When the unwanted gets confirmed - the survey (July 2013)

After inspecting the vessel with the broker, it was time to think about making an offer for her. Remember, we live in Europe and did not had the chance to see the boat several times. So after seeing her one time, I had to investigate on the Internet about the pros and cons for these boats, and tried to find a reasonable price to make an offer.

 

Once the previous owner agreed on the price, it was time to arrange the survey. Booking the flight, making the arrangements at the job allowing me to leave for a week on short notice, finding a surveyor, making reservation for the haul-out to conduct the underwater inspection, looking for insurance etc., all this wasn't that easy from abroad.

 

The day has come and we met early in the morning on July 1st 2013, together with the broker, the surveyor and of course the previous owner we went aboard. I arranged with the surveyor to take the required oil samples already the week before the survey. He also inspected all the interior and exterior of the boat to make sure, we could complete the haul-out and the sea-trial in one day. So once we stepped aboard, I already had a good idea on the condition of the various systems and the hull. There was only little time left to motor to the marina for the scheduled haul-out. I read, that the rudder might be an issue on this boat.

 

The rudder post caused problems for other owners. Once the boat was hauled out, we could immediately see, that the rudder was ripped off on the bottom. The slip, where the boat was moored, lies in a small channel beside of the ICW. During very low tide, the water depth was just about 5ft, the actual draft of the boat. Adding a little effect from the wakes, and here you go. The aft installed gen. set caused the rudder to touch ground first. The bottom of the rudder became damaged from the gravel and the foam was soaked with saltwater. The ruder post showed a little play too. So it was clear, I had to work on the rudder or replacing it.

 

Other than the rudder, there were no further issues to be found during the haul out. No blisters, no hull damages. So it was time to get her back in to the water and do the sea trial. The wind was blowing with 25 kts, and the sea on the ocean was rough. Thus the owner did not want to take her through the inlet to the open ocean. So we performed the sea trial in the Lake Worth area.

 

Another thing raised our concerns - the thru-hulls and sea cocks. Were they serviceable or do I would have to replace some of them? Knowing this could end up in high costs, but not having a clear idea of how many thru-hulls and sea cock I would need to replace, I did not know what to calculate to fix them.

We found that the drip less shaft seal was causing spray to the bilge. The pressure on the bellow probably has never been adjusted. So I had to put this on the "to-do list" as well. Some other minor things, asking for maintenance, turned up as well.

 

It was clear - the boat is generally in good condition, but there are several things, I had to invest time and money, before we could start our adventures. I had to take a decision - how much money will I need to spend to fix all the issues? Will the owner accept the price reduction? I did not want him to fix the issues for two reasons; first I like to have it fixed my way - first time right and for a long time, and second I like to build up my knowledge while doing it.

 

The owner bought the boat new from the factory in 1999. He still was in love with her, but his age did not allow him to sail and maintain it as he should. So it was time for him to sell her. It was a difficult negotiation but we finally found a way through and we both agreed on a fair price. The uncertainty for the buyer remains - will the price reduction cover the expenses for the repairs? I think it is a very difficult path for both - the seller and the buyer and probably both parties don't like the situation. Both parties do hope that the survey don't turn up things which have an impact on the boats value or adding costs for the buyer.

 

Nevertheless, after a while, and a drink the now previous owner offered me to accompany us on our way up north to the marina where the boat will be stored for a couple months. It was his most preferred route and a good chance to be one last time on the boat - saying good-bye to her. And it was a very good chance for me to ask all the burning questions of a new owner about the boat, the equipment and the area, for which I never hat time or the chance to ask. In addition I had a very good lesson in cruising on the ICW with all the bridges etc..