"aussie" yup wrote in message news:3fba7777$1@news1...
Just about to buy Bertram 35, 1980 build but presents in great
condition....any "gotcha's" or info would be a real help as its our first
big boat .

Get a survey!

The typical proceedure for a situation like this is that the buyer makes an
offer based on the perceived condition of the boat, contingent on an
"acceptable" survey and sea trial. The buyer then selects a professional
surveyor and arranges for his services along with a haul out.

Prices vary with area, but in my area I would expect to pay the boat yard
~$10 a foot to haul the boat out and to pay the surveyor another $10 a foot
to examin it. It would be OK to accept the recommendation of the seller on
the boat yard for the haulout, but I wouldn't use such a recommendation for
the surveyor. The boat yard should have a list, or contact the insurance
company that you would be using to see if they have a recommendation (or
requirement!)

Your "sea trial" will be the ride from where the boat is to the boat yard.
It will take a day to get the boat hauled out, and then another day to have
the surveyor look it over. Try to be there with the surveyor, his verbal
comments can be very enlightening. Don't freak when he starts beating on
the hull with a hammer.

Don't be surprised when the survey turns up issues. Use this as a tool to
renegotiate with the seller. Some issues, such as bottom paint, would be
considered normal wear and tear and the seller probably won't compensate.
Fiberglass blisters, wood rot, non working equipment, etc. are things that
are subject to negotiation.

If the issues are minor (like missing safety equipment) you might just agree
with the seller for a price adjustment. If there is significant work that
needs to be done, I recommend that you have the seller fix it before you
conclude the deal.

If the problems are major, or if the seller won't budge, be prepared to walk
away. The $1000 you have probably just spent may be small change compared t
o the costs of fixing a problem boat.

If things go well you will conclude the deal while the boat is sitting in
the boat yard. Now it's yours. While it is out, have the bottom painted,
new zincs, the hull buffed, etc. When the boat goes back into the water you
will know that it is in good shape for at least a year.

Rod