All of the above well said over two years and have not raised a sail yet . I did give my self three years and that should be about right .
I keep adding things though

samsturdy said..

And then there is the aspect of putting your "stamp" on it. You want it to be "your boat" not
someone else's boat that you have bought, so you spend some cash to make it "just right"
Then every time you step on board you get that "yeah" feeling. Priceless.

Oh yes Sam!! That is a big thing for me....... and it is Priceless.

as someone who's whole life working and spare time revolves around buggered old timber yachts i can say there is nothing so good as bringing an old yacht back to life and sailing it at full noise. i find it much more rewarding than building from new "not much of a challenge in that " just don't keep financial records

It is a well known piece of advice on all the sailing forums that the best value boat to buy is the more expensive one, that has all the work done on it. The corollary of that, is if you invest in restoring a boat, you will not recover your investment.

However, if restoration is your thing, and you get a kick out of it, then your loss is just a payment for pleasure.

WRT the selling prices, it is also a well known fact that initial listing prices are often wildly optimistic. The brokers have often told me how many vendors insist on high listing prices, and slowly, over months and sometimes years, reality sets in. Some brokers refuse to list boats if the vendor is too unrealistic.

The Spacesailor 24 is a good example. Listing in the $20k region, and selling in the $10 to $12k actual.

Compass 29s: Listings start in the $30k+ range, and slowly decline to around $20k, and even some with old 8hp engines to around $12k.

It is all very sad, modern life with high maintenance costs, and lack of time for the young ones. However, a great oppportunity for retired folk with a good income. Anybody want to buy a process engineering business??

Trek said..


Indeed $$$ has nothing to do with it really where sailing boats are concerned.

For example a boat thats sailed the Pacific has a certain character and reputation that cant be converted into $$$. Or the Atlantic even more dollars. To stand on the decks of a boat like that is a wonderful thrill that makes one feel like adventure. I think its called "sea fever" Standing on the deck of a boat thats won lots of sailing championships is like sitting on a champion race horse. Who cares if the rigging's a bit rusty or a few things need fixing, sailings for love of the sea, wind and nature not economics

Beautifully said Trek.
I love my Tartan 37 and have that exact feeling about her as she has crossed the Pacific. I cherish the tattered American flag that weathered the journey with her.
I am living on board full time now, and had this funny feeling when I came on land the other day. I don't know if this is common, but I suddenly felt like land people are almost on a different planet.
Maybe I've been solo to long

McNaughtical said..

Trek said..


Indeed $$$ has nothing to do with it really where sailing boats are concerned.

For example a boat thats sailed the Pacific has a certain character and reputation that cant be converted into $$$. Or the Atlantic even more dollars. To stand on the decks of a boat like that is a wonderful thrill that makes one feel like adventure. I think its called "sea fever" Standing on the deck of a boat thats won lots of sailing championships is like sitting on a champion race horse. Who cares if the rigging's a bit rusty or a few things need fixing, sailings for love of the sea, wind and nature not economics

Beautifully said Trek.
I love my Tartan 37 and have that exact feeling about her as she has crossed the Pacific. I cherish the tattered American flag that weathered the journey with her.
I am living on board full time now, and had this funny feeling when I came on land the other day. I don't know if this is common, but I suddenly felt like land people are almost on a different planet.
Maybe I've been solo to long

McNautical thank you for your kind words you are most charming My most recent boat came with the previous skippers cap, he passed on to the great sea in the sky. I keep it on board in the chart table as kind of a piece of the boats history and as a good luck charm. Throwing it away would be a bit like parting two old friends!

Well,

I just spent the last week, in Cowan Creek, on my late 80,s Cavalier 37 "liability". Great week, beautiful spot, lots of relaxation.

If the values in the original post are now typical she is worth around a third of what I paid in initial cost and upgrades.

I must admit this was not expected when I bought the boat, I bought a somewhat neglected boat at a around half the then market price and spent the difference on upgrades. That was 6 years ago. Prices have plummeted since then but we plan keeping the boat for many more years so the loss will not be realised until we sell.

I would gladly do the same again, the enjoyment gained makes the expense worthwhile. I would however always remember that boats are about enjoyment, definatley not investment!

Jedibrad said..
I've just bought a Late 80's boat after looking for 2 years at a particular design that mostly finished in the early 80's

There is a big difference in quality in the things that cost a lot, winches, rig etc..

Well don't leave us there mate!! What stamp of boat, how many did you look at, how good was the deal and how about a few pics?????

Pirate ship eh??

How do these pics get to be upside down - there is a little man in my computer who hates me.

PhoenixStar said..












OK, so here is another golden oldie from the late 70s, a Gary Mull designed Ranger 33. Built like the proverbial but rather sad when bought for less than 30k. Three months hard yakka doing a complete refit and more money spent than she is worth on the market, but these boats were build when the CCA rule had ended and the IOR rule was not yet in place and they do have merit - they were built to a purpose, not a racing rule. Strong, fast and seaworthy with lines that don't age, and a joy to sail, the Cals, Swansons , S&S just refuse to die. I believe some Rangers are still racing competitively in the States.

I was tempted to bring a Ranger 33 in from Japan a few years ago. It was a full race version that had been shipped over from the USA for some event, left there and was in a very poor state. All Gary Mull's boats are good but the 33 is probably the best.

My boat is a 1993 beautiful Adams 35 New sails
New hatches new electrics, new wiring, berth mattresses, autopilot, radio, stove, toilet, dingy and outboard, although its my home you do things to make your life easier I have put lots of stamps on it.











Other good boats that have had considerable work and love poured into them.

. .. in a mild rage the other night over something trivial ( as u do) repair required. I declared to my partner I'm selling chopes and bro.

She looked at me and said " really? You will sell this boat? "

Something struck me....while its "my " boat it was clearly , while unspoken, her boat too.

I didn't answer....after a length of pause she informed me not to say such things. .." you will truly hurt the boat if she hears you"

While I'd love a new boat...it appears I've been chosen for this one.

Chit happens bro
Know the feeling

Got to agree with that MB. Boats hold you safe in their bosom while you are in a potentially deadly situation.
Just like a good Mum......and we all love our Mums, don't we.