Reburbishing a classic yacht

[epl1978]

Hello all,
Let me begin by saying that I have learned quite a bit from the knowledgeable members of the forum over the past couple of years. I think this is a great site!
That said, I hope someone can help me out here. I am a wannabe sea salt who will soon be in the market for a bluewater boat. I am not at all interested in modern, production fiberglass cruisers. Instead, I have an affinity for older vessels of both wood and steel. My ideal boat (I think?) would be a double-ended cutter in the 36-40 ft. range. I have rudamentary welding skills and have considered ordering stock plans for a classic steel cutter and attempting to build the boat myself. But, I think that a more viable option would be to buy an older boat and refurbish her, which is what I initially intended to do.
Can anyone list a few boats that fit this criteria? Also, if they do exist, where do I begin my search? Any information would be very much appreciated.
Eelilittle@hotmail.com

[Tcubed]

Building a boat is an ENORMOUS amount of work. I don't say this to put you off at all , but rather just so you are prepared and do not get disillusioned. I know, i've built and restored various boats.

Refurbishing is very deceptive and can actually end up being EVEN MORE work than just starting from scratch, but that all depends on the infinitely variable boat and it's condition, of course.

You no doubt know this already, but i thought i ' de just put this in , just in case you don't already know.

[Tad]

epl....

Existing used boats are available in the hundreds...for give away prices. Building new is very expensive, whereas you can get wonderful classic boats fully equipped for little money. In wood look for an Atkin design Ingrid (38'), steel double-enders will be round bottom and probably built in europe.

Look at http://www.yachtworld.com go to advanced search under boats. Also haunt craigslist.net

[RHP]

I agree with the lads, in the current economic woes you want to catch an owner with his pants round his ankles and get a bargain. Personally I would start off at a shocking level compared to the asking price and if the guy doesnt put a cricket bat over your head, start smiling.

[Tad]

Yes......rule is.....don't offer (first offer) a penny over half the asking price. See if they're serious.

[epl1978]

Thanks Tcubed, Tad, and RHP for the advice. I am currently looking at two boats, one wood and the other steel. The asking price for both of these vessels is quite low, (I think?) But Ill take your advice and lowball it. Thanks again.

[alan white]

Set your sights high in looking at boats in that size range. If you like the classics----there are steel Bruce Roberts Sprays in steel out there, or how about a Cape George Cutter in glass (hull only--- the rest is wood), etc.
I agree with those who say buy a used boat. Building your own from scratch is a monumental amount of work, and best suited to the knid of person who has decided to immerse himself into a several year odessy for the experience itself.

[epl1978]

Thanks Alan. I have seen Roberts' sprays, but they don't quite appeal to me aesthetically. I have seen a lot of Akins and Archer based designs on the web for reasonable prices. Have you by chance heard of a designer by the name Garber? There is a 1951 Garber Steel Cutter for sale. The owner is asking $25,000 for the boat. At that price Im a bit sceptical.

[alan white]

Garber doesn't ring a bell, and Google only had a lot of references to the boat you already mentioned.
I don't know much about steel boats except to comment on the design.
The one photo I saw of the Garber shows a typical wholesome cruiser of its day, with long overhangs and no doubt long, full keel, but beyond that, I suppose you'd have to ask for a lot of photos or actually fly to Puerto Rico.
Expect to spend a chunk of money on a survey, and expect bad news. And be there to watch what the surveyor finds for next time.
If you're lucky, you might just come away with your dream boat.

[diwebb]

Hi,
if you are looking at buying an older steel boat get a surveyor who specialises in steel boats. I have heard recently of several cases where surveys done pre purchase have landed the new owners with major repair costs not picked up by the survey or in one case a total loss of $750,000.00. Be wary of steel boats older than 10 years, they can be major money traps for the unwary.
David

[apex1]

Originally Posted by diwebb

Be wary of steel boats older than 10 years, they can be major money traps for the unwary.
David

Like every other hull material too !
Regards
Richard