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09-10-2016, 08:09 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 265
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Found 2 but which one should we buy?
After months of searching we've found 2 boats that we like and trying to decide which one to make an offer on. So thought I'd ask the members their opinions. Both are Taiwan boats.
The first one has Cat 210NA engines, generator replaced in 2007, fuel tanks replaced with aluminum, hardtop over flybridge and aft deck. Windows show no or minor leaking. There is a spot near the shower where the floor is wet.
The 2nd has Perkins 200 hp engines, older Westerbeke generator. Fuel tanks are iron and covered with insulation and has an inspection port. They appear to be painted and there are no signs of rust anywhere and no leaks and they are full. Bimini top over flybridge and hardtop over aft deck. Windows show no or minor leaking, but near entry door the veneer is peeling, plywood under is dry.
We think the 2nd is a prettier boat but concerned about the fuel tanks at some point may need replacing.
What are your thoughts?
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09-10-2016, 08:34 AM
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#2
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Guru
City: Jacksonville Beach, FL
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 1,252
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I can see your dilemma, folivier. The factors you list do sort of cancel each other out.
More info would be necessary to offer intelligent advice (such as how long you expect to own), but allow me to share my list of criteria for a boat - any boat. In order of importance, it must be: 1) safe, 2) reliable, 3) efficient, and 4) good looking. Maybe you could try assigning points for each factor on a scale of one to ten, then compare the two boats.
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09-10-2016, 09:11 AM
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#3
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Guru
City: Concrete Washington State
Vessel Name: Willy
Vessel Model: Willard Nomad 30'
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 18,743
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We bought the "black iron" boat and soon we were replacing tanks .. w new aluminum. And the choice of aluminum was not from a TF poll.
__________________
Eric
North Western Washington State USA
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09-10-2016, 09:30 AM
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#4
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Guru
City: Palm Coast
Vessel Name: Southerly
Vessel Model: 1986 Marine Trader 36' Sundeck
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,231
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I also bought a boat recently with old fuel tanks that I expect to replace at some point. They are not leaking, knock on wood. I will replace with aluminium when there is any sign of leaking. I got a quote of around 10 grand and promptly started a reserve account that I put money into when I can so the bite of the cost to replace won't be a strain.
Buy the boat you fell in love with and prepare to open your wallet. I am now sending my daughter to the marine store everyday so I can get work done on the boat I fell in love with. It truly is a labor of love.
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09-10-2016, 09:32 AM
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#5
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Guru
City: Philadelphia, PA
Vessel Name: Revel
Vessel Model: 1984 Fu Hwa 39
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,024
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We've got the iron tanks, the ceiling tiles, and the old Perkins twins. The boat has its issues and age but nearly all the cosmetics are good. We've also got a boat whose looks and layout we like.
Mechanicals are all very interesting but there are no guarantees about any part of 'em. It's not as though boats were as good as Honda cars and could be expected to cause you no grief.
As a retired architect and a woodchuck, I say go for what you want to be in and look at.
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09-10-2016, 09:40 AM
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#6
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Guru
City: Stuart FL
Vessel Name: Lucky Lucky
Vessel Model: Pacific Mariner 65
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,760
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All above are right on. I personally would be swayed in the direction of the CAT NA's, new tanks and genset. Those are big ticket items. Not worrying about tank failure would be worth a lot to me. I'd rather spend those dollars on upgrades of electronics etc.
Replacing tanks is like saying we are only going to replace the counter tops in our kitchen. One thing leads to another. YMMV. Good luck with your choice.
__________________
Howard
Lucky Lucky
Stuart, FL
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09-10-2016, 11:02 AM
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#7
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Enigma
City: Slicker?
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 16,563
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Greetings,
Ms. D. "Buy the boat you fell in love with and prepare to open your wallet." Sorry. I HAVE to disagree with the first part of this statement. Unless one is independently wealthy one can EASILY open one's wallet to the extent that only lint remains IF one makes a decision based on emotions. I strongly suggest a heavy dose of pragmatism before putting in any offers. It follows IF one is indeed independently wealthy one is not shopping for used vessels (for the most part).
__________________
RTF
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09-10-2016, 11:28 AM
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#8
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Guru
City: Palm Coast
Vessel Name: Southerly
Vessel Model: 1986 Marine Trader 36' Sundeck
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,231
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RT Firefly
Greetings,
Ms. D. "Buy the boat you fell in love with and prepare to open your wallet." Sorry. I HAVE to disagree with the first part of this statement. Unless one is independently wealthy one can EASILY open one's wallet to the extent that only lint remains IF one makes a decision based on emotions. I strongly suggest a heavy dose of pragmatism before putting in any offers. It follows IF one is indeed independently wealthy one is not shopping for used vessels (for the most part).
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A boat is a labor of love whether you buy it new or used. Boats also cost money to maintain. One does have to have some money to even consider a large vessel. I am lucky, I can do most of the work myself with the exception of the tanks which I have set up an account for eventual replacement.
The only boat owners I have ever met without money to maintain it are the ones whose boats in the marina look like they belong in a boat graveyard.
I did not make my decision on emotion as you say but rather on the survey. I am currently working on it in my spare time to make it "my own". Just because I'm a woman please don't mistake me for weak please.
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09-10-2016, 11:53 AM
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#9
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Moderator Emeritus
City: Au Gres, MI
Vessel Name: Black Dog
Vessel Model: Formula 41PC
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 21,185
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I have never owned either Cats or Perkins, but if I were looking at two boats I would look into parts availibility and cost. I have been told that some Perkins parts are obsolete or very expensive. The tank issue would weigh heavily also. But having said that, you gotta buy what you love. Just saying if you really like them both, then look at tanks, parts issues, etc.
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09-10-2016, 12:07 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
City: Gustavia
Vessel Name: Soler Fox
Vessel Model: Selene 62
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 339
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You crazy don't buy a boat
find friends with boat
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09-10-2016, 12:12 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
City: Kingsville, MD
Vessel Name: Harmony
Vessel Model: Pacemaker 1990 37' Convertible
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 287
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RT- agree totally. There are very few boat problems that money and time cannot fix, it just depends on how much of both you are willing to part with. Our boat isn't the only thing we have going on in life, therefore we take a conservative approach, try to do things ourselves, and wait on things that can be done later.
Safety and operational things take priority. Color of the curtains can be fixed later.
__________________
Any day aboard is a good day.
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09-10-2016, 12:22 PM
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#12
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Guru
City: Trenton
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,522
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Buy the boat that speaks to your heart.
They all cost too much to operate and maintain but if you're in love you don't care.
If you don't like the boat you will resent every penny.
__________________
Al Johnson
34' Marine Trader
"Angelina"
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09-10-2016, 12:59 PM
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#13
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Guru
City: Southern Maine
Vessel Model: Prairie 36 Coastal Cruiser
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,717
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Newer engines, genset and tanks? Hard top on flybridge? All else being equal, I'd go with #1. I have nothing against old Perkins 200HP engines; I have two of them. But I'd trade them for two 2007 Cat's in a heartbeat.
I also have old fuel tanks. Mine are aluminum, and there have been no confirmed leaks yet, but the thought of having to replace them keeps me awake nights.
I agree that any boat can suck up all your time and money. But it makes sense to try and keep the odds in your favor.
Is boat #2 THAT much prettier?
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09-10-2016, 03:19 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 265
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A couple more differences. Boat #1 the Cats are original but generator was replaced in 2007. Topsides are painted and it is dull and chalky. The inside has more wear since it was a live aboard for 12 years then a charter for about 4 years. Batteries are 1 year old and wet cell 8D. Portholes are aluminum and have some corrosion.
Boat #2 is nice and shiny outside and the inside is in better condition. Both boats have about the same # of engine hours. Has new 8D AGM batteries. Portholes are stainless. Was used for short trips and as weekend condo.
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09-10-2016, 03:33 PM
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#15
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Enigma
City: Slicker?
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 16,563
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Greetings,
Mr. f. Between the two? Definitely boat #2. Try to have the tanks inspected if possible to ease your concerns. $.02...
__________________
RTF
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09-10-2016, 03:42 PM
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#16
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Guru
City: Carefree, Arizona
Vessel Name: sunchaser V
Vessel Model: DeFever 48 (sold)
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 10,185
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Until a hull and mechanical surveys are done it is all a bit of a crapshoot. Are these the only two you are considering? If yes, find one that is newer, better shape, fewer needed upgrades and more expensive. Then make your offer to bring it in line with the other two. You never know.
And I'm with RT, forget about emotions ruling the day. Me, I'd avoid a 12 year live aboard.
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09-10-2016, 04:11 PM
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#17
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Guru
City: Trenton
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,522
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Vanna White is pointing to the boat behind door number 2.
__________________
Al Johnson
34' Marine Trader
"Angelina"
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09-10-2016, 04:23 PM
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#18
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Guru
City: Hill Country TX/S.Portland Maine
Vessel Name: bout’ time
Vessel Model: Grady White 282 Sailfish
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 642
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Quote:
Originally Posted by alormaria
If you don't like the boat you will resent every penny.
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2
__________________
..."some gave all, KIA"...
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09-10-2016, 06:13 PM
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#19
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Guru
City: gulf coast
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 3,440
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unless the boats are same I suggest trying to imagine living on them. Do they have comfortable places to eat, read, watch TV can you sit up in bed without hitting the overhead? Is the shower suitable? Is there a shaded even weatherproof place to watch sunsets? believe it or not you won't spend all the time working on or driving the boat.
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09-10-2016, 06:47 PM
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#20
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Guru
City: Sydney
Vessel Name: Sojourn
Vessel Model: Integrity 386
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 13,329
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Write down on a "T" chart for each boat all the + and - features of it. Include everything, not just the ones you posted. That will give you a better picture of each boat. Then comes the hard part, the comparison decision, but at least you are starting with a clear picture of each boat. You may have to input "which feels right" in the end.
I was once told if you can`t decide whether you want to eat an orange or an apple, your desire for each is more or less equal, and it doesn`t matter much which you choose. You might come to that point.
__________________
BruceK
2005 Integrity 386 "Sojourn"
Sydney Australia
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