Buying in Florida 2nd hand

[Springbok]

HI I'm Clyde Cole from South Africa. Have sailed SA to Caribbean, Lived aboard 12yrs, 7yrs in Caribbean, 6 hurricanes, damage in 3 etc, so some experience. Ready to do it again on limited budget!
Yachts 36-40ft in Florida, 1980-1990, photos and cruising equipment often good but reading blogs many say this is not so in reality, looking in 40-50000 dollar bracket. Expensive to fly-in and be disillusioned, need some honest feedback. I am aseasoned cruiser/liveaboard so know what is needed, honest input please.
Regards
Clyde

[dkall]

Either use a friend you trust or hire someone to give a basic first look w/ detailed pics.
Good Luck,
Fair Winds

[bfharris]

Dave's suggestion is probably the best.

From my experience, pristine condition to a seller is typically not even close to reality once viewed personally. Photos don't tend to show off crazing, gel cracks, etc, which are typically no big deal, but I prefer to hear about them ahead of time.

Perhaps find a surveyor who is willing to look over a boat for an initial assessment to report to you, then if you like the initial report, you can have them do a full survey before you even see the vessel. I'm sure that would be less expensive than travel.

[Springbok]

Thanks guys don't have contacts in the US hope an honest broker will enter this discussion. Makes one wonder why they are called " brokers "
Clyde

[Joli]

I would very much include boats from the Great Lakes in your search. Fresh water, short season, light use in general, and a very bad economy (rust belt) will make some folks quite motivated.

Joli

Here ya go: Won't last long for sure.

1981 Hinterhoeller Niagara - Boats.com

[Springbok]

Hi Loli,
Looks similar yet with less cruising equipment than seen elsewhere on the net.Can find 18 yachts in Mibcoast Yacht Brokers for Florida with equivalent or better specs, and newer and cheaper.Obviously easier to kit-out and sail to Bahamas in a day in Florida , hence my mindset.
Clyde

[Therapy]

In the past some forum members would visit a boat and take a lot of pictures for another with both parties knowing the photographer was just doing a favor.

I do not know what the return favors were.

I am close to the Tampa area and my camera was recently stolen so I guess I am of no real help but I have been sitting in a chair a lot lately.

[Silverado6x6]

Beware of scams, economy and high fuel prices are bringing out the con artists.

Fighting The Battle Against Evil...

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by Silverado6x6

Beware of scams, economy and high fuel prices are bringing out the con artists.

Fighting The Battle Against Evil...

So, who are you warning here, the OP or me?

And how/what?

Thanks.