Novice seeking guidance, buying used sailboat?

Question

I should add that I am looking specically at a 23.5 Hunter sailb.,'96, used in fresh water but husband, daughter and I want to sail her in outerbank channels (salt/brackish) needs coat of paint on hull and repair of depth finder. 8995 is asking price. we do not know how to sail yet, daughter thinks this is good buy and that we'll enjoy learning on her. is this plausible? we're in our 50's but trainable...

Answer 1

one of the biggest mistakes I have seen new buyers do with any used boat is if it is in the water, they don't have a diver check out the bottom.

I have seen rudders hanging, cracked

through hulls damaged, missing,

keels cracked,

6 feet of growth past where you can see, tons of barnacles,

props bent, no zincs,

This is to name a little stuff here. I have dive logs full of neglect to the vessel that cant be seen from topside.

ideally, if the boat remains in salt water, a diver or yourself should dive, inspect, clean the hull quarterly. Zincs replaced when down to manfg recommendations. I change mine out when they are 1/2 - 2/3 used. If these aren't maintained, the metal on your boat and your electronics will cease to be reliable, not function or fail..

Also when was a recent survey done?

That is inspecting the integrity of the vessel, it can cost a little to have done if the owner hasn't had it done, and save you thousands

How is the sail inventory, condition, rigging connections to hull all sound

motor type, if out board how old, working conditions, if inboard, maintenance records

Answer 2

My advice is, DON'T DO IT.  First, find a reputable sailing school in your area, take some lessons, learn how to use the boats, rent some boats of different types, then pursue a purchase when you know a little about what you want-if you still want a sail boat, then and only then purchase one-you won't be asking this type of question on this forum.  You will be asking something more specific, such as, the Cal 20  I am looking at has a small tear on the leading flange on the spinnaker, does anyone have a line on a repair shop for that problem??

Answer 3

You have to ask yourself a few questions...What size are you looking for? Do you have people to sail it with? How much experience do you have? How much time/money are you willing to sink into the boat? Where are you going to dock/store it? Do you intend to race or just cruise around? After you have some criterion about the type of boat you're looking for, and your commitment to the boat, then start searching.

The site listed in sources is a great place to start.

Hope that helps!