Absolutely correct Cisco, some of the boats out there are a total steal for the money, check out these two ......

http://yachthub.com/list/yachts-for-sale/used/sail-monohulls/sparkman-stephens-39/143449
or this one ...

yachthub.com/list/yachts-for-sale/used/sail-monohulls/sparkman-stephens-52/141736

Subject to a satisfactory inspection both of these boats represent excellent buying at the money being asked, providing of course that's the type of boat you are after.

The costs with having a boat that lives in the water now isn't in the buying, its in the keeping.

When you can't insure a boat on a swing mooring its changed the playing field completely. Hence the cheap smaller boats that would have previously been a reasonable prospect on a mooring but are too expensive to put in a marina relative to their purchase cost. i.e you have bought them again after 18 months of berthing fees.

I can see a scenario not that far away where its a choice of trailer sailers on the water, or yachts 35ft ($60 K ++) and above that are "worth" having in a marina. The days of everything in between seem to be shrinking, which is a real loss to sailing IMHO.

Now its me catching the negative bug.....

They say that," even a free elephant is expensive if you have to buy the peanuts". There are bargains out there but they are boats that have been used regularly and well maintained, with all gear regularly updated/replaced. Mind you there are a lot less of these than old racing boats that have spent most of the past few years on their moorings.

Price is relative, we all been to see a boat for sale and are stopped in our tracks by its condition. Lately iv been on a few boats that are kept in top con. Every little job done, taking their owners 100's of hours and I wouldn't hesitate in buying their boat.
I sold my sea wind 24 last year sight unseen over the phone and when the guy turned up to pay the balance on $12,000 he was rapped. But he called me while I was out cruising in it so he trusted my word.
Now I'm selling my big cruising yacht because I know if I leave her on the mooring she will slowly die like the rest of them, boats need to be used and loved.
I can't believe what iv done to mine over the years to bring her up to off shore standard, yeah buying is the cheap part now.

MorningBird said..

If I wait until the passion has gone and she hasn't been used for a long time to put it on the market she will be one of the rubbish.

The big question then. Do I put it on the market while I am still keen and using/maintaining it? How many of us would do that, sell the boat we love to use?

I think the most qualifying questions when considering buying a yacht are:-

1. Is the yacht in regular use??

2. Is the owner prepared to take me out for an obligation free sail/motor if I can prove my credentials??

So!! back on topic. Any more info on S&S 30s from the brain trust???

I have my Spacesailer for sale at the moment and I am happy to take either serious lookers or tyre kickers out for a sail as I don't mind any excuse to go for a sail

Regards Don

Donk107 said..

I have my Spacesailer for sale at the moment and I am happy to take either serious lookers or tyre kickers out for a sail as I don't mind any excuse to go for a sail

Regards Don

That is the way you will get it sold. Forget the technicalities. Present the yacht with all your personal stuff removed and detailed like a car in a car yard. Qualify the buyer in that he has the ability (cash) to purchase and what will be his method of purchasing ie. survey required, Uncle John's approval and don't forget Mary from the Dairy.

Once you have defined who the decision makers are you could then suggest :- "Well I am going out for a sail this Saturday, Sunday, Monday..........Why don't you bring everybody along for a nice day's sailing and if everything fits the bill we can do the contract at my place while we have a BBQ.

That question is what is known as a "trial close". If they back from that you most likely do not have a buyer.

That might sound a bit tough but if you couch the principal in the right terms that you are comfortable with it will sort the seed from the chaff.

It is up to you. Do you want to sell the yacht or waste your time taking numb nuts out for a sail. Everybody knows that Spacesailers sail well so it is just a question of price and condition.

From your posts on the forum I doubt you will have much trouble selling the yacht.

Cheers Cisco.

S&S Savage Defiance 30................ they sail to windward beautifully. easy to single hand . very well built yachts .

SandS said..



S&S Savage Defiance 30................ they sail to windward beautifully. easy to single hand . very well built yachts .

Ah the running backstays................... on my Farr the are just under the skipper bum................... that is my crew favorit "joke"
to wait when I sit and pull it very fast................... carpet burn on my buttox!