[Public-list] Anyone looking for a project A-30?

[Just Dave]

A couple of years ago, I questioned the value of getting a boat survey on a 
list similar to this one and was severely taken to task for even considering 
it.  So, does this group usually invest in a survey before buying a boat?   
Mr. Wallace, did you have the boat surveyed?  Isn't it high risk to buy a 
boat sight unseen?  Or is there a  price at which you just take the gamble?  
I'm looking for my next boat and am in an area where there are relatively 
few sailboats on the market--- its stinkpot territory,.



Dave Kruetzkamp

Free Martha!




----Original Message Follows----
From: William Wallace <tristan at one.net>
Reply-To: Alberg 30 Public List -- open to all <public-list at alberg30.org>
To: Alberg 30 Public List -- open to all <public-list at alberg30.org>
Subject: Re: [Public-list] Anyone looking for a project A-30?
Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2005 17:59:06 -0500

Hi Rachel,

I would like to echo your feelings!  I, too, have made some pretty good 
trips (4-8 hours) to look at boats described as yours was, and then found 
out that the "cosmetics" included, a stripped out interior with delaminated 
plywood and peeling paint and wasps nests, the shoal keel needed rebedding 
or repair, since the boat had been dropped off of her trailer, and the 
transom and other wood cored areas showed evidence of rot and 
deconstruction.

Our current keelboat, WATERMARK, is a 1962 Philip Rhodes designed boat 
similar in size to the Pearson Ariel, or a smaller version of the Pearson 
Vanguard. Rhodes and Alberg shared some similar design preferences...

I perused yachtworld.com two years ago and turned up my little Seafarer 
Rhodes Meridian.  The web photos showed a boat that looked solid, but as the 
broker mentioned, needed some real cosmetic help, since the mahogany 
coamings and cockpit seats (also locker covers) needed major refinishing.  
The ad mentioned the boat had a Volvo inboard and many bronze accessories.
I emailed the broker, who assured me the Volvo ran well (he said he started 
it weekly) and the mast needed some wood repair at the mast head, the 
mainsail cover disappeared and the boat needed lots of TLC.  I made an offer 
over the net, wired down my money after the offer was accepted and then flew 
to Tampa for a drive down the boat, docked on the Gulf.  When I arrived 
about 4:00 PM, the elderly broker was locking up his office.  I told him who 
I was and he asked anxiously if I had seen my new boat yet> "No," I 
answered, "I was hoping you would take me to see her."  He looked 
apprehensive but mentioned some people tell him he has a magic camera, cause 
it takes pictures of boats that sometimes look better than the actual boats.

When I saw WATERMARK, she looked solid.  The photos showed what I took to be 
a much nicer interior cushion covering. The photos didn't show the peeling 
paint and mildew on the main cabin ceiling that were the result of leaking 
chainplates and side decks.  He was evasive about the engine, explaining 
that the former owner had come around a few times to start it.  I never did 
get it to run.  After I saw the mast at home, I realized it needed a 
complete rebuild or replacement.  The paint and varnish hadn't held up well 
under the eighteen months since the photos were shot - the Florida sun is 
pretty unforgiving with lots of UV.

After I got over my initial surprise, I was glad of my new boat!  She needs 
lots of work but had no wasp or bees nests, and I believe she can come back 
with lots of work..and I am optimistic too, about the old MD-001 Volvo, too! 
  The sails were the original Larry Sobstad sails and were among the first 
ones he ever made - they were hand stitched, according to the original 
owner, who I spoke with.  Former owners from Minnesota, who restored her 
about eight years ago, have been very supportive and encouraging too...The 
sails were sent to Pennsylvania for cleaning, repair and re-resin processing 
and look really nice, still.

Watermark was not what I thought at first, but she is solid, and I am glad I 
bought her.

Let the Buyer Beware: )

Scott Wallace, Alberg and Rhodes fan WATERMARK, 1962 Seafarer Rhodes 
Meridian


On Monday, January 3, 2005, at 10:51 AM, Rachel wrote:

>Hi all,
>
>I've been lurking on the board as I boat shop.  I really don't have the 
>budget for an A-30, so I'll probably end up with a Pearson Triton or 
>something along those lines, but it's interesting to read the group posts 
>anyway.
>
>So imagine my delight when I saw an affordable A-30 listed for sale on the 
>Plastic Classic board.  It listed as being in good shape except for the 
>exterior wood needing a little attention, and had a Yanmar diesel, 
>Sta-loks, roller furling, nearly new sails, sound decks, etc. --- $5000 
>obo.
>
>After talking to the owner on the phone, I decided to go for a look-see.  
>It was only a few hours out of my way from Fort Myers, Fla, where I'd spent 
>the holidays with some friends, to my brother's place in Atlanta (the boat 
>is in SE Georgia).
>
>Let me report that it is definitely a project boat.  That's what I would 
>expect for $5000, although I will say it was not in nearly as good a shape 
>as I was led to believe in my conversation with the owner, which did annoy 
>me somewhat.  I don't understand what leads people to describe a boat one 
>way, when they will find out the truth anyway as soon as the come to see 
>it.  OTOH, it would have been underpriced if it had actually been in the 
>condition that I understood it to be in before I looked.
>
>I just thought I'd post this because the boat definitely needs a new owner 
>to save it from a trip to the big ocean in the sky.    I'd be happy to 
>relate what I saw if anyone is interested, but maybe a fair distance away.
>
>I'm trying to remember the boat's name for those who'd like to know (maybe 
>it's someone's long lost family boat!).  I think it was "Mataj."  The hull 
>number was #187 (or something really close to that - I don't have the 
>number here right now).  They brought it up from Florida, and the port name 
>on the stern is "Plantation."
>
>I hope this boat finds a good home.  Meanwhile I will keep looking for a 
>boat that is somewhere between "total project" and "needs a little elbow 
>grease."  :-)
>
>--- Rachel
>
>Current fleet:  Fatty Knees 7' and a few old river kayaks.
>
>
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