If water can find its way into a boat then it WILL find its way. To the novice or first-time buyer I would caution to take your time.
I feel lucky to have found such a solid boat that needs little more than a quick refinish.
Now I recently acquired my first wooden runabout and I started at the modest end of the scale with a little twelve-foot 1962 Whirlwind Comet and 63 Merc 20 horse. I’ve been sailing for over 50 years but only recently bought two small wooden one-design boats that I’ve enjoyed refinishing. Of course the usual caveats apply but sometimes your heart wins the argument. Then in a matter of minutes I search the East Coast jumping from city-to-city and just seeing what’s out there. I enjoy going to the Boats listing and searching for “wood” or “wooden” and seeing what pops-up.
I’ve bought and sold a bunch of different things and have never been let down. The water you are going to use the boat on is critical. West Coast boats are a bit different than a Florida Boat. Go to boat shows, don’t be afraid to travel and get to know different boats.ALWAYS! You will like them during and after the restoration. The kind that low ball you and suck you in, and the kind that tell you up front. If you are doing that ask for the truth in the cost and worst case scenario, and add to that. But do it with a restorer that you trust. BUT, If you can not find your dream boat, then buy a fixer upper. Always fun, and maybe good for finding a wreck. But I googled the boat and found it all over the place. And yes I bought a 25 sportsman because of ebay. Of course some dealers use ebay for awareness. They sell larger boats and rarely have no idea what they are selling. Yacht brokers and odd ball selling sites are a crap shoot. The best boats are at brokers, or dealers. This is one of the main reasons we created Woody Boater. Like we said, each boat is an individual. Trust us, everyone knows everyone and every boat. Ask folks in the culture about a certain boat. Get to know the community and who is good to deal with. Join the Chris – Craft Antique Boat Club and the ACBS.The cheapest boat I bought cost me the most. Look at the entire package of what your considering. Some boats may seem over priced, but are really bargains when you consider the expense in a correct restoration. Yes there is the Hagerty Price guide, but even that can be a bit confusing. Ask around for someone in the area that knows stuff about these boats and has been through restorations. They look at all sorts of boats, but its very hard to tell if a frame is bad, or other things may happen. And standard surveyors don’t understand these boats. Always get a qualified person to look at the boat with you.If you are buying a un-restored boat, know what you are buying. In the case of hacker Craft, they can restore the boat at the factory like new. In some cases some even offer Warranties and guarantees. The great restorers are confident of thier boats and will always be glad to share info and what went into the boat. The difference of one restorer and others can be the difference of a nightmare or a dream. Know the boats history and who did the work.Once you have decided on a model, utility, runabout, racer, etc.Shop around and see lots of boats to make sure its the boat for you. Got a family and like social cruises, or need a fun runabout. Decide how you are going to use the boat.TEST TEST and RE TEST! This is the biggest thing to do. The boat gets very ugly after a rough ride. I have owned boats I like looking at, and hated riding in. Small lakes and large bays are night and day differences. If possible water test the boat in your waters, or waters like yours. You would be shocked what a 1/2 hr run will tell you. As I say sometimes, Run it like a bitch for a bit and test it. Does it leak, how does it run, do you like the ride. A handy note reminder you can print and your wife can paste to your forehead!
0 kommentar(er)
