Surveying and buying a sailboat! | EP 03

[@squadman3376]

Just saw a video made by a young couple who got ripped off buying a similar boat. No inspection. Boat was actually condemned !! You were smart to have it checked.YOU learned a lot about the boat YOU just bought. Safe sailing.

[@Vepoch]

Great video. Looking forward to more. I’m pretty sure nooks and “cannies” is not a saying though 😂

[@CheersWarren]

I understand you missed some items in the survey but your boat was in great condition for its age . I was impressed to see the PO was well invested in the boat. A Catalina 34 would not be my first choice for extended offshore work but certainly capable if well maintained and sailed sensibly. The HUGE advantage above almost anyboat of that era (1988/30yrs old!) is that Catalina is still in business and have a great owner support both from the factory and the owners. That alone is more useful than a better base boat they stopped making 25 years ago and there is little information about. A smart purchase even if you did decide to do some major repairs not expected that for most usage would never need doing..... cheers Warren.

[@Wandersailing]

Thanks Warren, there is a lot of repairs and upgrade that wouldn't necessarily be necessary for coastal cruising but since we had more extended plans for the boat. There's a few things we didn't want to take a chance with, more on the boat refit in the next few episodes. ;)

[@josephkeck7723]

No, I did not know that about ‘80s Catalinas. Well, hope the best for you, good luck and God bless.

[@Wandersailing]

Thank you very much! We got back to the boat in Mexico! Happy New years!

[@Belzebut1000]

Nice vidéo! Look forward to all your next vidéos of this beauty sv black dragon!

[@Wandersailing]

Well stay posted my dear friend and thank you very for being a Patreon! :)

[@superdon1chw]

well how much?

[@aadghim]

I hate when people buy boats and don't say how much they pay for it - but I think they paid at least 70 k for it

[@GSMicrobe]

you guys bought a nice boat you know! Nice quality, good check ups!

[@Wandersailing]

Thanks! There were a few things that was overlooked but 3 years later she's pretty dialed in after the last refit in Mexico.

[@sailingvesselblacklotus1695]

Great episode! 👍

[@cycloneranger5354]

So what your saying is make sure you survery for a good surveryor.... The guy didn't really survey anything except the rudder and the deck it seems. 12:45 seems like the guy missed like 90% of the boat.

[@Wandersailing]

Hey Richard, he sure did. That's why we mentioned we were super satisfied with the boat. We had a few projects we didn't initially expected but we are glad we did them now.

[@philbobaggins8603]

only in Australia? do we have a venomous starfish that I don't know about?

[@Wandersailing]

Philbo Baggins Only in Australia that you have to worry as much about what animal you’re touching since a lot of them are venomous compared to Canada. We were mostly joking since Matt is from Australia and was asking if I should worry about this starfish to be venomous. 👍

[@jazldazl9193]

unless you have a specific predilection for see saw rides avoid that v berth crossing the Pacific ;)

[@Wandersailing]

We usually use the sea berth during crossing and long passage.

[@richrich685]

Thanks for the vid! We’re just started looking for our first sailboat and this was super informative!

[@Wandersailing]

Rich ONeal The first sailboat is always exciting and a bit stressful. Glad to see you enjoyed it. If you’re curious, we also have a video of the extended refit when we dropped the keel and pulled the mast out. Don’t be shy to reach out if you have any questions. 😉

[@Wandersailing]

I'm glad it could help you guys! Did you guys ended finding something that was fitting what you were looking for?

[@davidsmith4363]

I love the Catalina 34. You apologize for using wrong terms but that was weird mix of both. I do the same. Still a good informative video. Thanks

[@davidsmith4363]

Until the "gas" part. It's fuel or diesel!!!! 😂

[@Wandersailing]

@@davidsmith4363 Haha, what can I say. When you're green, you're green. We all live and learn. The important is we did the leap of faith and got it done. 3 years later we are still sailing the world and living it.

[@Mo-zv5yc]

Wait this vessel is gas or diesel?

[@Wandersailing]

It's diesel and... wind powered 😜

[@stevensmith4041]

American boats, yachts and ships turn right & left, if you have any questions look it up in the CFR's

[@Wandersailing]

We've been loving the boat. We did about 10 000nm in the last 2 years. She's fast and strong (1inch tick haul, oversize rigging and etc). The only thing lacking is storage but super roomy.

[@KWKloeber]

Nice Vid!! See you on the C-34 Association forum? I couldn't tell, but if it hasn't been -- clean the antifouling under the zinc off of your strut. You want the best electrical connection that you can get on your anodes. Was the rusty keel leak due to a Catalina smile? It's a RARE surveyor who will "thoroughly" evaluate electrical or electronics. or rigging. They are trained by AMS to avoid any possible liability -- and they might recommend you hire an electrician or a rigger inspect it, if it looks questionable -- but will report only what they "sight." The shaft zinc locations -- if zinc weight is off center, you don't want it in the center of the span to avoid whiplash and a bent shaft. So, where they are, are "ok" but personally I would have separated them a little more. Like 3 diameters behind the strut (to avoid blocking the cooling/lubricating water flowing thru the cutlass.)

[@Wandersailing]

Hi Kloeber, thanks for your infos and I'm already on c34. We assumed it was due to the Catalina Smile. We ended having to drop the keel, there were some delamination of where the keel meet the fiberglass. Luckily the keel bolt where good but reglass 3/4 of a inch under there. Should be one of the strongest c34 from now on.

[@KWKloeber]

I have a Catalina 30 and did the same thing. I found the joint much worse than what it appeared from the outside. The crack was about 1/4 of along the port side, but when I got into it after grinding off the faring about 3/4 of the joint had turned to mush. Are you aware of the construction, that there is a wooden plank cast into the keel buss that the keel mates to? That's part of the problem, bilge water gets down along the bolt threads, deteriorates the wood along with attacking the joint bedding. Did you replace that wood? I would make sure the keel bolts are well sealed to make sure no water gets down from the bilge because if the plank is still there that can still be attacked. The attack happens from the inside out, not from the outside in. Ken

[@Wandersailing]

The portion I was referring to, wasn't the seam/ join. I was referring to the horizontal portion of the boat that is sitting on the lead keel. Dropping the keel was a lot of work but worth the peace of mind. I was aware of the construction and contacted Catalina regarding the wood plank in that area. After inspection, mine was straight up glass...

[@KWKloeber]

The whole horizontal piece (called the keel buss that the keel mates against and bolts to) is a joint! The outside edges you see on the face of the keel is just the edge of the joint. Wherever the keel touched the buss is a joint.

[@nazarethbarker4937]

"Over their to the left"- Surveyor-*ehem "port side" Lmfao

[@Wandersailing]

It tells you how green we were when we got the boat haha

[@nazarethbarker4937]

@@Wandersailing love it man, were brand new to sailing and have learned alot watching yall. We're fitting a 1975 irwin to be a livaboard.

[@Wandersailing]

@@nazarethbarker4937 That's awesome! Where about are you doing the refit?

[@nazarethbarker4937]

@@Wandersailing were actually here near St. Louis city, we got her in freshwater water, and are planning on getting it fully ready and sailing from KY lake out to the ocean

[@danielplainview4778]

Reed pointe?

[@Wandersailing]

That's right! Are you from around there?

[@danielplainview4778]

I live in Langley so fairly close

[@sailingeden9866]

If you see black smoke its from incomplete combustion from to much diesel from the injectors which will clear up in a few minutes which is normal. Blue smoke is from having oil in the cylinders because its leaking past the rings which is a bad thing requiring an engine rebuild. That surveyor had it backwards. The rusty water coming out of the keel, a weeping keel, is a bad thing. Rudder slop, the rudder not being tight and knocking is a bad thing, indicating worn rudder bearings. That surveyor must be friends with the seller.

[@Wandersailing]

Good to know. Thanks for the clarification 🙂

[@svdellajean253]

Nice to see Steve’s old boat. Be aware of the light available to video. Some of the galley video I couldn’t see what you were talking about. Good luck.

[@Wandersailing]

Thanks for the feedback, were the light exposure on the video were too dark on your screen? Will consider that for future video 😉

[@svdellajean253]

Parts of the galley and head footage were dark, especially on my phone. The computer screen was better. The camera adjusted for the change in light, but you were moving on to another part of the boat. Not being critical just trying to help.

[@Wandersailing]

Definitely appreciate the feedback :)

[@jkutyna]

Nobody abandons an 80 foot yacht at sea due to losing a rudder. You rig up your drogues as a guiding sea anchor or come up with another solution. STUFF BREAKS, and being a sailor means you deal with it, not run away the first time something isn't working as intended.

[@Wandersailing]

I agree with you but It doesn't mean it doesn't happen.

[@Maddie-Girl]

You have to preheat engine for 15 seconds and give it a little throttle it ll start rite up

[@Wandersailing]

Yeah, usually 5 to 10 seconds does it and since we are in Mexico. We rarely have to even preheat the engine hahaha!

[@cottagefarm3103]

What did I just watch you do to that crab you threw away the best bit.

[@Wandersailing]

I agree, some of the tastiest bit are in the body

[@jslewis145]

Hi, what did John have to say about the dribble of rusty water that you found coming from the top of the keel? I bought my 1988 C34 (Hull # 711) 2 years ago and noticed exactly the same thing as you did and pointed it out to my surveyor, it turns out it is the begining of the Catalina smile. My surveyor called a yard for an estimate which came back at $600 so we took $1000 off the purchase price. I have since learned that there is a divergence of opinion about how to treat it, ranging from grinding out and resealing to dropping the keel and doing a full rebed to the keel stub. If you are planning on going offshore the later maybe appropriate? Congratulations on your purchase, you have probably already found it but if you haven't you will find the C34 owner's website (c34.org/) to be your greatest resource. Jeremy.

[@Wandersailing]

II would say it really depends of your situation and bad your Catalina Smile is... We were planning to do more extensive cruising than the boat was originally design for and wanted to make sure everything was up for the task. Glad we did, the keel stud were fine but had delaminated fiberglass where the keel meet the boat. Ended up redoing the whole bottom at the same time (content for a future episode). 8 weeks later of 14 to 16 hours days of hard work, the bottom look like new! 😊

[@the-bu3lb]

How much was she

[@Wandersailing]

She was listed at 60k CAD back then (45k USD)

[@lucianomagoulas9260]

Can I ask what's the price of the boat?

[@johnb4183]

Hello to the couple looking at the boat , I have been noticing a large number of couples looking at and buying sailboats. It seems to be a growing phenomenon. In your guy's opinions what do you think the motivation for this is , housing costs , escapism a decline in society etc. etc. ? Thanks Your opinion would be valued.----------------

[@SOLDOZER]

Booming Trump economy!!!!!!!!!! People's pockets are flush with spare cash to spend on luxuries!! TRUMP 2020!!!!!!

[@Wandersailing]

I think the growing cost of living in major cities and it's simply because people are starting to value experiences over possessions. Also, cruising is more accessible then most people think, both of us can live on $500 to $1000 per months while we are out there cruising and living at anchor. Which if you can find a way to make this money working randoms gigs here and there while meeting awesome people, learning tons, discovering the world, etc... why the hell NOT do it?!

[@garymyers6638]

Nooks and crannies

[@Wandersailing]

Good catch hahaha!

[@josephkeck7723]

I’d stay away from Catalinas if you want to Bluewater sail. Tyana, Jason 35, Westsail 32, those would be a better bet, stronger for rough seas. My take.

[@Wandersailing]

That’s what most people think but this boat was built in 1988. Did you know that generation of Catalina have an 1 inch hull, oversized rigging and etc?

[@danielplainview4778]

Really a cat 34 will be fine to blue water sail as long as a couple main upgrades are made and the owners are fine with some “compromises” to the layout Catalina has made. Reality is the skipper will generally call it quits long before the boat will. Be cautious and make some upgrades and that boat can sail across oceans

[@josephkeck7723]

I see what you’re saying, Daniel, don’t really know as I have never owned a Catalina. Had a friend that owned one, though. But here’s the thing- why chance it? Making upgrades, changing this, re-engineering that, strengthening the other, etc. All that is well and good, as far as it goes. But I think a wiser and more prudent choice - given that you’re crossing a potentially life-threatening expanse of ocean - is to forgo a lesser boat with preventative “upgrades” and just hold out for one that is known for its robust reputation in handling such dangerous situations as one can find themselves when sailing long distances. When the wind is force 10 and the seas are doing their level best to reach the top of your mast you might be thankful that you did, for peace of mind if not for actual practical reasons.

[@theruckusdj]

The title syas buying a boat... Why not tell us what you bought it for (price)

[@Wandersailing]

Steve whelan Stay tuned! It will be mentioned in future episodes 😉

[@craigjasman9436]

@@Wandersailing OK now Im looking for the future episode. Hopefully by now it is a past episode. Looking to do something similar. How long did it take you to learn how to sail competently enough to cross oceans?

[@zofoblueszofoblues8339]

Non of my biz but if you found you got a half arsed survey then you should ask for some money back and if you had to repair something that he should have caught then you must ask would I or We bought this Boat knowing the future repair costs? If it was a No then you really deserve your money back.

[@Wandersailing]

It might be true and wish I knew better then. But it was all part of the learning curve of being of newbie sailor buying and surveying a boat. The purpose of this video was to share what we learned and hoping other people don't make the same mistakes that we did.

[@danndeelion]

He seemed actually sad he was giving it up. Definitely his wifes decision!!

[@ericcarpentier5095]

I think it was fine with it since they got this new catamaran lol

[@Wandersailing]

Yeah they got new Manta 40 catamaran, quite an upgrade

[@danndeelion]

@@Wandersailing Yes I figured that was his new baby after I said that! And I am in Port Moody as well and know exactly where this is! We drive by there on Barnett all the time! We are waiting to buy our sailboat as newbies as well, your story is inspiring thank you!!

[@Wandersailing]

@@danndeelion Thanks guys! Well feel free to reach out anytime if you have any questions. I'm back in BC for the next few months. I would be glad to offer some guidance ;)

[@santyclause8034]

That toilet/bath combo is a seeping sepsis reservoir waiting to bust out some cholera, typhoid, yellow fever, dengue, hepatitis, polio myelitis, septicemia.. steer clear.

[@Wandersailing]

It's been working flawlessly for the last 4 years. Thanks for your concern

[@russellclement2058]

What did she say about not spending any money ,,, boy oh boy , you have a surprise coming to you

[@Wandersailing]

And what is that surprise?

[@russellclement2058]

@@Wandersailing The young lass was saying the boat was in good nick, should be 2 , 4 years before you had to spend any money

[@jasonsail9541]

I had this surveyor survey a sailboat before in Vancouver and he should definitely not be a surveyor!

[@Wandersailing]

We were definitely not satisfied with our surveyor but we really didn't know better at the time. When we talked to him over the phone... sounded like he really knew Catalinas but ehh... live and learn.

[@kevloos86]

He doesn’t know shit

[@wardell7]

catalina is a great coastal boat... but not a ocean crosser

[@Wandersailing]

The boat wasn't necessarily design for it but it is definitely capable. People has been crossing ocean in 12 feet dories and row boats. I think our ancestors would have been pretty stoke to have this kind of boat. It all depends how much risk you are willing to take and being smart about picking your weather windows

[@SOLDOZER]

Fully capable. Its not like it will be 20 foot seas the entire time. In fact you will spend more time sitting idle with no wind than you will fighting squals and high seas.

[@myrccomedy3368]

Great video. Great Boat. I can’t help but to notice a trend of people making KZbin vlogs from wander vanlife to wander sailing. I get it but it just seems like too many posers doing the same thing. They all talk about the same thing. Maybe you guys will be more interesting;-) & Don’t ebegged for money or sell shirts with a stupid logo on it or advertise for amazon.

[@Wandersailing]

There are 16 extra episodes if you are curious to see where we ended up last season. These videos were initially to let family and friends see what we were up to, since most of them live 5000 km away. People underestimate how much work and dedication it takes to tackle a project like this. If other gets inspired by those youtube channels and decide to support them. I don't see any problem with that.

[@SOLDOZER]

All of them begging for money via Patreon too. Its pathetic. People with $400K catamarans begging for donations and they all use the wife T&A for clickbait.

[@joelyounger]

@@SOLDOZER nobody is forcing you to spend a dime or click on their videos. If you don't see the value in what they do, keep on scrolling.

[@robinszemeti3085]

Don't waste your money on a survey, do it yourself. Our surveyor missed absolutely everything. Well recommended, all the letters after his name, all the qualifications ... totally useless. Waste of time and money. Learn how to inspect a boat and do it yourself, you will do a far, far better job.

[@Wandersailing]

Robin Szemeti I believed we didn’t have a choice to hire a surveyor since the insurance request one to insure the boat. Let me know if you know if a way to go around that 😉

[@SOLDOZER]

A guy who's so green that hes only used a tiller would not have the slightes clue about anything or what to look for.

[@420BLUNTLEY]

It’s sad to see a girl that cute be so crude. The state of people now compared to the past is pathetic

[@ericcarpentier5095]

The new girl in the future episodes is pretty sweet ;)

[@rusmiller816]

lol boomer