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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

RT Firefly said:

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.

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.

You crazy don't buy a boat
find friends with boat

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.

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.

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?

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.

Greetings,
Mr. f. Between the two? Definitely boat #2. Try to have the tanks inspected if possible to ease your concerns. $.02...

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.

Vanna White is pointing to the boat behind door number 2.

alormaria said:

If you don't like the boat you will resent every penny.

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2

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.

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.

folivier said:

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....Portholes are aluminum and have some corrosion.

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These issues might tip the scales in favor of #2 for me.

I see your dilemma. BayView offered a good strategy; imaging living on each. Also, imagine picking each, and whether will you regret not picking the other some day.

For example, if you pick the one with the painted hull (who DOES that??), then you'll always wish you had a shiny one. Factor in how much it would cost to strip and awl-grip.

Have any pics ???

Did you choose one?

folivier said:

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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Unbelievable...this thread has gone into two pages, asking opinions on two boats, where the only issues and features discussed are the engines, fuel tanks, and where some patches of damp have been detected, and not one person has asked what make the blessed boats are..!

Please, as everyone seems unbelievably well-mannered & restrained, (I'm sure they must be bursting to know), I will take it on myself, on behalf of us all...please tell us what they are and post some pics if possible. The tanks and the engines are not, in the end, what usually clinches the deal, I suspect.

We've decided on boat #1 and our broker is furiously negotiating as I write this.
A few other reasons why we decided on #1. We spoke with the owner/seller and were able to ask a multitude of questions and review his maintenance records going back 15+ years. Boat #2 is an estate sale so there are many unanswered questions with a gap of a year or 2 of no usage or maintenance.
#1 has an open sun deck with hardtop and no enclosure, #2 is more closed in. We prefer sunscreens which we can roll down when needed rather than an "oxygen tent". We can board #1 and start using immediately, #2 would take a bit of work.
We are giving up a lower helm but after visiting with Deckape (thanks for taking the time to show us your beautiful trawler and really nice marina) we decided that was something we could give up.
So basically the decision came down to #1 having newer aluminum fuel tanks, newer quieter generator, open sun deck, hardtop over helm, and more history available. The costs of probable fuel tank replacement over our ownership was the main reason to pass on #2.
Hopefully we'll finalize the deal over the next day or 2 and have more information.

Congratulations. The Cat 210NAs have a reputation as solid engines. We love ours. Post some pics of the boat when you get a chance!

Ok, so he's settled on one of them, but again I ask...what are they..?

Peter B said:

Ok, so he's settled on one of them, but again I ask...what are they..?

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Maybe he`ll tell us after the deal is done, he could be keeping his quarry quiet in case someone else spoils the party.

I am glad I have a lower helm and an upper helm.
For me, when we have friends-family on the boat, the lower helm is much better.
I find I use it much more than the other regardless.

Hey ....... I'm a new newbie and looking at a Cheoy Lee ....... Any general comments before I go further ........ Dispatch