| >> through my limited knowledge about boats <<
How much do you know about boats. I wouldn't want to buy a 20
year old boat without being an expert. The chances of finding
a like new 20 year old boat seems remote. What about parts?
Even if the companies are in business, they may have to make
parts for you. How much down time would you be willing to incur
in the middle of the season waiting for parts ?
How much more is the insurance costs on a boat at least 8 years
old? The boat builders sure seem to be making more and more changes
for saftey now adays. Does the increase of insurance rates over
the life of your ownership pay for not buying a newer boat? And
speaking of ownership, will you be able to sell such an old boat
later when you are ready to move up?
Maybe those boats have some kind of classy features you can't get
anywhere else. Maybe you have found these 3 boats in great deals
in the want ads. But I'd be careful of really old boats. I find
maintenence on a boat to be much like a car. Easy to begin with,
increasingly more difficult as time goes on because of wear and
short supply of replacement parts. There are lots of great 27
foot sailboat ideas in this file. You may wish to just look at
their advantages and see if the boat you want has many of these.
john
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| They still sell the Watkins 27 down here, BUT it is a "blue water"
boat with an accompanying price. The only dealer I know of is a
"mom and pop" outfit on the edge of town.
I don't know what the pricing of the 27 is, but the 25 base price
of the 25 is $19,995 with a fair amount of standard equipment. Added
equipment includes: pressure water system...$495, 110v shore
power...$295, marine head...$425, 9hp inboard...$4495, pedestal
steering w/compass...$1380, 150 genny...$717, trailer...$3295, rear
leading halyards...$410, winches...$140/ea, other
incidentals...$30-$300.
They make a 25, 26 as well as a 27. The 25 displaces 4,800 lbs with
1,900 lbs of ballast(choice of shoal draft or fin keel), 265 sf
of sail area. Their address is Watkins Yachts, Inc 12645 49th Street
North, Clearwater Florida, 33520. Ph (813)577-3684.
Like I said, I saw the 25 and 27. They looked good, but the proof
is in the sailing.
BTW, another brochure mentions a 29 and a 33 foot model, ???
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| THERE IS A DEALER IN HINGHAM, PATRIOT YACHTS, CONTACT ED LEVITIS.
THE WATKINS 29 IS A "BIG 29" COST AROUND $40K IN THE WATER WITH WHAT
YOU WOULD NEED TO START OUT WITH. SUPPOSEDLY QUITE STABLE. PATRIOT
ALSO HAS A FEW OTHER DEMO BOATS AND COULD PROBABLY BE TALKED INTO
A TRIAL SAIL IF YOU WERE INTERESTED.
HAPPY HUNTING
BRIAN MCBRIDE
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| Ed Levitis has a 29' and 33' in the water now but just sold his
25' demo. He told me that Watkins discontinued the 27' (said it
did not sail well) so now all they make is the 25', 29', and 33'.
P.S. it would be difficult to get a new Watkins 25' for much under
$30K (with the "goodies" you would need).
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| What little I can offer to your decision is regarding the Bristol.
I've talked to several people who have own them and they come highly
recommended. My understanding is the fiberglass is thick and it
is a good sea worthy boat. Plenty of cabin room, with over 6' head
room. Also the full keel helps with the sea worthiness. The hardware
is top grade and usually on the use boat market they command a higher
price than the Hunter, Pearsons, O'day, ect.
As to the Watkins, as I'm sure you are aware, they make a big 27'.
Newell Cadet, ??????
Please let me know how and what you went with, as in the next year
or two I'll be following in your footsteps.
Have you looked at the Tartan or Cape Dory??
Happy boating
Tom
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