How To Get A DIRT CHEAP SAILBOAT | Finding & Buying A Bargain Sailboat | Sailing Kittiwake

[@jsonnichsen]

I got my boat for free by promising the old guy that his baby would be fixed up and well cared for. He attend the launch two years later and was thrilled!

[@justinland1208]

This made me smile, thanks man.

[@aquadoze8932]

Does he own another boat?

[@beccareynolds4625]

Ask him is he wants me to do up anything else...

[@shawnee0011]

I also got a free boat by promising and explaining that I planned to fix her up and use her for years.

[@Simirial]

Word

[@Oceans_Sail]

Great summary! I would add: don’t get hung up on a specific boat. For production boats where there are many of the same it might not be so likely but for the non production rarer specimens it is so easy to fall in love with a specific boat and to convince yourself that you will never find another. At that point STOP! Set your price / budget before you visit (and before you fall in love) and remember that there will always be another boat - even if you don’t believe it! Trust me, there is always something else out there that will be as good if not better. Too many sailors out there that fell in love, paid too much, and had to give up on their dream sooner than they wanted to.

[@MrRourk]

This was great just want to add. In the US at every Marina there are boats that are waiting to be destroyed. They have been abandoned by owners. Some of these are in okay shape. Often they can be bought for a dollar or last months marina fee.

[@manfredschmalbach9023]

Some marinas have contracts which turn any boat automaticly into property of the marina should a due fee not be payed after the second remainder. These boats often are pretty well priced, too.

[@thebear6529]

Wow I didn’t know, hopefully the applies in Canada. I don’t see why not. Wow this is great, thanks a lot.

[@lesterrodriguez6414]

Good to know. Thanks!

[@UUBrahman]

1. Buyer should buy the smallest boat that will fulfill all foreseen needs. 2. Approximately 1/3 of the total project cost of acquiring the boat should be set aside for refit, i.e., boat cost times 1.33 equals total investment excluding do-it-yourself labor. 3. To the extent possible unskilled or semi-skilled labor should be do-it-yourself. Thanks for an excellent video on finding a boat.

[@forestspeaks]

Great advice & great choice for yourself. I sailed a 54 ‘ Tayana from Annapolis to Ohio up the Hudson & through Erie Canal. We dropped the stick in Albany & stepped it in Cleveland then to Toledo, Ohio. I was crew for the amazing Captain Mosser. One of the greatest trips of my life, so far. I like watching you guys do your thing. Congrats on getting married. Keep it up. Btw, I just bought a 1985 Hunter 31 for 5k. It has 6’3 headroom & 10.5’ beam, 2 double births, full galley & head, 13hp yanmar & great sail inventory. The owner was retiring. He used it as a day sailor every Wednesday for 15 years & it went on the hard every year, same yard. I have been looking and wanting & wishing for the past 30 years. On all the sites shopping & looking at different types of boats. I was fortunate to crew on many different boats. They all bring you joy & they all need repair constantly. it was originally listed for 14.5k. The owner also sold a classic wooden boat. Part of the deal was that they buy the Hunter also. I jumped on it so fast that by the time the new owner realized he had listed it below value I had already agreed to buy it. He broke even & got the wooden boat & I got a great deal on a great sailboat I say all that to say that there are great boats for great deals. No need to scam there is the right boat for you, you just have to find it. Lots of research, lots of shopping. Partnerships can be good as many people don’t have full time. Fair winds & following seas:-)

[@markbernier8434]

Something to be sure of, cheap boats are rarely sail away ready so think about the costs of living/working where she is. Also know if it must be moved from where it is currently. That could be the reason the boat is for sale in the first place.

[@tienloongtong]

Love the format; clear. logical and precise. Authoritative; experience and theoretics in the correct proportion.

[@LighthouseHorror]

Thank you for the video! I've been living on a Cal29 that I overpaid for, and am looking to get a great deal on a 40footer. This will come in handy!

[@Viper_Poker]

Heres a tip ... pine trees in the fall bleed pitch. ... you gather that pitch for free and mix it with turpentine and use that to seal your teak decks. 80% pitch / 20% turpentine cook that mixture until its tge consistancy of tar ... you want to use it while its hot. I like to tape off my deck before I pour my hot pitch. It just saves a whole lot of sanding. This is an okd school recipe and it works really well.

[@seanc.mcnally2118]

Just...WOW

[@FrancisRodgers]

The most pragmatic video on the subject I've seen yet. Well done. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@bengrizzlyadams6187]

I just bought a 31 footer all ready for ocean crossing, engine is on the older side but it's perfect, I'll clean the exhaust I can hear it needs it, all wooden old school and with more instruments I would never think you would need. the hull still have good paint, the inside needs a clean, 3 stanchions are broken, v berth has 9 sail bags...! Small job not urgent: port lights. Talk to people, behind a boat purchase or sale there is a story and a boat that will become a shared history in both your lives.

[@scvshow]

great show just started my marathon and thanks for updated links please keep going :)

[@davidhutchinson5233]

Great advice on making a lowball offer. I negotiate as a practice of my profession. I can tell you....I ALWAYS start with the ridiculous. Something I know or at least truly believe the other person cannot or will not accept. That being said, they should make a counter offer. Don't be shy about a little back and forth. That's just business. You may be surprised at the final outcome. I know I am almost all of the time.

[@royalberkshire]

In psychology it is a gambit ironically called 'anchoring and adjusting'

[@onawalkabout]

Thank you for all of the information! It will be very helpful when sussing out a boat!

[@frankstocker5475]

Nice informative video. Cheap is relative to what you buy it for, what the cost is to fix it up including your labour, tool costs, shipyard, mooring fees & insurance I mean everything that comes out of your pocket. Then what you sell it for decides if it was cheap or not. Leaving the dock & going sailing is another equation.

[@jackytruelove5777]

So nearly there now. Delighted to hear that you will be allowed into Grenada. I really hope the last bit goes as well as the rest of the ocean crossing.

[@IanHobday]

Wow, this just popped up on my feed! Blast from the past. Hope you guys are doing well and enjoying life!

[@manfredschmalbach9023]

The backside or last row in a marina's hardstand can be a gold-mine. Walk there. What I often found sailing with trainees (from marina to marina in Turkey, Greece and Italy) were boats laying in their berth with owner written signs "for sale" and just a telephone number, and I know of a bunch which were sold for very affordable prices in the end. So, should You live near a shore, go there and walk the jetties and marinas before You find a nice affordable boat on the other side of the world where having a look might cost a huge part of Your budget.

[@cascadesouthernmodeltrains7547]

I got my Luna, a Catalina 30 from a marina auction. She needs work, but it’s mostly just cleaning, and a few maintenance items. The hull is solid, but dirty, and the interior is in excellent condition.

[@tiborkiss9186]

GReat video!Maybe another set of clarifying questions which helpestablishing a fair price is to ask for all major maintenance, if they were done, like: chainplates, standing rigging (replacement every 10 years max), impeller, stuffing box, rudder chain - most sailors do not check them regularly - hence the nasty surprise may come when you buy the boat..

[@nigelgriffiths259]

Guys, clearly you have read some the negotiating business books! Well done. We Brits are generally reluctant and too embarrassed to negotiate. Agree that some of the older type boats are made with thicker fibreglass and often over engineered in other areas. The sacrifice though may be the layout. As for DIY this does help you get to know your boat and how it’s all put together. Most useful for carrying out repairs. Really good stuff. But I prefer seeing you sailing!

[@johnandrews1041]

Excellent video and advice guys, well done!

[@mattwalker5129]

Thanks for your interesting, intelligent video. No frills, no music, nothing cute. Very good. What can I expect for $5000? 29 feet? 25? I’ll be dead before saving 10 grand.

[@SailingKittiwake]

Maybe 27ft. It really depends on the condition of the boat. If it’s bad, remember you will have to put more money in later.

[@MrSmithToday]

Also older boats before 1976 often had real epoxy. Not the osmosis susceptible polymer.

[@akathesquid5794]

Agreed, but polyester resins were popular way back in the late 1940s so good luck finding real epoxy boats with a history confirming such.

[@JohnBobRoger]

Amazing FRP/GRP is Polyester resin.....works great....epoxy resin hype is like the overdose of anything "digital" versus analog.

[@richardfeldman9567]

OK you got me had to subscribe loved how detailed you actually got into finding that Cheap boat which I am looking for at 60. Either way great advice keep it up.

[@SailingKittiwake]

Cheers Richard! 😊

[@barbaralane9825]

Sending you prayers for good luck in making landfall in the Caribbean. Can’t imagine the stress you must feel to be in transit at this time.

[@waynehanley72]

Here's echoing that sentiment. I can't imagine what you may be going through at the moment.

[@goleafsgo8496]

All great tips glad you mentioned about telling the seller what your plans are and being NICE. Especially when dealing with something like a boat or a classic car the seller wants to know that it's going to a good home, it's their "baby in a lot of cases". I am often amazed by sellers who are just nasty like dude "do you want to sell something or do you just want to be ignorant?"

[@scotthall3816]

Much love and happiness to you both wonderful video 😊 Also much luck with you

[@nigelyoung1616]

Hi Guys, congratulations on your safe arrival in the Grenadines, hope the check in went ok and you didn't have too much hassle. Enjoy and keep us all posted.

[@davidmciver9483]

I was stationed (USAF) in Panama and had a sailboat there. Came across many sailors from all over who found their dream to be not what they expected. There were many boats for sale in yacht clubs at the Pacific, Caribbean and middle of the canal. I expect that the same is true in Hawaii (Hana).

[@drift8021]

Any info on websites for those areas?

[@redreuben5260]

Wow you bought a monohull ! That’s a bit like changing religions. I’ve been catching up with the Kittiwake videos because it’s a cheaper catamaran, my partner and I aren’t as youthful as you the heeling and downwind wallowing would likely kill us. Thanks for your videos admire your style. Classy.

[@michaelfoster6]

Thank you. Your presentation and content is great!

[@Roatanlova68fmp71lliiiak]

I absolutely love Skua, but Kittiwake was cute too! Do you have a preference out of the two?

[@AfricanFlightStar]

Great episode thanks, you brought up a lot of very good points 👍🏼

[@RachelBlomstrom]

This had been the most geochemical video I've seen as a first time boat shopper

[@FemmeFlowLiving]

Very very useful information! Thank you!!!

[@RHP-pw8xt]

Jeez, someone cheer that guy up, in the first coupla minutes he looks as though he's about to burst into tears!

[@tonydouglas7870]

He looks pretty normal to me.

[@quirkyfrapple2321]

He is English 😅

[@sinnotty81]

I just went to a facebook group and saw your old boat for sale.

[@DanieOosthuizen-l1x]

WOW Sailor, great episode

[@CheekyMonkey1776]

Excellent advice, thank you

[@cranegantry868]

Plenty of good tips there.

[@clamospro9539]

Greatest advice... living at Oceans more better.

[@Lionn8563]

Hi guys, I love your videos an i wanted to give you an advice. I had an Amon 7.90 an it has a tiller. If you are entering an anchorage an dont need to make big throttle adjusments try to push or pull the throttle with your foot. It really helps to get a good view at other boats and the depth.

[@SailingKittiwake]

Yep, that’s what we do, even in a marina 😊

[@RichardDKneller]

Where does the expression Sailboat come from? I grew up with using Yacht, whether big, medium or small.

[@alexs.9261]

Hi guys! Let me tell you, you all ready have the boat of my dreams!! I really wish to find something like that eventually... I've been away from a few years from the sailing world I looking forward to come back... great video, wish you the best!! Greetings from Argentina!!

[@bobadam7021]

Okay, love the tips. But the survey. It seems like every channel I watch gets a survey and then they miss something major. Uma's keel was only held on by the fiberglass shell. Skua's chain plates are held in by paper mache. Learning the lines had a soft deck. I'm sure there are others, but it seems like every single one gets burned. My opinion is you should research the failure points of the boat you're looking at by going to owners groups. Learn the signs and then weed out all the boats that exceed your threshold of work. Expect you'll have to do three times more work than you initially expected. So a turn key ready to sail boat will need at least three weeks of work. Finally skip the survey if the boat will not ruin you. Depending on your level of income, a $5k USD boat or less save your survey money for the repairs. There are so many sailing channels, and boat survey videos that you can tap your way around a boat with relative ease. Just spend the time to do the research, and then spend the time doing the survey. In this instance it helps to have two people, one to distract the owner so that the other person can be left to tugging, tapping, yanking, and touching without being pestered.

[@idgafnation8620]

Fully agree> This is exactly how I plan to go about it. Get the Survey List, know it, and do the survey yourself with more time hand-on with the potential boat. If you can get away with spending a day or two with her to look up the skirt and the list of what to look for with homework on that year and model issues, you're right as rain. Cheers

[@nictia83]

Thank you for the advice looking to purchase a particular sail boat and need all the help as this is unknown territory for me.

[@bobadam7021]

@@nictia83 Here's a little bit more, see if the owner will give you a tour of the boat initially before you start your survey. He'll point out minor problems but any area of the boat he doesn't show you, or just points at vaguely should be the places you spend the most time inspecting. People will try to gloss over the ugly while telling you about the sundowners and the good times they had on their beloved boat.

[@redreuben5260]

I agree with this wholeheartedly.

[@knpstrr]

Well the truth is that a "cheap" boat doesn't exist. Boats are pricey. Whether in purchase price, or repairs, or both; not counting ongoing maintenance.

[@chrisduckett5496]

so what great advice so i really enjoyed your insight so thanks a lot so I`m glad to say your info. isn`t so so advice

[@franklinarchambault-ik5xg]

Thinking about buying one in my old age at set sail to who knows where

[@thebear6529]

Hey sail on by and get me, I’ll do the sail changes and maintenance.

[@mikehurley5052]

Good video but mostly quite obvious i would have have thought, i see Kittiwake is still for sale in Italy, not the place to go right now.

[@EnemyDwarf-TTV]

i would love to take on an old boat i have been looking for a while now in the uk me and my partner, just yet to find the right one...keep up the good work guys.

[@SailingKittiwake]

Best of luck!

[@EnemyDwarf-TTV]

@@SailingKittiwake thanks guys x

[@rezaetemad591]

thanks for your honest and useful video. wish you all the best.

[@ismaililyas]

thnx great info can u give me some advice for this boat Westerly GK24

[@DaveSunderland]

Running costs and moorings. Is it significantly cheaper to go for the shorter boat. A 41’ and 45’?

[@s.v.gadder1443]

I found a 1980 hunter cherubini that needed some love and electronics for a steal.... but I spent a year looking and placing bids.... buying a boat can be daunting.... I could see people quiting there before they ever start....

[@SailingKittiwake]

For sure and owning a boat, especially a project boat, can be daunting. It requires a lot of knowledge, determination and work 🙂

[@mohammadmalik6221]

Thank you guys :-) Your advice and experiences are very useful. Cheers :-)

[@tonybrown5187]

Hello, I love to watch all you guys doing what your, I think you are letting yourselves down a bit on the description of your purchase. If you are happy with your boat and it was a good buy it would usually be described as a bargain. It just seems a bit more respectful of your fine craft and the last owner. Keep up the good work and looking forward to the next, Regards Tony

[@howardrich9355]

I have a Morgan Out Island for only $10k on Sailboat Listings. Located in Ft Myers, Florida.

[@pointsonthecurve8098]

Do you still have it?

[@michaelvaneeden1190]

Yes but what is cheep? for what kind of boat?

[@bahaiwebsites]

Solid information, thanks!

[@vadimkasse]

Great video! Thank you and good luck)

[@amonster8mymother]

Thank you that was insightful. 👍🇨🇦😷

[@chraven69]

Thank you for the tips 👊😊👍

[@scott.wallace8625]

I got mine cheap it sat under cover for 30 years on a borrowed trailer. So he got trailer and boat back. Didnt care about the boat so i said $500. And he let me get it back in shape on the trailer.

[@a68dart340]

We are going to look at a tartan 30 sometime the first of the week, needs to be repowered has 2 y/o atomic four that has seized for unknow reasons. Owners is asking 3500 so we will see. Great video.

[@davidhutchinson5233]

That is a tremendous price. I would look into going electric. Saves you a lot of money and headache in the long run.

[@seanc.mcnally2118]

Amazing info...thnx!

[@DavesGuitarPlanet]

Great vid!

[@michaelvamper5793]

I live in Maryland yesssssss

[@encouragesolutions2595]

For a boat 27-33 ft long what price range do you define "cheap?" Until the recent stock crash I had a first boat budget of $ 30,000 but now maybe $ 10,000. I get the feeling you need another 25-50% as a purchase costs/renovation/maintenance budget, is that about right?

[@clutelmm]

I have an, 1974 Albin Vega (27 foot) for sale, in the Pacific Northwest, USA. $4,100. Nice condition. New paint a varnish. A 3 year old, new, 6 hp Outboard that I have never started. Very nice sails. Rigging is 6 years old. It needs new life lines and the cockpit needs new paint. I'm waiting for the weather to warm up so I can repaint the cockpit. The deck has new All Grip.

[@drift8021]

@@clutelmm If this was a 35 foot, I'd buy it right now.

[@clutelmm]

@@drift8021 I have a 1970 Ericson 41 in very nice condition. $40,000.

[@basvandoorn496]

The former owner probably knew the state of your chainplates too, thank god you noticed in time. Fair winds.

[@MrRourk]

To be fair they put the amount of sailing that most people take 20 years to on that boat in a short time. The way the chain plates where would have been fine for most owners. In the US most boats don't see a hundred miles in a year. They say most sailboats never see more than 2000 miles in their life use anymore.

[@MrAndyH]

Not necessarily as the survey didn't pick them up either.

[@brighambaker3381]

Great info; thank you!

[@DriftfishCo]

What are your favourite models of budget boats generally available in the UK? Say under £15k.

[@marcusdavies7797]

For further information

[@jejewa2763]

What paperwork do you need to sail a boat? Ownership? Sailing certificate ..what?

[@geraldgotts5936]

Am I going about this the wrong way ? I can't afford much anymore. I'm retired and on a fixed income. I would like to move back to Florida from Michigan (the keys). I am familiar with the area and have a couple of friends down there living on their boat. I"m thinking I could buy a cheap boat and move aboard to continue the work and upgrades at my own pace using my Soc. Sec. check each month. Is this possible or am I being unrealistic ? Go ahead, I can take it.... hopefully !!!

[@markgarry7866]

And also alot of free parts, wood, paint, putty, epoxy ....in the trash dumpsters...seriously a friend that did just that told me so....see you in the keys

[@marceld6061]

Good tips! If you live in the same area as the seller, it doesn't hurt to offer to take them out for a sail once in a while after the close of the deal.

[@ryantata6694]

That's a great way to learn all the idiosyncrasies that could take YEARS to sort out. A boat seller will also give you some freebies specific to that boat and other advice and contacts IF YOU DON'T BEAT THE PISS OUT OF THEIR BOTTOM ASKING PRICE.

[@iainlyall6475]

thanks for this. be safe.

[@leschaps2387]

I have heard the same about Panama ....

[@airbear9445]

Realistic, compared to so many sea going liars.

[@dinnerandashow]

Even free... My brother gave away his sailboat. Why? He stopped using it and was paying docking fees.

[@SailingKittiwake]

True, but free boats are harder to find 😊

[@lumberpilot]

I would add that you should be wary of a boat listed as "turnkey." Is a boat really ever turnkey?

[@billyslaironair8860]

Is sailing hard and how do you learn also do you need a licence for one to live on and sale please help me

[@izziebon]

Martyn Grennan difficult at the moment, because of the social distancing; normally you would go on a sailing course and maybe get a certificate specially for navigation skills; but you can read some good books on it as well. Sailing itself is common sense really (once you have the principles in mind clearly), but the difficult areas are the mechanical functions and maintenance.

[@Mgtowfreedom]

How much on average does it cost for a refit ?

[@SailingKittiwake]

It really depends on the condition of the boat, if you can do it DIY, and the cost of boat parts where you do it. There is a saying that says to save 10% of the purchase price for it, but if the boat is in bad condition, you can end up paying multiple times her price for a full refit. Maybe the 10% refers to boats in good or excellent condition at the time of purchase (which are not cheap). The only way to know for sure is to do a survey and price up the works, together with anything you'd like to do to make her yours. You will get some things wrong and you will realise you need a few more upgrades once you start cruising on her. That's the most realistic reply I can give.

[@Mgtowfreedom]

@@SailingKittiwake thanks 🙏 I’m thinking of living on board and cruising I’ve reno-Ed houses before even a caravan just wanted a rough idea

[@SailingKittiwake]

No worries, it's just a hard question to answer, given that there's boats that cost $10K to $1M 🙂

[@darranmonk4195]

Hi, as usual, an excellent video, very informative. You panned across a yacht 6min 50 seconds in, could you tell me what model this is, she looks lovely.

[@salmiranda6199]

For the tips very good video

[@vaughanlockett658]

Boat yards are one of the best ways . Your looking for boats that have not sailed for a couple of seasons. Call or email the yard owner, they will usually tell you the last time it sailed and it’s current condition. Knowing what your looking at helps, so some training in this area is good and practical. Talk to sail makers marine engineer, engine guys .

[@MARTINELSA1]

Very good

[@Aqu181]

keep will guys new zealand is going to lock done soon 👍

[@Дмитрий-б7ф8т]

good couple

[@nftportfolio]

Anyone retiring a beauty like this that doesn't want it to go to some snob rich family who will never be able to appreciate the experience, I'd be greatful for the opportunity to own her. Pay it forward to a young family of 4 with one on the way.

[@georgecumming760]

Insightful video. If you go for something that needs work, do you buy all the tools or is it best to rent? Indeed can you rent? Also, are you really on your own in fixing up or do you get kind hearted people come and give advice?

[@ahamedsaid7723]

Thank you its very much I liked this video am from oman salalah good day for you

[@TheShorterboy]

seems anything below 33 is cheap, above that it starts getting crazy, but concrete is always cheap

[@drift8021]

That's because concrete is trash.

[@TheShorterboy]

@@drift8021 yet unlike every other material you can repair a concrete boat anywhere you have shellfish

[@terrycollins3954]

Great video BUT I was waiting to hear the cost of the boat Mmmmmmm🤷‍♂️😧😮I watched the video specifically to hear the cost of the boat

[@Sweetiepiepizza]

Been up an down Baja Mexico, now on the other side of Cortez.. so many listed that have already sold.. ads are not up to date.. contact first before making a trip.

[@SailingKittiwake]

Yes, you always need to call up in advance and ask questions.

[@rasheedmasthan6779]

Very Nice

[@redwood1957]

Thank you

[@flyingrv6]

My advice is buy a 1975 Flicka for $7K and don’t look back. I did.

[@quirkyfrapple2321]

Hi I am in western Australia did you get your boat in Australia ?

[@007rooks]

Dang same advice for buying a car!

[@ghostmandeak7305]

I want a boat desperately

[@ghostmandeak7305]

@not sure hahahahaha i wish pal al keep dreaming and looking

[@mattmanmv13]

keep l;ifing the dream

[@timphillips9954]

It's a sailingboat because you go sailing not a bloody sailboat.