Stephen Trapani wrote:
Actually, You have all been a huge help. I like this newsgroup, I think
I'll end up hanging around and having you all help me fix up my
"junker!" :-)

Remembering at all times, of course, the old gag about silk purses &
sow's ears.


And I don't exactly need saving, I don't think, hopefully. I know I'm
going into a potentially money pit kind of situation. But I think I like
the size of this boat a lot, and even though I loved the idea about
walking through marinas and finding owners who aren't using their boats
and might want to sell them, I stumbled on this deal, I haven't had the
time for that plan yet, and it looks like this Hunter could be a decent
boat at a decent price ($8000 with a main and a spinnaker both in good
shape), nothing earth shattering, but $15,000 is the lowest asking price
in the US for this same boat on boats.com and Yachtworld.com.

Hmm..mm another old gag about "if it sounds too good to be true" comes
to mind, but I don't want to be a total wet blanket.

Getting the engine checked out.. very good. Make sure he also checks out
the tranny, the coupling, stuffing box, etc etc... the total power plant
(although this will overlap somewhat with the surveyor)

The surveyor... yes he *will* miss things. All surveyors do. I'd look
for major structural problems, major systems problems, and then
concentrate on the sea trial... check for leaks around the deck &
cockpit VERY carefully... sail the boat hard and look for structural
flexing... *definitely* do a careful look for blisters, the worst
blisters I have ever personally seen were on a 33' Hunter Cherubini.
Surveying this boat is an all day job, 8 hours plus. The sea trial
should be almost as lengthy.

Compile a careful and deadly accurate list of everything you'd need to
fix (lifeline stanchion bases?) or replace (Steering sheave bushings?)
before actually using the boat, then take the time to cost it out very
carefully.

Hunters can be a lot of boat for the money, which is exactly what you're
looking for. It can also turn around and bite the life out of your
wallet! It sounds like you are taking all the right steps... other than
not buying a boat at all, which is logical but of course out of the
question

Fresh Breezes- Doug King