Hull # 1

[sweetsailing]

So, as we are looking to purchase our blue water, live aboard boat, one boat has been on our list for a while. All things being equal, let's say this boat meets all of our requirements. Only point of consideration that is being bantered about between hubby and I, is the fact that this boat is hull # 1 of the make/model.

I am curious on your opinions as to whether or not there are reasons that one would not want to purchase hull # 1

Is owning hull # 1 a bit like purchasing the first car of that model year? Is it logical to think that hull # 1 perhaps has more "bugs" or issues that they subsequently worked through in higher hull #'s?

Is there a general perception that hull # 1 is more difficult to resell because of these concerns?

Would you purchase hull # 1 or are such concerns unfounded?

Thanks in advance for all your thoughts

[Vasco]

The builder says a lot more about a boat than the hull number. Who's the builder?

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by sweetsailing

I am curious on your opinions as to whether or not there are reasons that one would not want to purchase hull # 1

I've sailed on a Hull #1 and a Hull #2 and I would seriously never buy either in a pink fit.

One was a Mid 90's Waquiz 54 that I sailed in 1998 and the other was a Swan 651, the 65 foot racing version.

Both boats suffered badly, but the Waquiz worse, that things didn't quite fit or work, so they bashed it into position with the though "we'll fix that on the next boat".

Its too long ago for me to remember the specifics but things like wiring and pipework was hideous. Trying to fix them impossible.
The Waquiz I could kinda understand as it was the first of the raised saloon types, but for a Swan it was a shock.

[sweetsailing]

Hey Mark, I am never sure if you are serious or kidding....must be the aussie accent

[skipmac]

No pat answer but in general I would be at least cautious. A boat is a pretty complex structure with a whole lot of little pieces that all have to fit and work together. I would think it would be almost impossible to have every little detail work on the very first hull of a new design. BUT, it could be hull #1 of a slight revision or update on an existing design which could be a different story.

I have been talking to the owner of another Pearson 422 but an earlier hull, not even #1. The muffler did not quite fit in the engine space so someone (we assume it was Pearson) trimmed off one corner of the engine bed to make it fit. After 25 years the bed in that area sagged putting the engine out of alignment. Owner had to jack it up and reinforce the area.

One small example but I think it illustrates the point.

Any chance you can inspect a later boat in the series to compare?

[Bash]

I agree with Skipmac, but would add that most manufacturers would be willing to tell you about what design changes were made in later models.

[sabray]

As one along time ago builder.For A the best of those boats there was only hull number 1 they were custom one time builds. They went through a shake down and then in my opinion were excellent boats. bias

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by sweetsailing

Hey Mark, I am never sure if you are serious or kidding....must be the aussie accent

Nah, I'm being serious. Wouldn't touch one with a barge pole. And for a high volume production boat I wouldn't buy in the first 20 hulls.

Remember, one of the ones I was complaining about was a Swan.




Mark

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

Nah, I'm being serious. Wouldn't touch one with a barge pole. And for a high volume production boat I wouldn't buy in the first 20 hulls.

Remember, one of the ones I was complaining about was a Swan.




Mark

Mark.... would not touch a Swan with a barge pole... on my budget would not afford the restoration...

[w1651]

Originally Posted by boatman61

Mark.... would not touch a Swan with a barge pole... on my budget would not afford the restoration...

My 2 cents

If your there is this much apprehension about it now then pass on it. I would also say that I would not buy anything in the first year of production. Especially something this big of a purchase when you don't feel comfortable about it. But what is the builder?

[Bash]

In the days of yore, quality assurance came as a result of a rigorous program of testing and analysis. This testing was done on something called a "prototype," which was not available for public sale.

Nowadays, quality assurance is a function of customer service. There is no prototype. With the early models, if someone complains, the manufacturer tends to fix it. If enough people complain, the manufacturer tends to redesign it. The early buyers end up functioning as the design testers.

When buying hull #1, therefore, it's a good idea to consider the possibility that you're actually buying the prototype.

Roll the dice?

[David M]

I don't think it is worth the risk if you have another alternative.