Hey guys well it looks like im going to pursue this Egg harbor Sportfisher I found. I just wanted to see if I was missing anything on the list of things to do. I have a time set up to have a mechanic and a skipper come down to look at it. Also they are going to pull it out of the water to have a survey done. Is there anything that I'm missing?? This is my first purchase so I am a little nervous about forgetting something. Info on the boat - 1988 60ft Egg Harbor. The engines just were rebuilt and they have the paper work on it. Thanks
My family used to own a boat and here's some advice I can give you. The two best days in a boat owner’s life are the day you buy it and the day you sell it. I really hate to sound pessimistic, but that was the truth at least in our case.
Is the guy doing the survey a professional surveyor or is it your Mechanic and Skipper? Your mechanic can verify that all the things that go round and round and the things that pump will continue to do so (or that he can repair it reasonably). Your skipper can verify all the equipment is there and the boat is generally seaworthy. A professional marine surveyor can compare it to other boats of it's class and let you know if it is a good value compared to what else is out there. You want the boat pulled, and you want a good professional marine surveyor who you're never going to see again so he just wants his money and doesn't give a **** one way or the other whether or not you buy the boat.
The best advice I can give you...DON'T DO IT...It it flys,floats or you know, it is cheaper to rent than to buy.
Wow lots of negative here. I have a boat that I can personally use about 8 months out of the year (Michigan winter this year has been particularly mild however not boat weather) and I use it every chance I can get. If you are looking for advice about if what you are doing is correct I think that you have your bases covered with a mechanic and a seperate professional inspection. I have to assume that on a boat at the level of a 60 Egg the mechanic and the surveyor are 2 seperate people and are not someone recommended by the dealer/seller. Listen to what these people are telling you and take it to heart, don't let your decision be clouded by how much you like the boat...there are other boats out there...if the inspections and surveys come back right and you think that you are getting a good deal on the price buy it and enjoy it.
Wow! There is alot of negative on this. I do respect everyones input on this issue but my question was if I was forgetting anything for haveing it checked out prior to purchase. I know with any toy there will be up keep and money put into it but I am prepared for that.
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For others there is plenty of good days with a boat. I have Carver, twin engine, generator, ac/heat,flybridge, etc. I keep it in the water year round. The cheapest second home including the slip I could ever buy. I bought it right. It eats next to nothing. I don't have to take it out to have fun. One problem that boat owners have is with their outdrives, usally mercruiser or volvo penta. These have gembal bearings, rubber boots, and other stuff which causes headaches. When you buy a bigger boat, it won't have those parts. Mine is a direct drive, no u-joints. Besides avoiding the biggest problems, it shifts without grinding.
Boats are definitely money pits, but they can be a lot of fun to. Just make sure you really want one, and that you don't have to stretch yourself to get it and then go get it. A little saying I've always heard is "the only thing better than a boat is a friend with one"
I think you're covered with your currently scheduled inspections. Got storage lined up I assume. Also, transport to the final destination? Insurance takeover date is covered? Maybe the seller will fill the tanks before you sail off into the sunset. That is worth a couple grand today. My father in law is a boat fanatic and loves everything about the maintenance and operation of his 37 footer. Have fun! BT
I've got a boat the size you're checking out. Blow off the negative remarks... boats are a blast. Just stay on top of a good maintenance schedule and you'll be fine. Here's a good site to check out before your survey. http://www.yachtsurvey.com/
davem has that 100%. Some other things you may want to consider. Try to find someone you know thats into larger boats to head out on a sea trial with you. (and I say that because being a surveyor does not mean they are a true boater thats out there every day). Other than engines (which I assume are sizable diesels), really make sure the maint has been done properly on those, along with whatever generator/genset thats on the boat. Shore power system. Have the owner hook you up and see if it all works also. Shift the boat thru the motions and see if there is any sign of harshness or noise. Ask if they have ever been rebuilt.....etc. (There are parts that do go on them also.........and they need maint just like the engine does). Granted they are not too expensive, but, thats just one less thing to worry about. Shafts, struts and props............ check that closely. I like to look down in the bilge/engine area and see if its spotless (which it should be). If not, check for any white substance/haze on any of the engine or exposed areas, meaning water has been down there for some time. Bottom maint. Ask when the last time the boat was stripped and painted. Granted you are handling the cost, but that actually is a sizable chunk of change to have done. HVAC system, make sure that works properly, along with EVERY piece of electrical equipment on the boat. Being its from 1988 you may have some dated equipment on there (or not). BTW...........it is also possible to have a core sample (yep core sample) taken to check the bulkheads, stringers and such. The owner may not allow this because it does require a mini-hole to be accessed.
i have/had boats. they are a money pit. I could have a 25,000 sq ft house on the water in palm beach.......or.........a boat that is worth less than what i bougt it for. i'd think long and hard.
Another thing I should bring up is this. First I was planning on getting a Sportfisher this summer. The reason I am looking at getting this boat so much sooner is the deal. A client of mine is a broker and we were just talking about boats and fishing and he brought up that he has a 60ft egg harbor. The catch is this he sold it to this guy a year and a half ago. The new owner was going to turn it into a sportfisher charter boat. Dumped alot of money it it but never got it going the boat only put on 50hours from the date he bought it. The man lost it to the bank (repo) So I can pick it up for $230,000. There is a almost an exact copy of this boat in Newport beach listed for $499,000 and it is 2 years older. And the guy who was suppose to buy it before me had a survey done and everything came out perfect, engines, hull and so on..... So I feel it is a great great deal. And if everything goes well on the water and runs good I will take the leap. I really can not see what is bad about a bout purchase then has a $350k positive gap in it.
Yup, and there's another 60' Egg in Alameda for $299,000, Make sure it's THE boat you want and not the DEAL. These older big boats are hard to move. Be certain it's a boat you will enjoy. It takes a fair amount of passion to make this hobby fun.
I hear you on that! I have alot of passion for this sport and really enjoy being on the water. Like I said if the boat does not check out the way I want, then no deal for sure.
Be sure to get an insurance quote!!! HEre in the SouthEast boat insurance costs are insane - like 12k a year for a 500k boat. Good luck.
