Disappointing survey today...

You're doing things 95% right Norseman. I don't know the cause of your fixation on the one boat, but it's fine to keep checking them out. Every survey you have done is worth a lot more to you than it costs.

I would make one suggestion. I believe in having a buyer's broker. Let them do all the legwork. A broker commission is going to be paid anyway and while this boat isn't a huge commission, they like money at all levels. The other thing a good broker can do is just find out more about the boat from the other broker. Some issues will still only be found in survey.

You mentioned the hours on one boat. Instead of the total hours on a boat, the information I would want is the last time it was run and how many times over the last couple of years. I get concerned about the boat that has been sitting for several years with no use. On the other hand if they have used it 3 times this year and 3 last, even if they only put 10 total hours on, that at least tells me to be more optimistic regarding condition.

It sounds like you may end up getting a lower price on a boat but having work to do. Price the work out with a reputable yard. But assume only work that is identifiable and the limit is known. Tell me the steering on the bridge doesn't work and the galley cabinets need replacing and you can get an estimate. Tell me there's water intrusion and it extends as far as I can tell, I'm going to assume it goes further/deeper so the cost or repairs can't be quantified. If I'm going to gamble, Vegas please.

You didn't waste anything. That's like saying you wasted the money on car insurance because you didn't wreck or the money on life insurance because you didn't die. The $800 may have saved you many thousands.

And the survey gives you more insight into the next one you look at. Definitely NOT a waste of cabbage.
Anyone have an opinion on the Yanmar vs. the Cummins ? I'd lean toward the Cummins myself but that's from my own truck engine experience more than marine use.

It's never a buyers market on the best boats, the cream puffs as you said. Even when the market is bad, someone is buying and they're buying the nicest ones. There's really a shortage of good quality well maintained used boats, those in turnkey condition.

I remember the first boat I ever bought, a Catalina 18 Capri sailboat. Cherry. I called my wife to find out if she was interested and she said get an offer on it right now. She had never purchased a boat either but she knew that what olderboater says is true. Buyer's market is such a funny term. It is only a buyer's market if no one is buying, and I have never seen a market where no one is buying.
Seems like a more rigorous pre-inspection with a nice check list may be in order in your search for your next cruiser.

"...Any expert comments on that?..."

Survey next week.

I told you that you needed a good broker. I had this one in the process of contract before you posted it on YF. Sorry.

Thanks, Dag. You too. Will let you know how it turns out.

J

It's a bit off subject (and I could be biased) but then why isn't my boat selling? I believe it's because so many older boats are represented as well maintained and clean but they are not at all clean and in turn key condition.

Well, not speaking to yours, but typically a few reasons. First, it's not getting the exposure or effort. Second, it's priced too high, perhaps not above it's value, but above the normal range for that specific boat. Your point above is correct sometimes that if you have a group of similar boats, even if only average quality at best and they're priced from $1.2 million to $1.5, then a cream puff is priced at $1.75, it will be eliminated from consideration up front. It's like buying the great house that is priced above the neighborhood. Then there is always that boat that while not in disfavor, isn't the hot thing right now.

I think you have two things working against you. So few Roscioli Donzi's out there for sale close to it's age, that there's not a clear market. It's not what people ask for. While being somewhat unique on the market sounds like it should be positive, often there's just no market then. Second, your boat is stale in the market. The owner started it at an extremely high price. Now it's for sale for less than half that. However, when a boat has been on the market over 5 1/2 years people have passed it by and they see it out there still with the price dropping and their first thought is "wonder what's wrong with that boat." That happens often in real estate. Had today's price been on it when it first hit the market in 2010, then it likely would have sold by now. I don't know how long it's been listed with the current broker, but it may need someone fresh working it now, someone who can get excited and say "I just picked up this incredible listing."

Since you asked the question here goes... and I'm speaking in general about the type of boat not yours specifically.

When you've got what used to be a $1,000,000 boat with a cost to own and operate that a $1,000,000 buyer understands and accepts - as it gets older the value decreases at the same time the upkeep and operating costs continue to increase. In a nutshell, just about anyone who can afford the small fortune it takes to operate a 65' sportfisher can afford to, and will choose to, buy something newer than a 30 year old boat.

Additionally, boats with Detroit Diesel power, especially 16v92 power, are very difficult to sell. Buyer's perception of DD's is at an all time low. They hate 2 cycle motors. Most younger buyers won't touch them.

Report on the cream puff Albin 28: NOT! Recommend the next candidate take a sea trial with engine surveyor and check oil analysis before investing more time and money.