Not great counsel "to live small." Unless you have a Ton-o-Money, walk away from this boat. Irwin made a great cruiser, yet, without the upkeep, it has deteriorated significantly. Thre are other Dream Boats available out there. RESEARCH, not emotions
My expertise: I have been building fiberglass boats since 1976, from runabouts to 150 foot sailing yachts. I'm also an electronic tech and marine systems mechanic, a professional 100 ton captain and QMED. If you have an extremely strong relationship with your partner, your relationship may survive. Whether married or not, this will strain the relationship. This project, with two experienced boat builders is a two year upgrade at best. "Experienced" means full working knowledge of fiberglass techniques, marine carpentry and cabinetry, marine electrical and plumbing and HVAC, at least some knowledge of diesel engines and their support systems. Yes you can learn these things as you go but add to the amount of time before she's ready to sell for $200,000 for every area you are lacking in experience. It will cost a pretty penny, too, or you won't be able to sell her for that amount. Bottom paint alone for this ol' girl will cost you over $1000 (if you use the paint that she is worth). Marine stove and oven; $600. Marine water heater; $700 (not including the plumbing). Marine AC; $1000 to $1400 for a vessel this size. Marine refrigeration; $2000. In all this do not "skimp" and use household systems. You will not get the resale price if you "jury-rig" any system. Be prepared for the bottom work. The Yard fee will run you $500 per month plus electric (usually) and most yards will not allow you to live aboard while on stands, so you want to splash her as quickly as possible, but *don't cut corners* . Be sure to refurbish the bottom completely. Don't just paint over old bottom paint, have the sanders and materials ready to *prepare* the surface for new, good paint. Replace the cutlass bearing, check the strut mounts (if she has them) and rudder posts. Remedy all blisters and any water leaking out from unusual places in the hull (a sign of trapped water in the lamination) This will be nearly impossible to detect if she's been out of the water for some time. That "spongy" quarter deck is going to be a major issue. It will cost you through the nose to contract a professional. If you tackle it yourself at least find the glass guy in the yard to check your work. This isn't like filling over a rust hole in your Chevy truck with a bit of Bondo. Even if you do it yourself, expect to spend about $1000 dollars on resin and glass. Fiberglast.com is a good source for the individual buyer. What you are contemplating is why I began building boats at 26 so I would never tell you not to do it. My best advice to both of you is to be certain of your capabilities, both as a craftsman and a loving partner. This is one time a bit of a pessimistic view point is a healthy thing. I am at the mid point of refurbishing a Chris Craft Apache 37' (Sparksman and Stevens racing design) and it has been 1 and 1/2 years so far ... and this boat was in decent shape. I'm working on it by myself and the steel keel took six months by itself to bring back up to "snuff". Your work on this one will not just be to put a fresh coat of varnish and sail her off to the Caribbean, but your dream is not impossible.
Very thoughtful and accurate reply. Big money to "splash" her and the longer a big boat like that sits on the yard you will have to absorb monthly fees. Furthermore expect the unexpected, once you size up the cost and time add 20%.
Coda Silva: I agree but I would almost say expect almost 50% more cost on this one. When you start digging into years of neglect and lack of knowledge on materials and techniques you start finding all the flaws hidden under a clean coat of paint and dark corners in the bilge. I've done a lot of yard periods in my life, from private vessels, to tug boats, to casino boats, to two U.S. Navy ships, and never once did work finish on time; usually taking twice as long as expected.
Just run a way fast.... This boat will cost more to fix than it will be worth when done so don't take it even if its free. Total waste of time and money.
I agree, walk away this boat will take 3-5 years to bring up to a nice condition. A lot of money cos everything will need to be replaced unless you are very skilled and can service rusty winches. At the minimum to just sail the boat will take 1-2 years to just renew the glassing on decks and hull. The amount of osmosis must be massive. Very expensive to renovate unless you have a quarter of a million at the least.
I saw a 50 foot sailboat with mast, sails etc and is far better condition than this one that sold for $1. It took $25,000 in the yard to put in an engine and paint it and fix the minor stuff like thru hulls etc. Look in the harbors and simply ask everyone, talk to all the boaters especially the really old ones. You will be amazed. They would rather give a loving couple a boat than to let the gov or marina get it when they die or have to move off it etc.
feeble deeble sorry but he’s absolutely right and to sugarcoat this is doing not a bit of good to anybody. I’ve worked in a harbor for 35 years and been involved with it and boat builders and dreamers for more than 50 years. I’ve seen so many people destroy their futures by getting into a project like this that I’ve lost count. Many good friends have built boats and made it to Hawaii and just realize how much work and how little freedom that lifestyle can actually bring you, being tied to a boat when you get to another destination. I’ve owned countless boats and in my job have demolished many dozens. I salvaged EVERYTHING of value, down to every stainless nut bolt and screw and with the mass ( my wife said mess) of parts I have I still often come up short for parts when doing projects on my boats. I sure hope that they didn’t get that hulk. Because it’s a fast way to ruin your life. And savings.
You're response at least has some reasoning and explanations. Insulting them and giving them advice seems like an asshole thing to do was my point.@@sandyt4343
Do not even accept this boat if it is free. The cost and time required to bring this boat back will far exceed the cost of the same boat in good condition.
Understood, however once done with this boat it'll be 90% brand new. It wouldn't compare to the same boat in good condition because it would be in 90% brand new condition, which is better than just good condition. Just my thoughts, but I could be completely wrong.
It would be 90% brand new but if you bought another one that is currently floating you could invest the same money and 10% of the time and have a boat that is 90% new as well. This boat is a nightmare and it would be years of money for storage before you could even move onboard.
+Learning The Lines It's that other 10% that would worry me. There are too many problems that could be hidden that you may not find during a restoration. "If anythings going to happen it's going to happen out there"
I was thinking the same thing! This boat will ruin a relationship, cause bankruptcy, and never be able to sail again. Seeing the spongy glass was the first clue before even going inside, then seeing it stripped down just confirms this boat is done.
Hmmm ... money is oly money and comes and goes .... but for realizing that dream to rescue this great ship absolutely perfect. With 70 to 80 k you can rescue that great ship and have a very special unique cruise ship ... beginning from the first minutes from the restauration to the first new engine start in the water. Money sinkhole maybe ... but thats only money and not an important thing like health and your life ... but when you goes this way, then you have a gread adventure and a great boat again. Buying a boat which is ready for drive with guarantee from a reseller can evrybody and this is sooo stupid .... but that here its a amazing task and you grows up with your boat and have a special and close relationship later with your boat and you will love that white princess sooo much when its ready to sail again.
Cool to look at... But seriously don't buy it. Dont take it if its free!... You can buy a beautiful catalina 38 or any other boat for 25k and go sailing tomorrow...
But a Catalina 38 isn't an Irwin 52... I understand your point though. If we go this route we'll really lowball that price. Closest thing to zero would be the goal... lol
@@MrWolfSnack Well, have fun repairing this boat then. I will spend the same amount of money on a boat that floats, has an interior and is seaworthy. The time I save with doing this, I will use to drink Bloody Marries and to listen to the cries of the fool who tries to fix this trashcan. (maybe I will even make a video with my phone and upload it on youtube). Morale of the story: use your brain not your mouth.
Both sounds good too. About the Irwin, Start by pricing all the rigging and hardware ,blocks etc. That alone should just blow your mind. You need to find some old guy who's taken' up cruising by motor cycle who's had enough paying for keeping his old dream on the hard. And practically wants to give it away.. You're still young. I would offer that guy 10 cents on the dollar, so around 2,000 $ he'll probably take it. I bought a beautiful 31 ft sloop with roller furling , spinnaker ,radar,Plotter, engine needed repair. It was loaded ,12 winches and racing equipped all for 400$ low ball which I was totally embarrassed to offer ,but it was all I had. Of course he refused on the spot . I asked him to keep my number and two months later he called me and said it was mine. Plus it had fresh coat of bottom paint last time it was pulled out on the hard.
Sorry, Jordan deleted his comment about being both after I "yelled" at him about your icon obviously being Gollum. My sister was a huge LOTR fan growing up, so I know, it's all in the eyes. Lol. Sounds like you got an amazing deal! Jordan was on the hunt for a while, and found us quite a deal as well. Stay tuned for the next episode. - Randi
Are Irwins not a good boat do not much about sailboats. Back in the 80's me and some friends chartered a 54' irwin out of Miami it came with a captain we sailed from Miami to Bahamas then to key west and back to miami we did this 3 different years had a blast I remember the boat seemed fairly nice a friend of our family new the owner of the boat he lived here in Nashville he did something in the music business i think the name of the boat was the c sharp But thats about all the experience i have had with sail boats I have more time with motor boats and small motor yachts I would think it would cost 150k or so to fix that boat up am I wrong?
if they wont sell it for 3 k.. get a buyers broker and they will get it for 5000 plus 1000 commission.. you dont need a survey..you can see everything is broken
Nope nope nope. Way too much. Search and see what you can buy for that money and it wont look like that. Be patient and wait for a real bargain. All the best.
wildkatsailing are you serious?. Have you ever taken on a project even close to this? All the imagination and energy in the world wouldn’t make this a good boat to own. And that’s a question I really don’t have to ask because I know the true answer.
5 Grand with mast and I may give it thought as a long term project with the view of selling it on.....otherwise keep searching its out there somewhere.
Don't walk away from this boat....RUN! A surveyor will be a waste of money. The dollar and time cost to bring this hull back from the dead will be outrageous. Don't even think about this. For much less money, you can buy a very nice cruising boat this is ready or almost ready to go. If I still haven't convinced you, go through the boat and write down EVERY LITTLE THING that will have to be done or purchased. Estimate the materials cost for item and total that up. Then, estimate the time for each item and total that up. Then multiply then time figure by at least 3 and if you haven't done it before, even more. I'm guessing that the money will add up to $75 - $150K if you're honest about it and the time will run into the thousands of hours.
There is a very good reason why that boat was STRIPPED of anything worth re-using... because THAT boat is, well, scrap, which is why it is where it is. Leave it to its final rest in pieces.
No, not great bones ... rotted decking, rotted bulkheads, rotted hull, no engine, no electronics, no mast, no sails, no rigging. No f'ing way. I'm scared for the two of you if you would even contemplate making such a monumental mistake ...
rbodell I haven’t. I’ve seen my brother in law try to rebuild one. He spent way too much $$ and took all his time including my time helping to do it. Boats aren’t like houses to rebuild. It’s easy to factor how much $ you’re really going to spend based on all that’s wrong and missing. There’s an old boat owners saying, “ the happiest days of boat ownership are the day you buy the boat and the day you sell it.
25 grand ahahahhaha.. this is how you buy ANY boat.. ft x $1000 minus age x 1000 = 52 ft x 1000 minus probably 1980..38 yrs = 52 -38 = 14k if its SEA WORTHY.. this is a Junker HULL on the hard..3000 tops includes all parts you can find and trailer..i can find you a 100 better for that.. that are sailable...dont be insane
What Johnny said... walk away this dreams is a bubble... that boat will never sail again without putting at least 100K into it, not including all the man hours you will spend trying to fix it yourself. Wait for the right boat to come along and don't pressure yourselves ... Fair Winds!
100k, OMG..... thats a light budget. I did this exact same thing on a 65 fter which is now sailing and fully functional. And I'm the cheapest person in the world. I built my first boat when I was 15yrs old.
A survey is a waste of time and money. What are they going to survey? It's a bare hull with a rotted deck, no wiring, no systems. There is a reason it is there and is a 5 year project at least.
Like I said THERE IS NOTHING TO SURVEY and that hull is not worth $10. So how much you gonna bargain them down.Survey Report:Electronics BadDeck Softportholes missingEngine MissingPlumbing MissingSteering MissingNice thick hull.That'll be $1500, thank you.
When people ask how long it will take for me to finish my boat, I say "do you believe in reincarnation ?" 106ft of 60y/o double planked mahogany on oak.
It very much depends if you are able to do the work yourself and if rebuilding a boat from scratch is your dream. The price is NOT good. It will cost money to get rid of it for the current owner. It has No or a Negative value. If you are (or want to become) of the same stuff as Mads, Nike, Matt and Jessica I would say go for it. With heaps of time and a lot of grit you can achieve the impossible. For most mere mortals I would say it might not be the best idea. But buying a boat for me is not a calculation of value. If you walk on to YOUR boat, nothing sane and sensible is going to stop you :-). Just take all the time you need! No one is going to buy it in the next 50 years for anything over 5K.
Mads is my hero haha, however I'm not sure we're ready for a refit to the extent that he's doing on Athena. I think the only way we'd even consider this boat is if we got it for next to nothing.
Mads, Nike, Matt and Jessica would all run screaming from this. Even Karl floated and Athena at least could be sailed. Elements was in awesome shape for 10 years on the hard and her engine still worked!
Run away,it will cost 5 times what you think it will.Don't pay more than 1 dollar,you will be doing the owner a huge favour if you take it off his hands.
I couldn't agree more with S/V. I read an article about a guy who restored a 32 footer. His most expensive aspect of his re do was the sails at $30,000. That boat is a 52'? You can plan on 40 to 50 thousand on sails alone. That is the last phase of a rebuild. This boat will cost you at least $120,000, and that's with you doing all the work! Like Robert said. RUN AWAY QUICKLY!!!!
Not just "time and a lot of grit"! You'll also need a lot of dollars and cents. A Naval Architect with 40 years says don't do it. The difference between the asking and "next to nothing" is small compared to your final cost. As has been said, I wouldn't take for free.
Pick a figure and double it - Everything has potential, even a bare hull. The Wrecking yard has been given this boat, stipped it of all the valuables then want 25K for the wreck. Mast Boob, Sails, fittings $50k, Engine, Genset, batteries, chargers, wiring $25k. Instruments, pumps, wheel, kitchen, stove, bedding, through hulls, plumbing, other steering stuff $35k transport 3 years in a slip or hard stand $50k, repairs to interior $20k. not to mention your free labour. Then you have a boat that needs who know what in the way of structual work. You could buy a very decent second hand boat for $200k What about a 52 foot Amel for $129k? www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/pl_boat_detail.jsp?&units=Feet&id=3080741&lang=en&slim=broker&&hosturl=bviyachtsales&&ywo=bviyachtsales&
$25k...Is that what he pays you to take that reef in the making off of his property after its been stripped of anything of value? Don't even think twice about it. Don't waste your $$ on a survey, there is nothing left to look at. You know in your hearts that its not the right deal. Keep moving, nothing to see here!
I just found your channel and subscribed. I went back and watched your first video and I like your style and will most likely binge watch to catch up. Cheers!
The part that hurts most is the disregard for the boat after it was parked there. Leaving hatches open and stripping all the valuables, and THEN selling, is decidedly American. It's much like the folks that buy property in the mountains or wooded states, log the property bare and then sell it for the price they paid or higher, sans all the timber value that likely was more than they paid for the property as well.
Dude you can have that thing sailing in 5 months. Done it a few times to different boats. It just probably needs patch jobs, which being fiberglass, can be done pretty cheap especially if you can do it yourself.
a 52? Maybe but in a year or two it will be on the bottom of the ocean or a scrap yard. The sails alone will cost you 10k to replace. The mast.. maybe 20 to 25.. boats this big are insanely expensive to maintain.
I believe it. I think that's why if we do go this route we'll lowball the price of 25k significantly. If they don't like it, it'll sit for a year and then maybe they'll like my offer after a year of sitting. Only thing is, it IS a salvage yard so they may see more value in parting it out if they don't get the 25k.
@Chris Corum and @Matt Foster you both are correct. I was tired when I wrote that comment, lol. Only thing I can think of now would be the lead in the keel really.
Don't even give them a lowball offer. This is a classic case of a boat with a huge negative value. I'd hate to see you loose your nest egg and dream with a nightmare like this.
Omg lols. I have ZERO clue about boats or anything going on in this comment section. I only came here coz i thought it'd be neat to tell my boss to go fuck himself, then empty bank account and hit the water. But from reading all this, ima just stay on land coz ima DIE if i try to do what y'all doing. Looks super fucking enticing and easy. Good thing i came here coz i don't wanna drown or get eaten by sharks. Lols. From what I've read so far, fixing these things in this shape takes FOREVER. Sooo, your comment had me laughing my ass off. Plus, where would i get weed from? I'm pretty sure weed doesn't grow in the ocean, so I'd HAVE to be sober, and that sounds fucking awful. 😂. Ill just chill right here and watch this shit from afar. Too bad though, it looks like a super fun life. They don't have to clock in everyday. No worry about job loss, school shootings, taxes, big brother, cartels, pedophiles, traffic, shitty neighbors, gas hikes, chem trails, "illegals", crappy in-laws, crappy weed brownies, 5g cell tower death rays, truestory, "protests", shady mysterious "wildfires" that burn and vaporize steel, brick chimneys, laser cut precision homes in HALF, but NOT burn the bushes and trees and roses 2 feet away, another true story. re-runs, Kanye, North Korea, 600 foot FIRE tornadoes with blue laser beams inside, another true story that's part of those mysterious "wildfires" in Cali and Italy and Australia. tweekers, pigeons, wobbly shopping carts, weird ass dry humper Biden, long talkers, "vaccines", fake food, fake news, Facebook, drunk drivers🖕💀🖕( i miss my friend Ray😢)...one sec, gotta compose myself.... Monsanto, speed bumps, bird flu, kids, crooked politicians, car alarms, gluten, close talkers, receipt checks at Wal-Mart, other humans, terrorists, and finally... trumps hair looking like that yellow caterpillar.
Run like hell....my buddy runs a salvage yard, and he gets paid to take boats like that ...complete. I don't know how the guy that owns it, could give you that price and keep a straight face. He will pay $3000 to dispose of the waste hull... He has already stripped-off most of the valuables...
mmmmmmmmm--lets see--25k for the hull and mast (if its in good shape, good bet the rigging will also need to be replaced) and a water logged keel--which means water intrusion--50k to 80k (if your lucky) worth of some serious repairs--almost certainly 6 months to a yrs worth of work don't care if you have it done or DIY--and oh yea--theres no putting a price on your time invested, only to end up with a boat worth only 140k on a good day---unless your just interested in being able to say you did it all yourself and have that pride---you've lost your minds in attempting a project like this when theres sooo many other boats available in much better shape that are ready to sail tomorrow--good luck with your decision either way---heres the last kicker--ITS IN A SALVAGE YARD FOR A REASON---insurance total loss?? hull damage beyond reasonable repairs????--Johnny was correct--no need for a survey--EVERYTHING NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED!!!!!
I’m not a sailor, just a retired Home builder. Still, I can see that a project like this for two inexperienced diy people would take years to complete. Even if both of you can work it full time. Plus a boat load of money would be required. Biting off more than you can realistically do is a recipe for disaster. Even if everything worked out can two people even sail a boat that size? Find something smaller. Find something easier. It will still be plenty of work. Your little current boat has taught you that lesson.
Yes, Somnium has even proven to be a handful when it comes to "simple" things like bottom paint. I'm sure a 52 ft bottom job would be a nightmare. - Randi
Arhh tell em their dreaming, you've got salt in you eyes, buying that would be throwing good money after bad, it's a submarine & sitting their for that very reason!
Learning The Lines so what are you trying to say, no ones crazy enough - but you will take on the project - or not? Yachts are for sailing, that yacht is buried treasure, and theirs no gold, pearls in it to be found, it's just a carcass looking pretty dam good to a young couple with a vision & no cents - move on there's nothing more to see except more yachts in the ocean that are water tight, have masts & tight galleys, they probably even have the harness you can clip onto.. Good video, it reeled us in, you will burn out restoring her & then you will want to burn her 1/3 of the way through - we've done it & the yacht wasn't condemned like that old lady! Keep looking I'd strongly suggest..
I have rebuilt, or restored, over 40 boats to 65 foot. I wouldn't touch this one. Too many things missing that will cost a small fortune to buy. There are many good buys out there for under 10 grand that wouldn't need a lot of work and a lot more that are usable for under 25 grand. Just shop around the docks and ask questions to see what is available. Most good buys aren't advertised. Good luck.
You can't lowball this boat low enough to make it worthwhile......no engine, all woodwork needs work, soft spots on deck,, etc.....you could build a boat from scratch for cheaper.
Learning The Lines in all seriousness, I've seen people rehab worse boats. My concern is the size but if you have the time, money, and energy go for it...actually no, walk, no, run away.....far far away.....
Honestly I wouldn't take that boat for free, it's a massive undertaking not to mention a HUGE boat, do you have any experience skippering a boat this size? As just a young couple I'd suggest buying a smaller boat that's more or less ready to go for 25k.. plenty of them and it will be much more enjoyable than maintaining this beast.
+Learning The Lines certainly an Oday isn't but that doesn't mean others aren't, sailed all over the Caribbean in a 25 foot cape dory from us east coast. I'd suggest checking out cape dory 36, allied seawind, pacific seacraft for something more rugged and easy to maintain/sail compared to this beast.
A friend of mine was walking through the marina and admired a 28' (as I recall) wooden sloop in the water being worked on by an older man. She complimented him on the boat and he asked if she wanted to buy it. She replied that she couldn't possibly afford to. He asked how much she had in her pocket. For $5 she became a boat owner. A bunch of us helped her scrape and varnish on weekends.
Every time I watch this video and see this boat I fall in love with its potential no matter what people in the comments are saying below about how you should run away and it's a money pit. It be one hell of a project to restore this boat to its full potential.
If it were free it would still be too much. That size a boat is too big for 1 couple in my opinion. That size boat need a big engine thats a lot €€€. Mere new rigging would cost tens of thousands even if you would have masts and spars. Sails for that size boat cost A LOT and are really heavy. Ripping out all the rotten core and wood takes you more time than to build a new hull from ground up and then you would have a new hull, not an unreliable wreck. Every 1 feet in length raises costs at least in second power.
Well, I'm noticing you posted this last December, and there are 3000 comments on this video. If they're all telling you to run like the first 5 I just read, then I would imagine you've probably done that. I would ask you what you want to do. Are you a ship-right with mad wood-working skills? Is She wonderfull electrician and engine mechanic? None of these bozo's know anything about what you guy's want to do with your lives and what you're capable of. I've been married 43 years year to my wife and we've built two companies from garages to interstate distributorships and now I'm retired with a bad heart and I'm still filled with a bunch of ideas and no way to play. If you have the resources, follow your hearts, just don't be stupid, all that can do is hurt you both.
This was going to be Ganesha❤️ My husband used to run Don's Salvage with his dad which is why it's there. We bought her from a crook of a guy who could never come up with her paperwork (we only lost our small deposit). She was floating when we got her and we actually drove her to the marina to get hauled out in 2015. We worked on her for a few months and were completely in love with this boat!! SO many big dreams to get her restored!! Once the deal went sour we had to walk away until it was resolved years later which is why they now own it. We still may give her a go, but she has sat for so long it's not exactly practical! I cried when I watched this video as I haven't been on her since I was devastated over the loss of the deal. I truly believe she still has a life to live on the water and hope someday she will float again! ✌🏼😊
That is a sad story and such a great boat just turned into a waste. Such a shame. Could she still float one day, sure I guess. But it is no longer practical and would only be done by someone for labour of love. All I can say is I can almost feel the pain you prolly went through over this.
Ah yes, Irwins. With an all brand new one you get the quality of a WalMart discount aisle 'bargain" roll of toilet paper. And with THAT one, you will destroy your dream. Run away, fast. My granddad always used to say "People that need experience will get it, one way or another".
Masts/rigging/lines/engine/sails/deck repair/.... $100000 is way too low... seriously .... please keep looking...... I don't even know you and I'm scared you'll do something really stupid. You can find a nice live-aboard that is not been stripped and floats and sails... The hunt is the fun part... keep on searching....
I was going to say 100k isn't in the ballpark, double that.... New sails will set you back 40k or more, sure you can find used sails for cheaper, but then just buy a used boat in good condition. new engine 15k. just new lines will be 2k rigging 20k these boats go for about 200k in good shape. I don't know how much income and time you have but you aren't going to be nickel and diming this thing back together. when it comes time to buy winches those go for about 1000.00 each travelers, turning blocks, etc... I would be surprised if you could keep it under 200k by the time you were done... better deals out there to be had if you want a project boat.
there is actually a italian build all wood 23meter Shooner on Boat24 for 79k€... www.boat24.com/en/sailboats/sipa-italia-goletta-aurica/detail/290430/ i want that baby so bad.
You guys are really good about responding to comments. That's awesome. One day you'll be so popular you won't be able to keep up! Let's hope! Ha ha. Happy sailing. I wonder where you are now? I just found you today.
i enjoy your sense of adventure!!! i'm of that cloth also and know just how tempting a project such as this can be~~~i'm also a realist, and can see that even if you were to pick this rig up for free, y'all would dump a good 200K to make it right + all the strife and strain on your relationship would be enough to break most couples apart~~~I'd council to keep on a'movin folks!!! You'll find the right sitch out there~~All the best to you both, and may the wind be at'cher backs, ehyaHO!!!
Shit boat , would not touch it Erwin a shit boat builder. If it were a swan maybe .. however were is that junk yard looks like there's some good boat shit there What a shit heap that one is .
Has great potential - if you can get it for $3,000 or less. If you have another $50,000 to put into fixing it up. If you plan to do most of the work yourself and know how, or plan to learn. If you have three years, or more, to work on fixing this boat just about full time. Fixed up, it would be beautiful. You are correct, get it surveyed and have someone who knows a LOT more than I do about boats tell you if it is worth fixing. You have several years of ripping out rot, cutting, fiberglassing, sanding, painting, instrument, electrical, and plumbing work. After a long time in the boatyard, you can get the hull to float, move on board, then spend another year (or three) fixing the inside, the deck, the standing rigging and the running rigging. Finally, it can become a fabulous showboat - y'all are a cute couple and if you have the time & money to build this dream, it will eventually be beautiful & you can sail the world!
Do the calc: A Irwin 52 from 1977 is about US$125k, this they're asking 25k, even if it takes a year to fully renovate it, in a year you both can make more than 100k and get a OK boat.
I like the idea of finding a fixer-upper, I got my Galaxy 32 for free and put a few years work in, shes fine now. However a boat as large as this will be a constant drain on the wallet, as bottom paint, storage, docking fees not to mention all rigging and hardware will be super sized and expensive. Keep looking, there's deals to be had, but I would stick to 40 feet and under if you can.
It looks like anything of value has been stripped out, 'cos the hull essentially has been assessed as 'valueless'. It's a total wreck and I think you've seen enough to realise it's 'not for you', so my advice is 'walk away'. Spongy decks and water filled bilges are serious issues that could take years and loads of cash to fix. 'Give it a wide berth'
Very glad to hear it. However regretful, I'm sorry to say that boat is where it is, i.e. reclamation yard, simply because of the bits it originally had fitted on it, the hull is now all that remains, hence its 'sad and stripped' out condition.
Good advice evano. This 'wreck' has been stripped. It has negative value. It is costing the vendor money each day to keep in the yard. If it was timber he'd have burnt it already. You two sweeties are young and easy prey for hardnosed businessmen. We can't blame him for trying to make an easy buck, it's a free market, but you will suffer pain if you take this boat, even for free, even if he pays YOU the costs to dispose of it. It could break your relationship up.
*The owner of this fucking junkyard stole everything possible from this boat , to sell it out for an additional price later on. - So, my guess is , you've been robbed several times.*
10k would be a high side value estimate as it sits. Fixing the deck, provided you can do it yourself and you know what you are doing, would probably be 1-5k depending on area. Bulkhead rot is very difficult. You can do sections or the whole thing. Whole thing is best. I know how tempting it is to do a boat this size, but it is exponentially more expensive. Good call on the surveyor, might use 2.
You want to go sailing or boat-building? 80-90% of the work required you couldn't even do yourselves - unless you are brilliant. It's highly specialised work.
Boats really aren't practical unless you make income from them. The maintenance is never ending and costly and exhausting. Ocean sailing is brutal...its work just to sit down.
It's a great size. To throw money in, that is. Run away from this mess, and do it Fast! Even for free it's a disaster. All the potential it might have had at one point is far gone now. If you think this is a dream, you'll be living a nightmare if you take on this boat.
The original white elephant...not cost effective to rebuild. I've rebuilt a 30, 32, and scraped a 26, 29, and a 45. This one has been stripped, nothing left of value (maybe the trailer and some lead). Still they should (and would) pay you to take it. Start smaller. As I found with the 45, can you afford the slip fees, insurance, etc on such a vessel. Start smaller. BTW, love were you are in life, I can almost remember being the myself.
First, let me say I admire you both for your dreams, and enthusiastic outlook. We all need dreams to keep life worth living. However those dreams need to be tempered with reality. That boat is just not worth the enormous amount of cash, time and effort, or wear and tear on your relationship. Instead of having dream of eventually sailing a beautiful boat you have rehabilitated yourselves, you would eventually become sick and tired of everything related to boats and sailing. Prowl your local marinas and with patience, you will find that perfect boat you both can be proud to own. You will also be proud to celebrate many anniversaries together as well.
People seldom listen to good advice. I always get a marine surveyor to check out what im thinking of buying. Then sit down and add up all the parts i need. Brings me back to reality very quickly. I have a 13 year old beneteau. 44 that i bought 3 years ago. It was in excellent condition and the surveyors report was good. An up front cost but i can sail from when i bought it. Fixing old yachts is expensive very very very.
Be advised the Irwin 52 is not a true blue water boat. It's fine for some offshore cruising, but if you truly plan to sail the world you should choose another boat. There are a couple of blue water boat lists on the web; check them out, I don't think the Irwin 52 is on any of them. Enjoyed the video, though...I've been to Don's in St. Pete, lots of good stuff there for cheap.
Thanks for the input! Do you know why the Irwin 52 is not considered a true blue water boat? We've heard that a few times now, but with no explanation. I was shocked how much Don's had available. It seemed like it was never ending. Lol. -Randi
My understanding of what makes a sailboat capable of safely crossing oceans relates to design, construction, and historical performance. Just because a boat is large, comfortable and has adequate tankage does not mean it's suitable for trans-oceanic travel. It should also be comfortable in a seaway (so as not to excessively fatigue captain and crew), and have a robust hull and rig construction. Preference should be given to designs that are known to have crossed oceans or circumnavigated. I have been told by a sailor (who circumnavigated twice in the 1980s) that if you settle for anything less, you should be a very good sailor or a very lucky one. Ask yourself this question; how many Irwin 52s are sitting in foreign ports right now? My guess is they are vastly outnumbered by Hallberg-Rassys, Swans, Westsails, and the like. Not saying it can't be done; just saying there's a reason that certain makes and models of sailboat tend to dominate the blue water cruising scene....research before deciding since your safety may depend on it. Ken in St. Pete
While this boat has an amazing layout and lots of potential, it is not worth the money that would need to be invested to bring her back to life. Since its been sitting uncovered on the hard with obvious water damage throughout the boat you will run into problems with fiberglass core rot and a never ending battle against mold. Considering this boats location and condition i would suspect its a storm damaged boat that has been salvaged and this will cause many insurance companies to deny you coverage. If i were you, i would keep this model in mind but be looking towards a boat that floats and is sea worthy with much less work. This video describes what you may run into even if its not a storm salvaged boat: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-v_8uV9B1zX0.html.
Definitely some good things to think about. We love the Irwin 52 so if we could find one that's seaworthy for 50-100k that'd be great, however I think that'll be hard to come by. Thanks for the input and the video recommendation! I'll take a look when I get a minute.
Learning The Lines I’m on my iPads RU-vid app so I can’t really link but I’ll try to remember to come back to this if I find the link later. Haven’t checked in a couple weeks and there’s a chance that it’s the 42ft one rather than 52 but I’ve been seeing an Irwin on Craigslist in southeast fl for ~50k iirc for the past few months.
You know why they say never to keep a boat that's been sunk? Because everything rots and the whole boat becomes useless. For it to be so gutted, it had to have sunk. But hey you seemed to have a great time walking around it and dreaming about it, which is a good, and often underrated experience in itself. Just.. Don't try to think about asbestos too much ^^
Yup, it is hard, and she must have been a great boat, but the years and the cost to get her back in shape are not worth it. If you keep looking you'll find something and you can get out there in half the time and a lot less cost. My heart would say grab it, but having refurbed a boat in a lot better condition that this one is in, reality says "nope"
Hmmm ... money is oly money and comes and goes .... but for realizing that dream to rescue this great ship absolutely perfect. With 70 to 80 k you can rescue that great ship and have a very special unique cruise ship ... beginning from the first minutes from the restauration to the first new engine start in the water. Money sinkhole maybe ... but thats only money and not an important thing like health and your life ... but when you goes this way, then you have a gread adventure and a great boat again. Buying a boat which is ready for drive with guarantee from a reseller can evrybody and this is sooo stupid .... but that here its a amazing task and you grows up with your boat and have a special and close relationship later with your boat and you will love that white princess sooo much when its ready to sail again.
Money pit ! Ask yourself why all the good parts are gone and it's in a salvage yard ? No railings , no mast , no motor nothing left but rotted wood and dried out sun baked fiberglass . Run away as fast as you can ! If you got it FREE it would cost you many thousands to dispose of it once you come back to reality .
This is a project boat. It is my opinion that if you are seriously considering this boat, that you DO have a professional survey done. 1. A surveyor can tell you if the boat can be made to be sea worthy. 2. A proper survey gives you leverage to negotiate the price down. 3. A surveyor can tell you EXACTLY what needs to be done and can give you a ball park figure on how much cost will be involved overall. Finally, research the heck out of that particular Irwin. Irwin's have a great reputation for living space and airiness. On the other hand, some of them were crap for blue water handling because of shallow drafts and rigging. If you want to take on a project boat, rather than paying skilled professionals to refit it for you, I suggest you take some fiberglassing classes and a strong boat maintenance course first. This boat would take ME a year to do
Thanks for the input Charles. The research I've done has shown that the 52' is definitely a solid blue water boat. The smaller Irwins not so much. I don't think we'll take on this project though, unless we get it for next to nothing.
I don't agee. If you are buying it for pennies you don't need a surveyor. You just use your common sense. Surveyors are overrated and many of them I have found know less than I do about yachts.
My grandfather owned a Irwin just like this, he sailed it from Del Ray CA to NC and back through the Caribbean. I spent a lot of time with him at the Marina in CA and this boat is a beauty when its in great condition. Sad to see this great boat in such a mess.
OMG! After seeing this boat, I am going to stop sniveling about mine. Especially after one year I finally got the engine running. (Fuel contamination problems from sitting for 6 years.) Just when I thought I was done, the diesel genset and fridge/freezer took a dump. So, yes it never ends. However, If I had to bug out tomorrow, she could make it to Hawaii. Just need more solar.
Real real expensive for parts... Layout is good yes.... If you like to fix boats a spend about 3 years might be a good project.... Its worth maybe 5000 max with mast.. Wait for the next hurricane that's your best bet.
I bought a house once because of its “potential” and after years of work and untold thousands spent I sold the house and never finished it. I would not buy a boat because of what it could be. Boats are a lot of work when they’re in good shape. This one is a money pit
I have restored, rather resurrected 2 boats a 48' Pacemaker wooden SF and a 52' Hattaras SF. The P-maker was in comparable condition as this one. we lived aboard the Hat for many years and loved every minute. Then we bought a house in our retirement. That said I can understand your excitement about restoring this beast but, take it from one whose been there twice unless you have big hearts and deep pockets I wouldn't touch this one with the proverbial 10 foot pole and for 25G's?? Run as fast as you can and thank God you saved your $$. Frankly, I wouldn't give 5k for the beast and then I would have had to have about a fifth of Capt. Morgan's down my gullet! Seriously I can see some serious issues with the hull and even the maindeck where you both found soft spots. I guarantee thats not all of them unless you know how to work fiberglass that alone will cost you a fortune to have a shipwright redo. I know when the fever hits however it's hard to say no thanks and walk but, I hope you find the strength.
