Hi TJM
Please feel free to PM if you want to discuss this on a more personal basis.
I have been "warned" by the owner of the company who called me about my posts (even though I have never mentioned who they are at all and everything I have posted is fact) and stated I would be "monitored" and would consider discussing it with his attorneys if I persisted. I guess the 1st amendment doesn't apply on this forum?
I was told by the broker that no one else had inquired about the boat and I was the only prospect, I would like to think that was true.
When I attended the sea trial and mechanical survey, I had a friend of mine who is a retired commercial Captain, a USCG reservist and trainer come with me. He also travels the state giving speeches to various groups about boat electrical systems and wiring.
I also had Peter, the surveyor, who has been highly recommended by others on this forum return for the sea trial and to inspect the "repairs" done.
There were about 10 items found wrong with the port engine before it was fired up. There were multiple fuel leaks that had nothing to do with him changing the lines, fuel was dripping from 3 injectors. there where about 4 oil leaks that were actively dripping from the gaskets, not the ones that stop when the engines heat up.
The starboard was also just as bad. The one motor mount had been driven down and the motors was not even touching the mount. This happened to be the shaft that just had the cutlass bearing replaced and so definitely not aligned after the replacement.
When the engines died, we went to have a cup off coffee and both surveyors agreed that these motors were done for and leaving the dock for a sea trial was a waste of everyone's time and the fact that were the only boat in the water, if the engines died, we would be in serious trouble. Peter, the surveyor, had also discovered 3 hull leaks and the electrical was still sub par after repair. Both surveyors recommended that the boat have engines overhauled/ replaced and the boat rewired. The starboard engines would have to be lifted to fix the engine mounts Not my words, but theirs. I was given a rough estimate of 50k to replace the engines and about 20k for a rewire and that is before addressing the other issues. My friend agreed with their findings.
I think I would call this a project boat. In contrast there was a 50ft Trojan in the same harbor, with a clean survey that I still have. The owners had rewired the boat, updated the galley and salon etc and it was listed for 70K. That boat is a worth 70K, not the one that needs 80k worth of work.
There was not one insurance company that would entertain coverage unless I could show substantial work had been done to improve the issues in the survey. The "repairs" done would never had cut it. Sorry you had to drive there for nothing, it is such a sad to sight to see this awesome looking boat deteriorating. At the right price and for someone local, I am sure this boat could be an awesome vessel again.