Drove down to Fairhaven yesterday to check out the Sabreliner I have
interest in. Overall, it appears to be in pretty decent shape for a 1991
model. There is some typical gelcoat crazing found on older boats, mostly
along the toe rail and a few minor blemishes but nothing serious. It has
some brightwork exterior trim that needs to be redone, but that's not a big
deal.

It was difficult to get a good look at the exterior because it's still
shrinkwrapped, but from what I could see peeking under the wrap, it looks
good. Nothing visually unusual with the hull ... no apparent damage or
grounding repairs.

The interior was very good as was the engine spaces. Very clean and well
maintained. No unusual smells. Bilges were clean and odor-free.

My only real concern is the engine hours. Turns out there are about 3900
hours on the Cummins 6BT5.9-M turbo-diesels. The engines are very clean and
obviously well maintained, but I don't know how well these particular
engines hold up. I've done a little research on them and they are a very
popular marine engine with few problems reported. According to the broker,
they were fully checked out in August of 2005, including an oil analysis
which came back fine. The current owner has only put about 100 hours on
them since. The oil was changed when it was laid up last fall, so a new
oil analysis isn't going to determine much of anything. If we proceed with
this boat, an arduous sea trial with a good diesel mechanic is in order.
The people that the buyer of the Navigator hired would be good. They really
run the engines through their paces, checking all temps and operation while
underway, doing things I'd never do with a boat.

This style boat appeals to me and is perfect for my future, more individual
boating interest. Probably won't do a lot of cruising, but it would be nice
to make it from the Cape up to Scituate in 2.5-3 hours instead of 7 hours on
the Grand Banks. And, I like having twins. It is one of three for sale in
the MA, RI, CT area of roughly the same year and has the lowest asking
price.
I am trying to stay within a total budget of $150K for boat, taxes and any
repairs/upgrades another boat may require.

Hmmmmm.....

Eisboch