54 steel hull sloop

[dannyjw]

Hi all,
Some inputs required by the more enlightened please.
I'm in the process of buying a 54 ft sloop; ketch rigged, poor thing is in terrible shape and has been quite neglected.
first launched in 1993 and built in England.
all steel and fully equipped, I have a major strip and refit to do...
assume the worst possible state... am I crazy paying 30k euro for it?
Regards,
Dan.

[Panaseaya]

Maybe crazy, maybe not! have fun!
BUT... it might be a good idea to have a qualified marine surveyor look at it. then you will have an idea of what the repairs might cost. once you own it, you will be responsible for it. Marine salvage can be Very expensive. And be sure the title is clear.
by the way, it is either a sloop or a ketch... it can't be both. Get a survey.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by dannyjw

Hi all,
Some inputs required by the more enlightened please.
I'm in the process of buying a 54 ft sloop; ketch rigged, poor thing is in terrible shape and has been quite neglected.
first launched in 1993 and built in England.
all steel and fully equipped, I have a major strip and refit to do...
assume the worst possible state... am I crazy paying 30k euro for it?
Regards,
Dan.

Pictures are useful... also designers name.. factor in if the boats as bad as you say.. fully equipped ??? means zero as much of that will likely need replacing..
Focus on the hull and rig... if the below water thickness has not degraded beyond the expected for the age... condition of masts and if the engines in reasonable shape.
If the above are acceptable 30K could be well worth it... try a lower bid.. you can always go up... coming down later with more knowledge gets difficult..
One other thing... if this boats in Spain check with the marina/yard as to whether owners are allowed to work on their boats... or is there a 'Contractors Only' stipulation. Just about every marina in Spain now refuses live aboard and repairs by owners on the 'Hard'..