Episode #20 Boats for Sale

Seriously a fee to look at a boat ?!?!?

As a diesel/heavy mechanic for over 30 years, I can tell you that a certified mechanic MIGHT actually look like that, but not in my experience. Not saying he isn't a capable wrench turner, but the Louie's Bar T-shirt and general appearance didn't bode well. I'd ask to see his 'certificate' or for references before I'd accept his opinion on about anything mechanical. He actually said buy a three banger or a 2 stroke Yanmar... Was he trying to be funny? A two STROKE? Seemed a little too sketchy for me. AND he actually said buy a Yanmar or "something in that upper grade" Say what? Did you happen to mention to him that you had heard Yanmar was a good marine engine before you recorded him? I hope I'm wrong about the guy but I wouldn't pay him to do ANYTHING on a boat of mine.

No fees! You want to sell your boat, YOU pay the fees, right?

What resources are you using to find used sailing vessels? We have looked at some of the well known ones such as Yachtworld and Craigslist. Just wanted to see if you have experience in any other, not so well known, resources. We are looking for catamarans. Great channel!

No, this was all wrong for you guys, you should be doing a TV reality show

haha - I wouldn't have paid to see the boat either.

Pop up to Canada Ontario or BC and save 25% with your dollar. Your diesel 'mechanic' mis-spoke or is not a good mechanic as you won't find a 2 cycle diesel on a pleasure craft under 80 years old. If cruising a 3 or 4 cylinder, a 18-20 hp 2 cylinder would be frustratingly slow with a heavily ladened cruising boat against wind, tide and chop. You also need a bit of oomph to run a heavy alternator as well. Yes a Yanmar would be great but some of the older ones are raw water cooled and done by this age. They are also expensive for parts but globally available. A good Perkins 4108 would be a my choice for an older engine as they are quiet and smooth. We have a newer 3 cylinder Universal and its rough and noisy, but reliable. Usually attached to Hurth transmissions, which suck, a lot. Spend the big bucks up front for what you want. Decide what you want it to be like before you cut the lines and save to get that boat. You will be fixing enough stuff on a good boat, a rough one will wear you and your pocket book down. We have a large interior newer 28 foot cruising boat and 3 weeks with my wife and I on board in good weather is enough and we are best buds. For me, as a 55year old live aboard, 36 feet would be the smallest I would contemplate. Alternately, if this is your first boat and you are not going offshore (blue water) for a while, an older Catalina 34-36 or Hunter 35.5 would be very comfortable, cheap and get you to the Caribbean in a good weather widow. In good shape they resale easily and it will give you an understanding of what will be important to you on your next Bluewater boat. Just something I've noticed, the heavy full keeled blue water boats usually sit at the marina dreaming of tropical isles as the lighter fin keeled sloops are out playing and having fun.
Good luck
Rob

Hi I am from Florida and its understandible that you don't want to come down to buy a boat here because of that moron . Florida is the biggest boat market in the US . I also agree with you I think that boat market in northern climates are better . First they are better maintained due to the colder weather and the fact that the sun here eats away and most things lol . Let me be the devil advocate , and say that most people down here in Florida are NUTS , and/or stressed out from dealing with them ! lol !

A book that is worth a read...."20 affordable saiboats to take you anywhere," by Gregg Nestor. Extremely well written with a very detailed analysis for each make, what inherent problems or deterioration issues they may have and what to look for. I found it extremely detailed.

Black Cat with blue collar tag... Did one of mine just do a cameo?

Thumbs up for not paying the fee.

Thumbs up for having a black cat. (like mine) :-)

I could see where maybe they get tired of people just looking at their boat to video and have no actual intent on buying it. This is why I always use a broker to weed out the habitual lookers. Not saying that about you but those folks do exists.

I have to echo other's from the previous video... more amy!  I actually appreciate her input and it's nice to see her 'on board' with this adventure.

Is it a buyers market right now on the Chesapeake? Just wondering what kind of offer under asking price I could try around that area. There is a beautiful Freedom 36 in Erie Pa for sale. I got shipping quotes around $2500 to transport a 32ft sailboat from Annapolis Md to Erie Pa. So you might want to consider looking around the great lakes area for a boat.

I have never heard of having to pay to see a boat.

scam.

Mechanic must have had a few. "two cycle or a three banger". LOL

Our family is looking into learning to sail and possibly owning a sailboat. It was research into how much it cost to live on a 40 foot sailboat at various marinas that I discovered some marinas offer to show a boat for sale as a payed service for the boat owner, and a $20 fee per boat is about the average for marinas that offer the service. The owner is usually expected to pay the $20 but the boat owner can opt to pass it on to the perspective buyer. This means the marina will charge the perspective buyer. The boat owner gets none of the $20.

So agree with what others said, pay to inspect a boat.  No way.  The only person you should have to pay is the qualified person undertaking the marine survey for you.   The look of the Freedom 36 looks very nice.  Hopefully you can find one in the right price range for yourselves.  Goodluck in the hunt.