You might get it for about $5000 which looks like a good deal to me.
Find out what Yanmar it is, see how old they are and spares availability.
I could give you a hand to check the engine/boat out if you wish. I'm inner west Sydney, Lane Cove is close.

Hi Neonistra

Take Morning Bird's offer with both hands.
Chances to get advice from someone with his experience don't come along twice.

Bet of luck.

gary

Do you get the mooring as well ?

I guess it all comes down to the motor - it could be a money pit.

A

Andrew68 said..
Do you get the mooring as well ?

I guess it all comes down to the motor - it could be a money pit.

A

Arent all "BOATs" money pits?

Personally, I'd say no - the engine alone is gonna take a bunch more money to get going. If it were just an outboard, you could just swap a non working one out, but with an inboard, you're kinda stuck with working on it. The rudder looks a bit odd, but I'm no Top Hat expert, so I'll leave that to the others to comment on.

That said, it'd probably be good for you to look at with MB as he's so nicely offered, so that that way, when you see something you really like, you might have a bit more of an idea of what you're looking at!

Had a quick look at others in the same price range - I reckon these would also be worth looking at, all listed lower than the Top Hat you linked;
Contessa 26 www.boatsales.com.au/boats/details/1971-contessa-26/SSE-AD-4472388/?Cr=2
Endeavour 26 www.boatsales.com.au/boats/details/1980-endeavour-26/SSE-AD-6443066/?Cr=9
J24 www.boatsales.com.au/boats/details/1984-j-boats-j-24/SSE-AD-6386859/?Cr=11 (a bit racier)
Endeavour 24 www.boatsales.com.au/boats/details/1973-endeavour-24-mk-ii/OAG-AD-16394769/?Cr=22
Cole 19 www.boatsales.com.au/boats/details/1982-cole-19/SSE-AD-6664676/?Cr=19 (a bit smaller, but looks in pretty good nick)

Jonno's an interesting guy. I've picked up some amazing bargains of bits and pieces from him, but you kinda have to know what you're buying to be sure of it. Most of his stuff is picked up as salvage, which he then pulls apart for the best bits and pieces to move on. If it's your first boat and you're more interested in sailing than in refit, possibly not the best choice. However, he's really handy to know if you're looking for help on old, discontinued parts, a dinghy to get to the mooring (he has a heap sitting round at Woodford Bay at various price points) or need help organising a mooring.

I agree with Ilenart
The ports look like they leak like hell as well.
You need a dry boat with a good reliable motor that is also your battery charger & life saver.
I would say keep saving and if you plan to live a board try for atleast a 30 footer with head room.

As a Top Hat owner, with an outboard, I'd have to say it's worth a look. My first question is, why doesn't the engine run? Is it low on diesel, or, at the other end of the scale, is it low on compression or full of water? Find that out first, then see where it leads you.

As others have said it's got some great things going for it, but the engine could be a do or die effort.

There are plenty of Top Hats about, if that's what you want. Visit the Top Hat website and have a look around, ask questions and see what you come up with.