I'm the person who asked last week about the 1968 Newport 30.' That
deal seems to have fallen through. The guy apparently doesn't want to
part with his boat for under $8500. So based upon what most of you said,
I'm putting that one on the back burner for now. I think it's great to
be able to ask more knowledgable people for advice, so thanks again.
Maybe I'll hang around now that I'm going to be a boat owner. And... :-)

Moving to the front burner is the Trimaran. It doesn't have much on it
in the way of electronics, I think, but I like the roominness not to
mention the aft cabin! The shape of the outboard is a little
questionable, won't start but supposedly runs. I don't know what
happened to the inboard motor. I like the shallow draft idea for
exploring all over Puget Sound and the idea of sailing at 20 knots. The
pictures of the interior looks nice. I also really like the pilothouse
it has. It seems some sort of rain cover for piloting your boat and for
a guest or two is essential for the PNW weather winters.

I think I might like to get it if I can get it for under $8000. Bad
idea? What should I look for when I go look at it? I've much of the
archives in this newsgroup about everything that has been said about The
Piver Trimarans in the last few years. Not dangerous, right? unless I
have it out in 50 knot winds (and even that is okay if I keep the sails
small)? Remember I'll have it the whole time in Puget Sound.

Supposedly the hull is in good shape. The deck needs work. I don't mind
that. These boats are all amateur made, right? What sort of screw ups
do I need to look for? Remember my budget is strict. The reason I don't
run to one of those 27 newer better built boats that some of you advised
is that I have two big boys and a wife and the interior roominess goes a
long way toward insuring the boat is going to be actually used.

So, big cautions? Advice? What should I pay? etc. All help greatly
appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

Stephen

On Sat, 13 Mar 2004 19:05:38 -0800, Stephen Trapani wrote:

snip
I think I might like to get it if I can get it for under $8000. Bad
idea? What should I look for when I go look at it? I've much of the
archives in this newsgroup about everything that has been said about The
Piver Trimarans in the last few years. Not dangerous, right? unless I
have it out in 50 knot winds (and even that is okay if I keep the sails
small)? Remember I'll have it the whole time in Puget Sound.
snip

So, big cautions? Advice? What should I pay? etc. All help greatly
appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

Stephen

Eventually you'll want to explore the San Juan and Gulf Islands,
(next door to Puget Sound). Bear in mind that slip space for a wide boat in those
areas is harder to find. If you plan to mostly anchor, that would work.
Also bear in mind that just about any place you sail in that area,
you'll have a lee shore within a few miles of the boat. Make sure the
boat (and skill levels) are up for 50kts if that's your plan.

Beware of engines that are "supposed" to run. Or "It ran fine all last
summer...probably just needs a new spark-plug."
Norm

"Stephen Trapani" wrote in message
...

So, big cautions? Advice? What should I pay? etc. All help greatly
appreciated!

Older Piver Tri's were not the best designed boats. Most (all?) were
plywood held together with polyester resin. Many of them would be
approaching the end of their useful life.

- Check for rot everywhere especially in the amas (floats), cabin/deck
joints, and the underwing structure
- get a surveyor who knows plywood boats. Even if he only checks the
structure for you and gives you a verbal report (since it sounds like you're
very short of funds) it probably will be money well spent.


--
Evan Gatehouse

you'll have to rewrite my email address to get to me
ceilydh AT 3web dot net
(fools the spammers)

Stephen Trapani wrote:
I'm the person who asked last week about the 1968 Newport 30.
....snip...
Moving to the front burner is the Trimaran.
....snip...
So, big cautions? Advice? What should I pay? etc. All help greatly
appreciated!

Well, without seeing this particular boat, my general comment would be
to run away! The Newport would be a much better choice, price of
either notwithstanding.

Frank