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The best advice in this article? Go for a quality boat, and the older the boat, the more quality becomes a (the) deciding factor.
That’s because an older quality built boat will hold up against Father Time far better. Quality components won’t deteriorate or fail as soon, meaning less to fix up in the refit.
One thing I do disagree with is the author’s opinion that fixing up an older or cheap quality boat isn’t worth the time or trouble. For some of us, that older CHEAP boat represents opportunity that is otherwise denied to the fiscally challenged. If it comes down to a cheap and well used older boat against no boat at all, the decision is pretty clear. My only proviso would be to realize the extent of the work you’ll have ahead of you, and be realistic about the skills required and the costs.
Good luck.
I’m currently looking for a used sailboat and have been back and forth with trade-offs related to my age. I’m pretty active and handy mechanically but at 73 yrs eveyone saying go to darkside and get a power boat. I made offers on pwr but when the surveys were completed I saw the expense and maintence to keeping a dual engine gas pwr boat with generator as hard to accept. Mentially, I then go back to the sailboat approach, meantime the summer months are coming and going.
hi tom… I’m 73 too and in the active/handy category as well… power or sail choice is very personal of course… resolve it by asking 1) what do you want to do with the boat, 2) with whom, 3) how do you imagine yourself BEING on the boat.. The BEING part is the most important… these two categories deliver very different experiences… they’re at not the same at all… and btw, each type will probably connect you with different people at the next anchorage or marina, and probably at your home port too… visualize living with the boat, in use… buy what feels right.
Hi, you are hitting upon a very good topic. Any thoughts on Sweden Yachts? I consistently hear they are exceptional quality and swift too. Some even say Swan quality with a little more comfort.
Sweden Yachts, Najad, Aphrodite and Malö Yachts are all of excellent quality. I didn’t comment on them because they are not very common. The main caveat is teak decks on older boats as covered in the article.
Just picked up a Sparkman & Stephens Yankee Dolphin 24, pocket cruiser. There’s something to be said for pre-1970 fiberglass hulls as well due to the changes in hull manufacturing in the 1970s. Is there work to be done, yes. Major, no. Main attraction was the design. This is a good topic, and perhaps one following up with a little more detail. Also, apparently these boats come with friends. S&S boats have their own fan base, and the classic boats people have a lot of interest as well. And yes about the survey! If nothing else it provides a useful punch list for planning repairs and maintenance.
I didn’t cover boats under 30 feet, but smaller boats have simple systems and are good candidates for restoration. Quality boats from the 60s and 70s are still worthwhile in this size range.
I have had a 1994 Sabre 362 for 16 years and have had excellent success, very well made, few problems. I was introduced to Sabre as a premier builder. Interesting that Sabre was not commented. Friend’s Beneteau’s have had mucho problems.
Sabre made good boats. I didn’t cover them specifically, but they are worth looking at. Where I live in the Northwest they are rare.
I happily sail a very well maintained Cape Dory Custom 40 (1989). Not many around, I think 18 were built including 2 that are Robinhood 40’s. I’ve thought about trading her over the years, but found nothing I like better.
I’ve been adding “old sailor” stuff like Leisure Furl and power headsail. Love sailing her! I’m 73.
The problem with boats is that they are expensive to repair. To keep the boat safe, you need quality marine parts that do not come cheap. If you are not a DIYer or just don’t have the time, finding competent help can be difficult and/or expensive. It is often said that the most expensive boat is the one you get for free.
Older boats are often better looking than today’s production models. Many classic boats were designed to cross oceans. Newer boats, designed after computer modeling became common, very often have better coastal sailing characteristics than classic boats, particularly in light air. Interiors are now much more spacious and usable.
For better or worse, newer boats have much more complex systems. Everything from electric refrigeration to hot water, showers, and propane (vs alcohol) stoves. Never mind the electronics.
Every boat, including factory new ones, require repairs and maintenance. Just like houses and cars, the older the boat, the more likely that significant problems will emerge. It is one thing to replace a water pump, another to replace rotted deck core or a mast step.
Beth Leonard’s Voyager’s Handbook (available on Amazon) should be read by every boat buyer. Although the book is decades old now, she puts forth a list of what to expect in terms of repairs for various age boats. It’s likely the list has not changed much.
My own advice for most people is to get a smaller, newer, well taken care of boat over a larger, older one that needs work. A mid-30s 21st century boat has about as much usable interior space as a mid-40s boat from the 1980s and sails faster and easier. Most boats are day sailed, rather than taken for months or years long cruises. A boat between 25 and 30 feet could be a good fit for a lot of people.