A retro post going back to my original purchase of Pearl in May 2009
It is all about risk and trust
I bought my boat sold as seen without any survey or even inspection.
Major problems with the boat and cost to put right:
Flat starter battery (damaged beyond repair) - £70
No battery isolation - upset the guy wanting to weld new anodes on - Battery box with isolator £40
Alternator regulator not working - loose wire spotted (reason for flat battery)
No blacking for 4 yrs - £250
Anodes completely shot - £265
Engine mounts loose
Engine not serviced for a long time - £200
Rusty deck drain channels - just time and effort
Leaking stern gland - got away with a tighten
Broken and missing tv aerial - the maxview omnimax ones are useless any way
Faulty auxiliary switch panel - circuit breakers on the way out - £25
No fire extinguishers - £30
Cracked glass in Stove - £20
No cowl on chimney - £12
Missing second leisure battery - £57
Tiller bearings very loose - makes handling shaky but I can live with this!
Ongoing issues:
There are still a few items to sort - permanent solution to the rear cover holding rainwater in puddles (including the gas locker) - pram arrangement required (I have used sheeting as a temporary solution).
I have also added a small flat tv and satellite system, upgraded soft furnishings, painted the ceiling, added ballast to the starboard side and replaced the leaking bilge pump.
Positives - very little pitting on hull, relatively new boat for the money (1994), good layout, reasonable spec incl pump out toilet, recently painted.
The actual purchase was a bit tense - no log book scheme operates for boats or hpi check system.
You have to rely on honesty and trust (even if using a broker).
I asked for passport/drivers licence copies, full history of the boat (invoices etc) and enquired about finance outstanding (this is the worst bit!).
The money was paid over via bankers draft and a standard contract was signed by both parties.
A lot more stressful than buying a car!
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