WANTED Catalina 34

[Binea]

I am looking for a C34...1987-1989...
Preferably fresh water...

richardbain@bellnet.ca

Rhanks

Richard

[Stu Jackson]

Richard

Have you checked the for sale section on the main C34 website?

Where do you live?

I understand hull #86 is for sale, here in San Francisco.

Email me at sec@c34.org if you are interested, I can put you in touch with the current owner.

Stu

[Binea]

Thanks...I have checked it out...
too far...I'm near Toronoto...
Thanks anyway!!

Richard

[rirvine]

Richard:  

You could also go to sailnet.com and use their find a boat search engine.  This will give you a listing of C34 available across the country.

Ray

[Binea]

great...thanks...
have you ever heard of anyone replacing the solid hatch on the 1986 boat with lexar? I am concerned about a dark V Berth?

Thanks

richard

[Stu Jackson]

Richard

Whoops, switching topics in mid-thread.

Go here to your later (or earlier) post):

http://c34.infopop.cc/6/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=329609511&f=829605811&m=982603746

Stu

[This message was edited by Stu Jackson #224 1986 "Aquavite" on February 03, 2004 at 09:15 PM.]

[RV61]

Richard,
Have you tried Yachtworld.com? You can look at boats for sale accross the country or use their advanced search and look by geoghraphy.
Brokers also have access to additional search and can tell you what the actual sold prices are.
I have an 86 and love it.
Good Luck
Rick

Rick

[Mike and Theresa Vaccaro]

Richard,

Rick is correct.  You can query a broker to provide a list of Cat 34's sold over, say, the past year.  If the boat is priced right, it will normally sell for about 90% of asking price.  Since most brokers charge a 10% commission, the typical seller has to add this to what he "wants to get out of the boat."  Brokers, however, can flex on their commission if they want the sale to go through.  Yachtworld is probably the best source of boats for sale through brokers.  

Individual sellers are harder to run down and sometimes limit advertising to signs or just the local paper.  There are also websites that specialize in boats "for sale by owner..." another great resource.  

When boats get to be 10-15 years old, there are almost always issues with systems, unless the maintenance has been first rate.  So "blue book" values are really just a place to start.  You can access NADA prices on-line.  One of the surveyors' tasks is to assign a value to the boat.  But it's just like buying a house--you normally negotiate the price and then conduct the appraisal!  As a side note, estate sales or bank repossessions also provide interesting oportunities--but it's often hard to run these down.  A big city newspaper is a great place to start, since, by law, these divestments must be advertised.    

A thoughtfully maintained/upgraded boat is worth more.  A well equipped and maintained older boat might offer better value than a newer boat that has been ignored.  It's the old conundrum of "you can pay now, or you can pay later."  Sometimes, an owner decides to sell vs. investing in repairs.  If you find a nice boat with good systems, rigging and sails, it's probably worth paying more.  The other option is to buy a "run-out" boat.  In this case, you'll pay less but have more work to do!  If you're handy and want to be intimately familiar with your boat and systems, it's not a bad way to go (there are no mechanics at sea except for the one on board!).  In most cases, the basic structure of the boat will hold up well over time--it's the plumbing, electrics, steering, rigging etc. that require work.  One thing to consider is that as a rule of thumb, if electronics are more than two years old, they don't add much to the value of the boat.

Overall appearance of the boat can be a double-edged sword when assessing a boat.  If the owner has been thoughtful and proud of the boat, it will generally reflect in a good appearance.  But never let nice looking varnish prevent you from noticing corroded or improper electrical connections or other potential problems!  If you're not comfortable making this type of mechanical assessment--a good surveyor will do the trick.  

Even if you do find the "perfect boat," there will always be good Catalina's for sale--so don't be afraid to walk away from a deal.  In a worst case scenario, you might be out a surveyor's fee and incidental expenses.

This site is a tremendous resource and I recommend you consider joining the association--it'll probably be the best money you can spend on your boat!

Best of Luck,

Mike

P.S.  I've learned most of this the hard way...

[mvazmina]

My 1986 #27 is for sale in St. Petersburg FL. and some facts you or anyone looking may want to consider. I had the boat listed with a broker and we had it priced in the mid range of what was on the market here in Fl., which was lower than boats on the west coast or northeast. I had 2 offers and 1 contract, but when the buyer went to get finacing beacuse the boat was over 15 years some banks would not finace it. Essex credit needed at least 20% down. But most interesting was the "blue book" price. The contract I had was for $46k which fell in line with recent sales. When the buyer went to get a loan the "blue book" value was $37k and could only get 80% of that. So basically the buyer would have had to cover the difference of almost $16k plus our 7% tax. So in conclusion make sure you have the needed "boat units"  If you get to Fl. Second Wind is now for sale by owner to eliminate the 10% brokers fee from the equation

[Richard Bain]

thanks for the great info...
I have financing in place...
What is your price on your boat? How do you find salt water wear....


Thanks

Rich

[Richard Bain]

Thanks very much for the great email....and helpful information. I look forward to joing the club...lots of good people here...
If I can ever help you here in Toronto...let me know..

Best

Richard

[Andrew Harvey]

Richard, I am in the toronto area as well. I sail Georgian Bay actually. You might want to look at "Truant" also. Advertised on this site and located in Penetang.
Andrew