Need help deciding on a boat

[blackc2004]

I've been looking for a boat for about 6 months now and have settled on two 2005 Catalina 36 MKII's.

Boat #1 is $80k, but has all original rigging, sails, standard sail bag.

Boat #2 is $130k, but has all new rigging, sails (5 years old), upgraded (but older) ray marine. In boom sail

Question is, which would you pick?

Boat #1 is in more the price I was wanting to spend but will have to spend $15k+ replacing rigging, etc.

Boat #2 is more then I was wanting to spend but it's nice that everything is already replaced.

Thoughts, suggestions, what else should I be considering?

[psk125]

Do you want in-boom furling? While better than in-mast, avoiding problems with it can still be a long, steep, issue-filled and expensive learning curve. 5 year-old sails are not on their last legs, but will not last forever either. $130k is a lot, even if you can get the price down a bit. The $80k boat will need upgrades, but you can do it at your own pace and with new equipment you pick, probably for a good bit less money than boat #2 would cost. Why does boat #2 have all new rigging anyway? Did they lose the mast? We raced our 1981 J/36 hard, but didn't rehead the rod rigging until around 2007, when it was 26 years old. Your money, your decision, but a difference of $50k is a big difference.

[Island Time O25]

+1 for #1.

The idea is not to overpay for seller's upgrades but to have him absorb those costs. The second best is to do your own upgrades as you see fit and as your budget allows. In this case the upgrade budget will be significantly cushioned by $50K difference in the asking price.

[JPA Cate]

Understand, both prices, however, are negotiable.

#1, but after you find out how much to re-rig it, in your neck of the woods, with how you want it to be for your future with the boat.

Re #2, not a fan of in boom furling, it's a performance knocker, and I've seen many stuffed up expensively for the owner. However, not everyone agrees with me, either.

Ann

[blackc2004]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions. I am leaning towards #1 as well.
I guess next step would be to just get a survey done on it and see what else they find wrong. Maybe try to get another $5-10k off the price.

[tkeithlu]

Whatever you choose, a first boat should be ready to sail at purchase. Buying a low price project boat just means that 1) it will end up costing more than ready to sail, and 2) you'll spend your sailing time in the yard working on it.

[Borlay]

I would not buy in boom furling. Period. or in mast come to that. The old way is still the best.

[ohdrinkboy]

I would lean to boat 1. After subtracting $$ for new standing rigging, you can spend the $35k on upgrades you prioritize. Plus those upgrades are new.

[Reeve21]

Boat number 2 may be well overpriced IMHO. That could be due in part to your location. In some cases it is possible to buy a boat remote from where you are, pay to have it trucked or delivered on its bottom, and still be ahead of the game after costs of delivery.

[Island Time O25]

Also add'l factor to consider is the extra time required to earn the extra $50K. That time can be spent sailing or refitting.

[boatman61]

Boat No1... replace the rigging as a priority, the sails are probably perfectly usable for a couple of seasons more of cruising as its likely the boats not been sailed much more than 500nm a year if that unless it's been regularly raced hard.
The electronics can be upgraded piecemeal as and when needed.
Why pay 50k more for the same boat with 5yrs use/abuse? of sails and rig when you can start with new
But everything's subject to survey..

[Bowdrie]

Originally Posted by Borlay

I would not buy in boom furling. Period. or in mast come to that. The old way is still the best.

Right.
In mast/in boom are complex machinations that purport to allow one to handle a bigger sail plan with little effort.
"We don't need lessons in seamanship to know when to reef, we can just push a button or turn a crank, and all is well".
It's enough work to keep a roller-furling jib operating flawlessly.
When things go sideways with in mast/in boom you can get in big trouble real fast.

[two-rocks]

I sell you mine, except it's on the east coast.

We bought an '05 almost 5 years ago, like your #1 - and we then put new everything. So my choice would be #1.

We really like our Catalina 36.

[Don C L]

I vote for Boat #1 too. But how about engines? Same engines? Same condition?

[SouthBaySailor]

I am with all above advice. Make it simple to operate. Add only what you want.
Post photos.
Visit Sail La Vie | 1999 Catalina 36 MK II for repairs and upgrades