Feb. 26, 2007 - viewing

An interesting viewing.....

The boat is nearly perfect for us in many many ways.... the layout is ideal, and it is very spacious....

Overall condition is good (with the exception below), but needs a bit of TLC, and a darned good clean....

There were some obvious issues that we would need to have factored into the price should we make an offer:

She needs new sails

The cooker has seen better days

slight leak through cable glands at mast foot

Instruments are far from the first flush of youth

Radar, while apparently working, is steam powered

the cockpit table is past its best

The standing rigging looks OK, but is the original 18 year old, and no doubt the insurers will protest

The gas locker doesn't drain overboard... ditto insurers

and general wear and tear.... nothing too serious

She's out of the water, so can't test the engine which is a downside...

However.... her one big 'issue'....

Someone had previously tipped me off that she suffered a grounding, so I paid particular attention to the keel root and grid.... cracks were present.... I talked to the vendor, and he's had a surveyor look at it, and suggest what seems to be a sensible repair, including grinding the grid back to good glass and repairing, and then adding thick stainless 'boxes' to strengthen for future protection.... the owner is getting this work done, possibly even under his insurance cover....

The question is.... should I walk from this boat?.... I talked to the broker, and he implied an aggressive offer might be the order of the day...

If this weren't the case, then i'd not hesitate in walking away, but maybe there is a good boat after the repair, at a very appealing price in there.... I need to think this one through properly....