and see what is sitting in a corner. I have never paid more than a 2k for any of my cruisers (albeit small up to 24ft) and I have had a sea wych, swift 18 through to current boat that is a newbridge venturer 1989 model (with a like new yamaha F8 2002 model) in very good strucutral condition just spent the winter washing her down...I have a car boot mentality. and I still maintain ethical values, almost!

 

[ianj99]

What's the worst that can happen??

I am looking at a few yachts right now, and the type and price that I can afford are all from the late 60's to late 70's. I am told by many that the 'old uns' were built like tanks (!)......

Engines can be replaced, rigging renewed, etc etc............but what about the superstructure?

Any thoughts anyone?

Chox

P.S. Is a survey really worth it?

I bought a 33year old steel ketch in December (a Bruce Roberts design) expecting to have to spend money on it. I did have it surveyed which was possibly a waste of money but I didn't have the time myself, to arrange the haul out and then go over it with a fine toothed comb.

So far there have been no nasty surprises just the usual list of jobs that a few years of neglect cause.

I'd regard it as something of a restoration project and aim to as much of the work myself otherwise the cost could make the whole project uneconomic.