Bigger Names Better For Second-hand Buyers
Newcastle Herald
Saturday November 29, 1997
By MARK ROTHFIELD Haines Hunter 580SLF, 150hp Merc, galv trailer, 27mHz, Lowrance sounder, livebait tank, good cond, only driven to Shelf on Sundays, $13,000 ono. THERE are hundreds of such classified ads in the various used-boat publications, and chances are that it'll mean Jack Squat to most first-time boatbuyers.
So how do you go about deciphering these messages?
Well, the first thing to look for is the brand name, and with Haines Hunter you're on the right track ? others are Caribbean, Cruise Craft, Savage, Seafarer, Signature and Quintrex. These manufacturers became big through being better, and since you've heard of them there's a good chance that another buyer will have too when it comes time to sell.
Another thing you can actually tell about the title is the design classification. Fishing-oriented boats usually have the letter `F' somewhere in their name, or a bunch addition such as `Outsider', `Bluewater' or `Reef-runner'. The letter `R' signifies a family runabout, `C' a cabin boat (half or cuddy), `S' a sports or skiboat.
Motors are the second major part of the equation. We discussed them last week, but the golden rules are to ascertain the age, seek a written service record, go for a test run, and get a professional inspection.
The trailer is the third part of the equation, for much of the ease of handling the rig will stem from there. In the Newcastle region you'll find a lot of locally-built Felk trailers, as well as Brooker which are manufactured in Sydney. Both enjoy good reputations, but with any brand check carefully for signs of deep-seeded rust.
A road-side wait with a broken spring is no way to start a holiday, nor is having the hull damaged through inadequate support. A new trailer can set you back thousands.
Presuming that it's a fibreglass trailable craft you're considering ? since this article is aimed at first timers ? the good news is that osmosis is unlikely to be a problem.
The bad news, though, is that rot can commonly occur in timber used for the flooring, transom and stringers. A boatbuyer's public enemy number one, it's caused by fresh water pooling in the bilges or seeping through cracks and drill holes after rain, washdowns or icebox drainage. Add some warm, dank air and it's `hot to rot'.
For some reason, though, saltwater does not cause the same problems.
Fortunately, it's pretty easy to spot. When you jump in the boat, walk around to see if the cockpit floor is unduly soft in any areas. There may be a little natural movement, but if there's a lot, beware. Closely inspect the transom for any stains, which are a telltale sign of cracking, then give the outboard leg a shake while watching for signs of flex around the stern.
Rot can also be found in plywood seat bases, so cast a close eye over the upholstery. After that its a matter of commonsense ? checking the canvas covers, the steerage, the windscreen, and the underbody for signs of damage.
Alloy boats can withstand more abuse but tend to lead harder lives, so they still should be checked for wear and tear around the welds, particularly in critical areas near the keel and transom.
If you have a budget under $10,000, then second-hand will obviously offer more boat for bucks ? the alternative is a new tinnie and, while they have a specific role, I can't bring myself to recommending them for first timers.
Fifteen grand will get you something very clean in the second-hand ranks, but if you can find $20,000 you should really start considering a new boat . . . one which will bring long and joyful ownership.
My recommended second-hand buys are listed below.
Bertram Bahia Mar
Caribbean Crestcutter
Cruise Craft Hustler 570
Haines Hunter V19R
Savage Osprey
Seafarer V-Sea
Signature 1750
Steber 475
Pride Concorde
Quintrex Fishmaster *
Mark Rothfield is Editor of Modern Boating
© 1997 Newcastle Herald
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