The one that got away

[Costello]

I passed on a 1984 Four Winns Catalina (seats 6) with a 70 h.p. Mercury outboard, open bow, bimini top, and trailer. The person selling it said it's been in his family since day one and the boat only had 50 hours on it. (Hard to believe, since the boat is 18 years old. Nonetheless, it looked like it was in great condition.) I could have purchased it for $2,800. I passed in hopes of finding a bigger boat (which I did) but still think I should have jumped on the smaller, hardly-used boat. <br /><br />Will someone please set my mind at ease so I can get over it? (e.g., maybe the motor was undersized, or it's a crummy boat, or sitting for long periods can be harmful, etc.)<br /><br />I think I need a shrink.<br /><br />-Robert

 

[blifsey]

Re: The one that got away

Just go out and enjoy the bigger boat you did get. No need worrying about what could have been.<br /><br />BL...

 

[sho305]

Re: The one that got away

That was good money for that boat. It had better look new too, and then you can have age gremlins anyway.<br /><br />Here in MI, I am seeing people get some real good deals on boats now. I saw a Renken 18' I/O bought for $1400 with new seats but some wear on the carpet and so-so gelcoat, but not real faded. It has a Volvo outdrive and runs nice.<br /><br />I got a '83 16' Bayliner with a 85 good running Force for $200, but the transom had to be replaced and some other repairs. Nice trailer too.<br />Could have made $ parting it.<br /><br />A friend got a nice 17' with a Johnson 120 for $2000. It looks like a Wellcraft but I do not remember the name. Has new interior and only slightly faded gelcoat. Solid hull and nice trailer; does about 50mph. Must be about a '90 boat and just needs to be buffed out. Figure boats only get about 4-6 months use/year here in MI.

 

[Knoxes]

Re: The one that got away

OK, how about this... no way that boat had only 50 hrs on it. So if he was willing to feed you that line of ***t, then what else might have been wrong? <br /><br />Better now?

 

[blifsey]

Re: The one that got away

Or, go (re-)watch the episode of Andy Griffith where Barney buys a car from the sweet old lady that just drove it to church on Sundays. Might be same lady trying to sell that one that got away.<br /><br />BL...

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: The one that got away

While doing some research on Badliners in JD Powers website, I found a section that compared diesels to gas engines. There was information about average yearly hours of pleasure craft. It explains about what happens when marine engines sit for periods of time. They suggested that a engine that has lots of hours on it in a short time is better that and engine that has sit for periods of time with fewer hours on them. The internal corrosion that goes on does more damage than the actual frequent use of the engine. <br /><br />So personally I think you did wise by passing it up. With such few hours for the period of time the boat was used, the engine just as well had a 900 hours on it. Good luck with your new boat...

 

[Costello]

Re: The one that got away

Wow, thanks for the psych work. I appreciate all the responses.<br /><br />Who do I make the check out to?