Category: Costs

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Before you buy a boat, any boat, hire a qualified boat surveyor.

seacost

You are looking for a boat. Some of you may be looking for a specific kind of boat designed by a famous someone.  Possibly a sailboat designed by Robert Perry.  For my 73rd birthday spent part of the day on one of his creations.  Built in 1981, she was-almost 40 years later-still a beauty. And very sail worthy. Even though the San Diego Harbor weather was goofy that day-no wind or lots of wind- she made something from even the tiniest puff of air. It helped enormously that she had two experienced captains on board…  but given how she wonderfully she handled it was easy to see how a man could fall in love. Deeply in love. With her. And be willing to drop really big bucks for the privilege of owning her.

But for the initiated (like moi), and newbies to the boating world, how do you put yourself in a position to fall in love with the “right” boat? In my mind “right” and “good” come together. That right/good option is one that won’t leave you broke, sink you (literally and/or figuratively), or make life miserable because she’s way too expensive to maintain, hard to handle and/or just plain dangerous.

I had limited funds. And… because I knew next to nothing about boats, much less the 36 foot long, somewhat the worse for wear 1981 Marshall California Trawler under serious consideration,  I knew expert advice was imperative.  So… I hired local experts for the two kinds of surveys typically performed -boat and engine- before actually saying a final yes. Note, this survey can also be used to negotiate price, and to even escape a potentially bad situation-the bad boat kind.

Mike Pyzel (https://everythingaboutboats.org/mike-pyzel/) did the boat survey. The boat seller recommended him, and he came with a bright and shiny reputation. Plus, he had surveyed the boat twice before, and I hoped he might remember her from previous visits.

What is a boat survey? Well.  A boat survey is sort of like a yearly physical. The old fashioned kind. Where the doctor actually had time. To sit down and ask probing questions. Like what are you eating-really? No BS, please. And how much sleep do you really get? And…explore the issue of your partner snoring. At a decibel level so loud it is impossible to sleep. (True story.  my former husband snored so loudly he would wake himself up!  I would try to fall asleep before he came to bed, because once he started chopping wood, my restful night was over).  Smoking? Drugs? Weight? Sex? You get the idea. A real exam. Not the 10 minute quickie of todays office visit.

Mike does a real exam. Climbs into bilges, small areas, unpleasant corners. Checks out everything. He examines. He thinks. And he writes an extensive report that will help you decide whether or not to buy. This particular boat. The boat you may see as the love of your life. Mike might tactfully  suggest she is not be a keeper. That an expensive breakup, or worse yet divorce is in the making. He’ll tell you everything in boaty language, or translate into English if necessary.  Listen to the man. He is telling you the truth!

Mike stopped by the boat last week and we talked a bit more about why he does what he does. Easy going,  good humored. Kind. And smart. His survey is more than a boat exam, he’s also looking at you-you the buyer. Mike is weighing the match-are you and the boat suited to each other? Will this boat fit your wants, needs and expectations. Are your sailing or boating skills a match to the vessel? If you say ”I just want to go to the Islands- but have little to no experience- he wIll probably discourage you from buying that 45’ hard to manage number.  Plus he’d be worried. A trip to the islands is no cakewalk-two major shipping lanes, and potentially lively seas are serious business and he’d worry for your safety. Oh, and he knows buyers tend to go up in size- rather than down-when making a purchase. While this sounds great from a ”we’ll grow into it perspective”, the truth is that bigger boat can be a problem. Too much to handle. (And frankly reminded me of the oversized motorcycle my daughter bought-and never used. Too big and frankly just too scary to drive).

Cost of the survey is cheap. From first hand experience I know the survey will cost less than replacing the head (Toilet) vacuum pump.  and working heads are essential. Or having some-not even all- tiny portion of wood trim stripped, sanded, and one-only one-scrawny coat of Cetol finish applied.  The survey is a drop in the bucket. The ever expanding bucket you will spend to actually own the boat. And Mikes advice is worth every dollar. Figure on spending $750.00-$1,000.00 -minimum for a regular uncomplicated boat survey.
Mikes survey is included here for you to check out….

FROM MIKE PYZEL:

Hi Susan,

Here is survey for you, photos next ASAP  I have not been able to get a grip on the mechanic, so I went with what he said at survey, that the engines sound okay but need some maintenance.  Pretty normal, but maintenance can be expensive.  I checked on slip values, and I think that is your ace in the hole as back-up value for the collective deal.  The  value of the boat here is in line with others, about in the middle of the line-up. And they all need maintenance.

Also, I am heartened that you have a team of qualified helpers.  I think that  makes the deal workable for you and I can rest well with that.  

Best, 
Mike

 

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COST: OF MY BOAT AND SLIP IN SB.

large photo Photo 1
large photo New Canvass March 2019
A BOAT SIMILAR TO MINE….

Price just reduced

Year:
1981
Length:
34′
Engine/Fuel Type:
Twin / diesel
Located In:
Lacombe, LA
Hull Material:
Fiberglass
Current Price:
US$ 45,000

OWNER SAYS IT’S TIME TO SELL!  All offers considered.

“St. AUG” is one of the few Trawler-style boats BUILT IN THE UNITED STATES. She has a large fly bridge, wide side decks, a nice cockpit and a spacious cabin with a true nautical feel.

ECONOMICAL: At 7-9 knots, you will average about 2 miles per gallon.

All new inside and outside cushions in March, 2019 .  NEW BIMINI!  2019

A traditional style trawler and a still popular family cruiser. This particular trawler features the two cabin layout with the galley up and has been well maintained and cared for. Galley has three-burner electric stove top and electric oven.  Side by side Freezer and Refrigerator offer plenty of cold storage opportunities.

“St. AUG” is a special example of this sought after model.  When you need speed, she can get you where you want to go at a respectable 22 knots.  Otherwise she cruises cocktail speed at 15-16 knots.

Whether you are looking for a boat for extended cruising, weekending or just spending time on the water with family and friends, you owe it to yourself to sneak-a-peek.  If you are considering the challenge of the “Loop”, you will definitely not want to miss her.

This vessel has the highly desirable Twin Caterpillar 3208 Diesel Engines. She is also equipped with a 7.5kw Onan Diesel Generator.

Forward is a V-berth that sleeps three and hanging locker to starboard.  The head with separate shower on starboard and opposite you have the port side double berth cabin.

 Fly bridge (Upper helm) is comfortable and spacious giving a great view to the open water.  Lower helm has a fold down helm seat with side door starboard.

 This boat is very similar to mine….

A bit of history. Boat seller was anxious to sell. I knew nothing about this particular boat -or power boating in general- but was interested in buying. For a place to live. And the boat was already a designated a “live a board.”.  Two years ago the boat and slip were listed for $160,000.00. With no, zip, nada response the owner took the boat off the market and she languished in the harbor. The boat was used-infrequently -while the owners sorted out their lives in different states. The upshot was four years of benign neglect- not terrible care, but not a lot of attention either. Pigeons felt free to roost on the Bimini, blue and white stripped curtains took on mold, and exterior bright work peeled.  Problems -not in the boat-but health issues for of one of the owners- precipitated a sudden eagerness to sell. The owner wanted $100,000.00 for the boat and slip. I asked if she and her husband would consider $95,000.00. Why I picked that number, I honestly have no idea. In retrospect, it may have been the thought that one never paid asking price for anything. My parents frugality popping thru to the deal? Who knows. They quickly accepted the offer….

I had not planned on buying a boat, so had to think quickly about how to finance. Originally I proposed giving her $56,000.00 in cash and we would agree on a monthly payment plan to cover the rest. However, another option popped into my mind. I owned a tiny condo-free and clear-in a very trendy area of downtown Minneapolis.  Near Washington Avenue with a staggering view of our new US Bank Stadium, and located in a part of the city that grew more popular and populous with each passing day.  Home to exciting brewery concepts started by bearded hipsters, new style food eateries with oddball but intriguing menus popular with non cooks, and yoga- hot, twisty and regular- plus upscale gyms for the muscled, and want to be muscled.

The condo sold in a flash and I was able to use the mortgage money- $120,000.00- for the boat and slip purchase, plus related expenses. The seller was very forthcoming about what it would actually cost to buy the boat, and I based the size of the mortgage on that information. She was off by about two grand, but that number was manageable.

What the boat cost. Please note the SB harbor is unique. And expensive. Your harbor may be totally different. This is just information.

$75,000.00. To owner of boat for the 35’ slip in Marina #1. My slip is directly behind a row of fat old 35-40’ fishing boats. Many of those critters fire up their engines at 4:30 am on nice days- so the location is bit noisy until you get used to the racket. But upside, the slip is very close to the marina entry, plus the bath and shower facilities. The slip  alone was valued at $75,000.00- and made the whole deal worthwhile. Though…rumor this year is that slip values are dropping. Rumor mills are notorious in the harbor so will keep you posted.

$20,000.00 to the owner for the 34’ trawler, a 1981 Marshall Californian. Price I paid was pretty average that model and vintage. I have included information on a similar boat above, but her engines and overall condition are significantly better than mine. Which I think accounts for her price of $45,000.00.

$17,282.00 transfer fees paid to city of SB. These fees are high when compared to other harbors. But more to be said in a later blog. About what we get for that money.

$750.00 Mike Pyzel for the  original Marine Survey. Plus additional $320.00 for follow-up meeting.

$500.00 for Engine survey. Each engine was surveyed separately.

$308.00 to Jim Wulff for Sea Trial. The boat-with owner, hired captain-Jim Wulff, both the marine and engine surveyors- all hop on the boat and go out to sea. The goal: to determine seaworthiness of vessel. She passed. By the skin of her teeth.

$1, 740.00 x for yearly taxes on boat and slip. Paid to Harry Hagen yearly.

$890.00 Boats US for boat insurance. This amount keeps increasing yearly. NOTE: US Boats was purchased by Geico and satisfaction is not what it used to be….

$1, 062.00  For two months rent in harbor including “live aboard permit” which is added to monthly harbor use fee (like condo dues), and paid monthly.

$ 90.00  For 1 year harbor vehicle parking permit.

TOTAL: $117,942.00. Pretty darn close to the anticipated $120,000.00 figure.

NEXT: WHAT DOES “LIVE A BOARD” MONTHLY FEE BUY?

MONTHLY EXPENSES TO LIVE IN HARBOR?

WHAT IS A MARINE SURVEY AND WHY IS IT VALUABLE?

WHY PAY FOR AN ENGINE SURVEY?

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Looking for affordable housing in California, consider a boat!

The original plan when I moved to California was to design and build a tiny house. A modest structure on affordable land.  I knew I could live comfortably in small spaces. I had practice. My ex-boyfriend and I shared a 530 sq feet one bedroom apartment twelve years ago and did amazingly well. It helped that Callys wonderful weather meant we could easily escape each others company when annoyed or feeling crowded. So I knew a small space would not present an issue.

Big surprise. The high cost of land, coupled with strict code and even stricter enforcement, made building a tiny house in Santa Barbara, California an impossible dream. But here’s the deal. I am a creative woman. Hardwired into my genetics is a big fat creative problem solving gene. Thinking outside the box is the norm. If one idea doesn’t work, can’t work, I quickly access the situation and move on to  a second, a third or a fourth option. That evolving option list  keeps me hopeful, mentally active and focused on the end goal. Here the end goal was to find an affordable place to live in Santa Barbara. One with enough room for a friend or two to stay overnight- which meant-ideally-two bedrooms. Once  the tiny house idea was nixed, I started to look at two bedroom apartments. One and two bedrooms are scarce. And expensive. I pulled this chart from a website on SB apartments to give an idea of cost. To live in a moderately safe area meant I would probably expect to spend-at least-$3, 000.00 per month. Yowzer. That is 60% of my total monthly income. Which meant renting an apartment was out. Of my range. Completely and totally.

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Santa Barbara?
Bedrooms Average Rent Cheapest Rent Highest Rent
Studio Apartments $1,896 $1,150 $2,681
1 Bedroom Apartments $1,937 $1,225 $3,115
2 Bedroom Apartments
 $3,447 $1,050 $11,000
3 Bedroom Apartments $5,071 $850 $9,000
4+ Bedroom Apartments $3,037

The third option was senior housing. I am 74 and qualify for senior housing. Certainly affordable financially,  but I knew from personal experience when searching for housing for my elderly parents, those places had long waiting lists. Years long. Plus I knew I did not want to live in a single age community because of the age isolation factor. My friends range from young to old, and I wanted to live in a place where they would be welcome. And most of all I wanted to find a place where  the residents still looked for adventure. Excitement. Were open to change. Some members might be inspiring personalities, or seeking Inspiration. Were still curious. Believed in possibility. And…loved a challenge.  In my mind I had yet to see a senior community that had any of those desires on the menu. Grab bars, yes. Curiosity and challenge. No.

Okay, three big fat no’s. Tiny house:  impossible. Apartment: unaffordable.  Senior housing, affordable, but not me. What was left? A trailer? Another location-perhaps inland- like Los Olivas or Los Alamos? Plus, I was distracted. Getting ready to leave for six weeks in Costa Rica to see an old neighborhood friend, Lura Shopteau, owner of Bienestar Yoga Studio in Uvita. (For information on Lura’s studio go to https://www.bienestarlife.com/. )Distracted by trip stuff-nasty medical shots, brushing up on what little Spanish I remembered from one semester of language class circa 1964, finding the right out of the country call plan for my iPhone5s, and selecting a good travel  insurance plan-kept me from focusing too much on the looming housing question. 

I had scheduled a good-by lunch with a friend. We ate a wonderful spot right on the ocean- The Boathouse at Arroyo Burro. Day views of the Pacific are 20  feet from your table, and nighttime is total magic. Decommissioned oil rigs look like thousand karat diamonds sparkling on a black mirror. A chance comment “I would even consider living on a boat.”  made at lunch, led  to “I have a friend selling her boat” response.  I asked how much and heard $100,000.00. For just the boat.  I immediately brushed off that option thinking it was for just the boat, but quickly reconsidered, called the boat owner, and saw her-both owner and boat-the next day. The cost was for BOTH boat and slip. And one needs both boat and slip to reside in the harbor. The previous owner had lived on the boat on and off for four years, and described a somewhat romantic life on board. I fell for the idea-hook, line and sinker. An expression that totally matches event….

NEXT: HOOK, LINE AND SINKER

AFTER THAT POST: BUYING A BOAT IN SANTA BARBARA. COST. TOTAL COST.