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captcharles · 21-02-2011, 11:48

We are regretfully selling our cruising vessel "Ambition" A Kalik 44'. This is a three cabin two head layout.

Please take a look at the listing on Yachtworld.com (The Link is below)

Ambition has just completed a three year refit with the latest and greatest cruising equipment, this includes a 630 watt solar array, 110A Balmar Alternator, 2000W Inverter, 100A Charger, a 35 Gallon per hour watermaker and all new electronics and autopilot. We are anxious to sell, and have priced her to move quickly.

This is a fully outfitted vessel that is a true turn key and cruise vessel. We have shaken her down with a recent 1,000nm cruise with no issues what so ever.

Send me a PM if you are interested.

-Charles

1981 Kalik 44 Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

S/V Alchemy · 21-02-2011, 13:04

That is a handsome vessel indeed, and looks in good shape. Although I am already well-boated, I would suggest that the price is almost suspiciously low (but if you're motivated, you're motivated) and the only downside I could see on a cursory viewing of the ad was that you seem pretty thin on the fuel tankage at a mere 60 gallons. Not a deal breaker for anyone wanting a lovely coast boat, mind you.

captcharles · 21-02-2011, 13:59

Indeed- we are motivated. We are taking a major haircut on this one.

We have found that Ambition cruises under power at about 7.5 knots, burning 1.2 Gal/Hr. Thats 2,400RPM on the Yanmar. With the 60 gallon capacity, we did not find it much of an inconvenience.. We also carry additional fuel in Jerry cans on deck as well (you never know!!) So, safe motoring capacity is 45 Gallons with a nice reserve. about 50 + hours.

Thanks.

S/V Alchemy · 21-02-2011, 16:11

Sounds about right on the consumption. Still, that price to me screams "something's in horrible need of fixing" which can attract vultures and scare off people to whom you'd like to see the boat go to, if that makes sense.

I have no idea about your local market, the rapidity with which you need to cash out, or your broker's advice (if you even have one), but that's a decent looking cruiser that could probably do a circ if it had room for a bit more diesel. If you price it at, say, $119K, you might paradoxically capture more eyeballs because people search Yachtworld within a range of values, like "40-45 feet", "$100-140K" because they assume anything larger is too expensive and anything cheaper must be crap in need of years of work. Like if you saw a house in a major city, but in a so-so neighbourhood, for $100-150K. "Former grow-op/crack den" is how that's priced.

Rule of thumb: You can always negotiate downwards. The trick is in attracting the customer who will close the deal.

I mention these things not only as a sailor, but as the buyer/owner of two sailboats, one of which I got for 25% off and the other for 20% off after popping for surveys.

I also mention it because I'm going sailing after doing a hell of a lot of marketing. Good luck...she's a beautiful boat and a perfect size for cruising.

captcharles · 21-02-2011, 16:18

Thanks for the advice!

We had her up for two months at 120K. Broker suggested we drop the price to get her to move. We simply cannot wait much longer. There really is nothing wrong with her! She needs a few coats of bottom paint- but that's it..

Again thanks so much for your advice.

We hope to find her a good home.

S/V Alchemy · 22-02-2011, 12:39

Finding her a good home shouldn't cost you 20 grand. The broker (even if well-intentioned) would prefer to have a percentage "today" of a lesser amount, but may not be working in your best interests.

Frankly, I am not sure brokers, like realtors, should be the dominant force in the market anymore. If you, as experienced sellers, meet an experienced buyer, only the surveyor they hire need "manage" the deal.

That said, why not Craigslist it for $120K? See if you get visits. I assume she's capable of a sea trial.

Again, I am a disinterested party here who has been down this road and prefers to see the best sale over the distressed sale. (can't shake that old copywriter's sloganeering!).

captcharles · 22-02-2011, 12:45

I must say, I really appreciate your concern!

We have the vessel listed all over the net. We would prefer to sell it on our own sans broker. (for obvious reasons)

Of course she is ready for seatrial!

Bring on the offers!

detav007 · 23-02-2011, 12:38

That's a beautiful boat. If I could afford it and were ready to take off I'd definitely make an offer on it. Good luck.

captcharles · 23-02-2011, 12:46

Thanks for the compliments!

We will miss her so much.

S/V Alchemy · 23-02-2011, 15:06

It strikes me that I am becoming a bit of a busybody on this point, but here's another suggestion:

People like stories, and boat people (prospective or moving up) like boat/voyaging stories, and within reason you can say in the ad copy where the boat's been, how it handled in what condition, and all that seamanlike stuff, it might help beyond the good looks and statistics. "Having handled Hurricane Andrew with ease, this vessel made a 200 NM 24 hour run..." etc.

Certainly, if a boat's done a circ, I want to know, for instance.

People like a narrative. Whether a Yachtworld ad is a place for that, I don't know, but I've read more than one ad that told "the story of the boat" in the context of the data most people use to narrow down their window-shopping.

Hey, at least you're getting cheap advice!

captcharles · 24-02-2011, 06:32

That is a good plan! I will write a the story of the re-fit, and the various passages up north, and the 1K Mile trip south.

**capngeo** · 24-02-2011, 17:11

I must say I was very impressed with this boat. I thought very seriously about purchasing it, but my Marina will not allow vessels with a draft over 6' (might kill a snail if it bottoms at low tide... or something as equally silly).... Anyhow if you are interested take the time to read the survey; this boat will not last long on the market!

ProtectTheOcean · 20-03-2011, 06:20

Lots of drool on my chin. Alchemy is right, though. The buyer who can afford $95k can also afford $120k. The price isn't stopping the sale. If she was shown to the buyer that's right for that boat, you'd have heard "I like her, but here's my counter-offer."

I can't afford her even if you were offering payments, but I sure wish I could. Good luck!