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Author
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Topic: Trouble brewing!
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whited
unregistered
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posted May 15, 2003 07:03 PM
Checked the ads in today's Mail Star.
Someone is selling a Sandpiper c/w trailer
and 4 hp outboard.
It's driving me nuts. Should I call or not?
The skipper of the Mirage 33 I crew on is expecting me to be a regular this year, and it's crazy to spend $ 5k on a boat when I have use of a bigger one for free.
but....there's nothing like being captain of your own boat.
Downside...the boat/trailer is a bit too heavy to tow with my Voyager mini van.
I'd also have to join a boat club, get a
mooring, dinghy etc. $$$
Should I call or not??? What if the boat is in perfect shape and I let it get away?
d'oh!
Besides the Mirage,our skipper ownes a Hobie Cat 21 and I have the CL 14.
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Tom D CL16
Member
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posted May 15, 2003 07:15 PM
 
A phone call is CHEAP!
You may want to see the boat.
If you are interested enough to look at the ads then you are interested enough to look and maybe buy.
Looking doesn't necessarily mean you have to buy the boat.
O Damn buy the boat and become your own captain. The big boat skipper can find replacement crew. Or you still could sail with him and on your own boat.
You could possibly find a marina that has off water storage and use a dolly of some sort to get into the water. We have marinas in Mi that have trailered boats and they will even put it in and take it out for you with a little lead time.
Tom D.
A boat owner is a fine man or worman.
Tom D.
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Celtic Kiss
unregistered
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posted May 15, 2003 11:54 PM
Don; I agree with Tom 100%.
------------------
Robert
Celtic Kiss #2120
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whited
unregistered
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posted May 16, 2003 08:39 AM
Hi guys...
Got a phone call back from the seller at 2330 last night.
Seems he's only had the boat since last fall...doesn't know what year. Says it's in 'good' condition. The owner before him didn't grease the jack system for the centerboard and could only turn the thing 40 or so turns, rather than the 90 or so
required to fully lower/retract. Says he freed it up and can now go all the way.
The trailer sounds iffy. He says it was on a 'too small' one so he got an old non galvanized trailer from a buddy..had it registered as 'home built' and got it safety checked. Says it needs the bunks adjusted properly.
All this causes me concern. If I'm going to make the leap...I want a 'cream puff' boat,
someone's baby that received lots of TLC
over the years. I think this is especially important, as the Sandpiper fleet is at least 20 years old and most closer to 25 years. My theory is...it's better to wait for an exceptional boat, and pay a premium price than something that could end up costing me more in the long run.
Am I dreaming...? unrealistic??
note: that exactly what my 1984 CL 14 is...a cream puff owned by a middle aged woman
who sailed only occasionaly.
My Siren 17 was brand new. An armed forces guy bought it new in tha fall and was transfered to BC before he had a sail.
My old Kolbi 12 was my one well used boat.
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Celtic Kiss
unregistered
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posted May 16, 2003 11:04 AM
Don; I wouldn't be worried to much if I were you for a number of reasons. 1) the centerboard lifting system appears to be taken care of and is now a non-issue. 2) the concern of the trailer is questionable. If the trailer is safety-inspected, that means that it IS roadworthy so long as it is rated to carry something as heavy as a Sandpiper. 3) when was the last time you used the CL 14? It sounds to me that you spend most of your sailing time on the Mirage 33. Like I told "Jayboat" you'll find a big difference going from a roomy 33' to a 14'. Personally I don't believe in paying a premium price for a used sailboat. From my experience working in a boat yard, used boats may look a bit ragged but they really aren't. It's all cosmetics. A fibreglass boat is easily transformed into showroom condition after a few hours of compounding and waxing a boat. Besides if you have to do a bit of work on the 'Piper, you'll have a much better "feel" for the boat. The 'Piper was originally design for the English Channel so I'm sure she's worthy enough for Halifax Harbour, Mahone and St.Margarets Bay. You mention that the 'Piper is 20-25 yrs. The San Juan 21 fleet I raced here in Calgary ceased producing hulls in the early '70's yet the guys can readily get parts. I find that Sailboat parts are pretty much generic anyway. ------------------
Robert
Celtic Kiss #2120
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Eric
Member
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posted May 16, 2003 07:14 PM
Don, I'd find out why he is selling so soon after purchasing the boat. Maybe he found something with the boat that he cannot repair, or would cost him a great deal.I would be happy to give you some pointers/experiences I've had with my boat. Send me an email and I'll get back to you. Cheers, Eric
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Ken
Member
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posted May 20, 2003 05:30 PM
My Sandpiper pulls easily behind a Chrysler van. Fully loaded with gas, battery, motor and full cruising gear for a long Georgian Bay trip the thing weighs under 2000 pounds...that's a class 1 trailer rating and within the towing range of many many vehicles with a 6 cylinder engine.
I have a home built trailer with large wheels and I launch it at our club's ramp WITHOUT a car....I use a rope winch for dinghy handling.If you can wait until I'm able to purchase my liveaboard Niagara 35 or Ontario 32, my "creampuff" Sandpiper will be back on the market again someday. (2004-5?) I'll be sailing it in Humber Bay this summer and plan to make a third trip to Georgian Bay's North Channel (by trailer) ------------------
"Never be afraid to try something new: Professionals built the Titanic
And amateurs built the Ark."
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Darcy
Member
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posted May 21, 2003 12:43 AM
When we purchased our fiberglass cottage power boat I had a marine surveyor check it out. The boat had the same reputation as the Sandpiper; well built and solid. That being said, our survey discovered a bit of rot in the transom.Might I suggest that if you felt the boat was worth it you make an offer "conditional on marine survey". If you find a deficiency you can than adjust your offer for the cost of the repair. You'll feel better having some peace of mind and I think the seller will also feel better knowing he hasn't sold a fellow sailor a problem boat. D'Arcy
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