Two almost identicle boats..which one do you choose?

Are the sails both the original set? If not, when renewed?


Do they both have the same number of sails, or does one have extra eg storm sail, spinnaker etc?

Both have a dinghy?
How old is each outboard etc.
 
Nostrodamus said:
This is something I came across whilst looking for a boat.

You find two identical boats probably built next to each other both about 10 years old.

The first boat is immaculate, has all the original fittings and looks like it has never been used.

The second boat is also in good condition although very slightly more worn than the first. It has recently had new winches, new rigging, new engine, and various other parts renewed.

The second boat is slightly more expensive than the first, probably due to the extensive re fit.

Which boat would you choose and why?
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Hmmmm.

One looks very young for her age, and little used. Sounds good, but does she have the experience? Is there substance behind the good looks? Is there a problem that is lurking and just hasn't been exposed because she hasn't really been tested?

The other has obviously seen some action, and she's got some recent upgrades to take care of any wear and tear. She's obviously been loved, but what is on the verge of wearing out and just hasn't been addressed yet? Is she an expensive proposition long term?

A bit like choosing a woman, really. Go for the one with the bigger fenders.
 
Nostrodamus said:
In the end something really small and stupid that I found changed my whole way of thinking.
Click to expand...


3394620707.JPG

Don't blame you
 
Nostrodamus said:
This is something I came across whilst looking for a boat.

You find two identical boats probably built next to each other both about 10 years old.

The first boat is immaculate, has all the original fittings and looks like it has never been used.

The second boat is also in good condition although very slightly more worn than the first. It has recently had new winches, new rigging, new engine, and various other parts renewed.

The second boat is slightly more expensive than the first, probably due to the extensive re fit.

Which boat would you choose and why?
Click to expand...
I would go for the second. The reason is I have bought 10 year old boats 3 times and each time I have gone for the shiniest unused one and each time I have ended up with a list oif things needing replacement. Most yacht gear seems to have a life of about 10 years
 
Thank you for the replies,I did enjoy them.

It is strange how something small can chnge your mind about a boat.

In this case I found several lat/ long position written on the wood in pen near to the nav station in scruffy writing.
It just made me think that someone did not care about the boat. With the re fit it then made me think that someone with too much money had driven the boat far to hard or not serviced the boat correctly, hence replacing items that should not have needed changing.

I may have been totally wrong but an idea is a powerful thing.

Besides that swmbo and I felt good about the 1st boat and we did not have the same feeling about the second.

In the end we surveyed the first boat which was valued at a good bit more than the offer. The surveyor also said he had not seen a boat of that age is such good condition and if we didn't buy it he would.

I have no regrets at all and have no doubt that the second boat was a wonderful boat for her new owner.

It was strange though how something so small can change your whole thought process.

Have you ever discounted a boat because of something small?
 
Last edited:
We looked at two identical boats one day apart. I knew the second one was in better condition than the first so was taken aback when SWMBO said after 2 minutes on board the first "Buy it". We did go and look at the second which was in very nice condition but SWMBO just said it didn't feel right! Guess which one we bought!
 
ukmctc said:
When ever you want an engine let me know.......what a profit, these are the boaties I like.
Click to expand...

I was just basing it on a recent article in a French mag about re-engining. Engines in the 35 - 45 hp range cost between €8k and €15k before installation costs. Assuming a 45' Oyster like Nostradamus would use between 70 and 100hp, I was just extrapolating.

As a matter of interest what sort of price would a (approx) 50 hp motor cost with and without installation? New? Reconditioned?
 
Sybarite said:
I was just basing it on a recent article in a French mag about re-engining. Engines in the 35 - 45 hp range cost between €8k and €15k before installation costs. Assuming a 45' Oyster like Nostradamus would use between 70 and 100hp, I was just extrapolating.

As a matter of interest what sort of price would a (approx) 50 hp motor cost with and without installation? New? Reconditioned?
Click to expand...

It can be very misleading just looking at engine prices without considering the specific installation. A basic engine/box varies from about £3k for a 10hp up to about £9k for around 70hp. However, the Oyster under discussion uses a saildrive, and suspect the re-engined one had a 75hp unit installed (suggested it was uprated - the standard 60hp is marginal) so needs a new saildrive as well, plus new prop and they tend to go for expensive featherers (Max Prop, Bruntons etc) at £2500+. Installation would be at least £1200-1500, plus other bits that might need renewing/upgrading. So doubt the owner saw much change out of £15k.

Having done two re-engine jobs (smaller engines) myself, I know how quickly the "extras" can add up. Simple things - new engine needs 3/4" water supply - old was 1/2". Strainer, through hull, anti syphon - £200. Exhaust on the other side and smaller diameter, new control cables as gearchange and speed control in different positions. Thank goodness I could use the same prop - £1200 to replace with same type etc. etc. Then if it is the usual 30 year+ replacement you usually have to replace all the ancilliaries as well and probably rebuild engine beds. My Yanmar 1GM got recycled into another boat to replace a Petter. New owner spent as much on the fitting as he paid me for the engine - which was not cheap!
 
Guapa said:
Nanni N4.60 (60hp). 6.6K for the engine - IIRC 1.2K installing the thing.
Fox's - Ipswich
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Guapa,
Just been looking at the restoration photo of your boat. Was there anything you didn't have done?
She does look beautiful now though.
I also see you had problems with the glue. Seems to have got on yours and swmbo lips :D:D
Good sailing my friend.
 
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