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advice on boat buying

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by NCRhyne, Aug 11, 2010.

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  1. NCRhyne, Aug 11, 2010
    #1
    NCRhyne

    NCRhyne New Member

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    Aug 11, 2010
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    Location:
    probably Southport, NC
    Hey all. I am considering buying a boat 36-41 feet. We live in NC. This boat will mostly be a weekender, short cruises but I am not ruling out doing something a little more journey wise. We have been shown a Carver Santego '93, and going to be looking at some more this weekend. We are looking at late 80s and early 90's era boats primarily. We've seen a few Carvers, Mainships, Searays,Silvertons... do you have any thoughts, suggestions, knowledge to impart to a very green sailor. I am looking for a well built, well maintained older boat... but maybe that's what everyone is looking for. Thanks for the help. Hoping soon to be cruising. Susan
  2. NYCAP123, Aug 11, 2010
    #2
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Welcome to YF NCRhyne. You've picked a good cruising area. For that era and size I'd go with the Silverton first and maybe the Carver as 2nd although I'm not a lover of Carvers. That's pretty old for a Sea Ray. The 39 was a nice express though and I've seen a few around in very good condition. The Mainship is sloooow, about 12-14kts.. Brought one around from Delaware a few years back. If I held the wheel perfectly straight for about 20 minutes I might get up to 16kts. Mainship moved full on to trawlers in later years, and make some nice ones, but back then they were competing with the others you mentioned. Good luck.
  3. NCRhyne, Aug 12, 2010
    #3
    NCRhyne

    NCRhyne New Member

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    Location:
    probably Southport, NC
    Thanks.

    Thanks for the help. I was just thinking maybe I should extend the era to mid 80s to mid 90s as I think the silverton we've seen online was an 84?...would your reply still apply to that extended era? Thanks again.
  4. NYCAP123, Aug 12, 2010
    #4
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    The older you get, the slower and more heavy you get. My choices would still be the same although you'll have to dig through more garbage to find the gem. On all of these look for things like soft spots in the decks, etc. and do have it surveyed. That may seem like a lot of money to spend given what you'll be paying for any of these boats, but it will be money well spent. You don't want to end up as the boats last owner needing to find a way to dispose of the carcass.
  5. JWY, Aug 12, 2010
    #5
    JWY

    JWY Senior Member

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    You might want to add Cruisers to your list.

    Judy
  6. cdweimer, Aug 12, 2010
    #6
    cdweimer

    cdweimer New Member

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    Location:
    San Diego
    Boat Selection Advice

    One of the first things I would recommend is to purchase a book from David Pascoe titled, " Mid Size Power Boats." You'll have to contact him or his company directly as his book is not handled commercially. He has a couple of web sites dedicated to yacht surveying.

    Although the book is dated (early 1990s), it will cover most of the candidate boats and resulting issues that you need to be aware of. It is one of the best books I've ever read for those who are new to boating and boat buying.

    If you want to go slow and be fuel efficient, don't overlook a good used Grand Banks. Their initial outstanding quality will show even after 20 years.

    Good Luck in your search.:)