On Thu, 25 Mar 2004 00:44:07 -0800, Stephen Trapani
wrote:
What type of boat is this repo/lien/auction thingy?

A Hunter, over 30,' don't know the year yet.

=================================

The Catalina is probably the better boat all other things being equal.

Unfortunately your economic assumptions don't hold up to the scrutiny
of real world experience.

Most boats that have arrived at "auction" status, did so because the
present owner could not afford to keep them up for one reason or
another. Therefore you are almost guaranteed to be buying a LOT of
deferred maintenance issues, many of which will cost as much or more
than your proposed purchase price. A new 30 footer costs 100K plus,
ready to sail. That gives you some idea what repair and replacement
of major items is going to cost you, all of which will be done at
today's prices, not used auction prices.

My advice is to buy a smaller trailer sailer that will leave you with
plenty of cash for maintenance and upgrades, and allow you to do your
own haul-outs. If you have $8k cash in your budget, my advice would
be to spend no more than 40% on your purchase. There are Rangers and
Catalinas in the 22 and 23 foot range that can be bought for that
price and are very popular.

Get a good pre-purchase survey no matter what, and don't fall in love
with any one deal or any one boat. There are lots of older boats out
there looking for homes.