"JR Gilbreath" wrote in message
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Scout wrote:

"John Cairns" wrote in message
. com...

"Scout" wrote in message
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"John Cairns" wrote in message
igy.com...

"Scout" wrote in message
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I know it's futile to seek consensus as to a make of boat. But, I'm
seriously considering renting for a variety of designs before buying.
Has anyone else rented a sailboat. Pros and cons? Good locations
around the Chesapeake? The closest place to my old sailing grounds is
in Jersey. www.southriverboatrentals.com
Scout

Wow, those are some fairly steep rates. A lot cheaper to look at boats,
then convince the owner for a test sail before consideration.

John Cairns

Thanks, that's a good idea John.
I wonder, though, how long it would be before my picture with a line
through it is hanging on every dealer's bulletin board.
Scout

Hell no, the broker doesn't really sell the boat, he just shows it to you
and collects a commission. I had a brief discussion about this with the
po of my boat. Damn broker didn't show up for the closing, couldn't get
into my own boat after I'd purchased it, had to call the po for the
combination! For what they do they should be thrilled to have the
opportunity to make some money, even if it means they'll have to
something that might appear to be work.

John Cairns


Which reminds me; we just bought a house, and while we were out cruising
around and looking, we would often call the realtor whose sign was
planted in the front yard - one guy just gave us the combo to the house,
not even knowing who we were. He didn't want to come out for whatever
reason, so he just lets us into someone's home unescorted. I'd be upset
if my realtor had done that!
Scout
I think you will find that it is pretty hard to get a seller to take you
out on a test ride. You will have to show a lot of interest and most
likely put down a deposit. Even then it is going to be a very short sail
10 15 minutes. I don't think the trouble is worth it.
JR

I would say it depends on how badly the owner wants to sell and how much
trouble it is to take someone out. I would also add, for most mass
production sailboats you should be able to find out about it's sailing
characteristics through research, everything else you can determine by
inspection. FWIW, MacGregor sell their powersailors with test drives.

John Cairns