BAD Sailboats - What NOT to Buy - Ep 232 - Lady K Sailing 

"enough silicone to make Kardashian blush" I don't know who writes your jokes but that got a big laugh out of me.

Best line ever, "More red flags than my dating profile." These are some really good boat buying tips.

I'm willing to bet good money that the owner has crashed the keel into coral or other rocks and part de-laminated the keelbox from the rest of the boat. That was Expedition Evans' position and it took a ton of work to fix. Also blurring the serial number means that insurance claims can't be checked.

Superb! I bought my first boat, an old 25ft Westerly, for under $10,000. Biggest mistake was having an outboard engine; you can't store gasoline on deck safely and easily and starting it was often a nightmare when single handed. Plus rigging; mine was rotten and cost me more than the boat to get fixed for offshore sailing. Get a pro inspection every time, it's another pair of eyes.

As a potential first-time boat buyer (looking for a liveaboard cabin cruiser) I am often ASTONISHED at what I see in the pictures. What is it with boat sellers and taking pictures of cluttered and often filthy cabins? Kitchens with knackered appliances laying around and rusty stovetops? Showers where they store a wet/dry vac, composting toilet(?!), or cleaning supplies? Engine compartments with old standing water? Mildewed exterior vinyl furniture? "Uncle Ed" sitting in a Barcalounger? Even a complete novice like myself can see issues with the conditions of these boats.

That’s an easy one. Offer $40k, no survey needed. That leaves enough to take care of everything including the aggravation and inconvenience of dealing with the seller and their broker.

I saw this boat being sold out of Fajardo Puerto Rico in 2021 with a bad engine which needed replacing, I guess that's why the engine looks so clean now.

I got a survey and the boat was still a lemon. I'll do my own inspections from now on.

Jenneau and Beneteau also both comply with French regulations, including BRASS through hulls. You'll need to replace every one of them with BRONZE or Marelon as fast as you can.

I don't think many understand just how much work it takes to properly maintain an ocean going boat! My dad cruised in a 52FT Grand Banks and my parents worked tirelessly and seemingly endlessly to keep her maintained and as perfect as it could be. It takes money, knowledge, and desire to keep them nice. You also need to know when to call in an expert here and there to help out with a number of things. It's fun, but it does take work! Great video!

That boat was not just a walk away from but a run away from boat. Personally, I do not do plastic fantastic boats which knocks out most if not all of these smaller sailboats. Bolt on keels are another no go. I also prefer to deal with reputable brokers and a survey is never overlooked, it is a must and money well spent.

One thing you didnt mention is diesel bug. I helped a club member a few years ago bring a yacht from the south (UK) to Scotland, we got barely half way and the engine shuddered to a halt. After being towed into port by the RNLI, we discovered the fuel tank had eight inches of sludge, stopping the fuel flow. We had to rig a temporary fuel tank to continue the remainder of the journey. My colleague hadnt spent money on an independent survey. A couple of years later i was asked to help again for a similar yacht purchase movement, i couldn't help, but strongly suggested a proper survey, plus making certain there was no diesel bug, they didnt and same thing happened, engine failed after half way through a similar distance. Diesel bug is a big problem with engines using current biofuels, especially so if the yacht has been virtually idle for several months.

Very well researched and very well presented sir. Everyone who watches this video can learn from this. It’s human nature to become swept up emotionally with certain purchase decisions (your first home is a great example). One can easily become completely blind to the hair on the object of one’s desire. Having a neutral third party to talk to is worth every penny and every minute spent on an unbiased review.

I sold my Bavaria 41f from 2003 bolted keel aft cabin sloop etc etc, and bought a 1980 Henry Wauquiez 43f Ketch Encapsulated keel 16Ton sailboat, i love it ❤️⛵⚓

Never buy the first boat you look at!

It can never be stressed enough. Get your own survey done

I would have been out as soon as they required the deposit to come see it. Then not being able to see it out of the water. If it’s too good to be true it usually is.

I do a fair bit of consulting like you do for local people. One thing that I have come to suggest to potential buyers os to just avoid anything listed by Pop Yachts. In my experience they have yet to be the actual listing broker. Instead, they seem to hijack listings from legitimate brokers then charge a fee to basically arrange a showing with the actual broker. At least, that was my experience on at least 3 Pop Yacht listing that I can quickly recall. Good show and good info as always. 👍👍

We have a 2002 jeanneau 40DS they are good boats. We have the 6.5 draft. We just spent a month in the abacos with no issues. We spent months in Florida again with no issues. So don’t let a deeper draft stop people. You might have to anchor out a bit further but we haven’t found anywhere we couldn’t go.

Absolutely essential is to include the steering gear in any assessment. In my estimation more boats are abandoned on passage because of steering gear failure than for any other reason.

I am more interested in surviving force 12, then sailing an upscale condo. Very good point about the owners method of maintenence and what it can mean. Look at the keel bolts, noooo!

Always be careful with POP Yachts.

Always remember you are not just vetting the boat but the previous owner as well. If they seem off, walk away.

First red flag for me is that broker. I have run across them before. Things just didn’t add up. And it was more than once.

I have a 42ds and they are great boats, ours is a 7' draft having sailed from the uk, and round the Caribbean, this year we went through the Bahamas, yes its tight In some sports but we never had an issue.

I listened to your advice about this subject A few more also. I now liveaboard a nice beneteu in Grenada. It’s a year 2000. Ya maintenance is always a thing but overall she’s healthy No major costs at this time. I have a truck camper at home in Alberta. I sat in that and told myself imagine living in this space outside is water , deep water lol No thanks I need a bigger boat , but not too big , 38’ ahhh stretch out walk around and it’s an awesome treat to sail so far as a beginner . Thank you for these videos. It’s a BIG help for anyone thinking of sailing. Saved me a lot of time and money I believe ! I was a mechanic for Cat by trade. Not a rich man so I needed to be careful. I’ve already met a few that sold everything to go sail the dream. They bought nice newer boats with their life’s work and once the thrill was over the cash was gone. The boats for sale to get rid of it fast. Big mistake. Housing has gone crazy in cost. Their screwed , back to work if they can. Thanks again for the help 😁

Thanks again Tim. I appreciate how this channel is about helping people make informed decisions when buying a boat. I have learned more about sailing and sailboats from you than any other sources. Thanks again from SV Keeling It! Nackawic ,NB

As a first time boat buyer, I am sooo thankful I got a full survey (in water and out), and I would highly recommend getting one! That being said, the extensive survey still missed some things. What was missed in the survey was made up for by the fact that I was looking for a very solid potential Bluewater boat and found one. So I think it’s really important to know where you want to sail and buy a boat for those conditions.

The biggest worry with "mystery boats" down there (and especially FL), is if they got nailed in a hurricane. Oddities like rust or discolorations in the bilges or behind the cabin liners and woodwork can suggest this because the clean-up and repairs don't always go on in hard to reach places. But you are absolutely correct that it must be viewed on the hard before buying. Blisters are a sad thing to discover after the fact.

Thanks for a really interesting video, not only in the specifics, but in the general advice of taking a deep look under the surface when you are going to buy a used boat. Also good advice for honest sellers.

Thank you for this and so many helpful videos. I’ve learned quite a bit.

Thanks for another great show, Tim! I think your being too hard on the fin keel. It should not be that big of a deal after seeing the keel bolts. Since the keel will most likely fall off during the return trip from the survey, the buyer can just replace it with a shoal draft when they replace it! 😳

As a total newbie that was totally fantastic, thanks heaps!!

Tim it’s amazing to see this boat. My slip neighbor is the guy who bought this boat. My only complaint is his wind generator makes a bunch of noise when he’s not around. But it’s a beautiful boat. Was amazing seeing you profile this boat n

Good video presenting critical thinking needed to buy an older boat. Thanks

I always look for a one owner boat. Then I talk with them and you end up with a gem of a boat. Pay extra for it but you will save ten times the difference since it’s a looked after boat

I’ve proudly talked 4-5 people out of buying a boat. Like you, I’ve got lotsa stories on this.

My dating profile. That was hilarious. Literally started laughing while I was driving listening to your podcast.

My big red flag on the Jenneau 42 was the stove. The spot was designed for a stove with an oven. Perhaps the discoloration of the interior surfaces. No mention of the title. Blurry registration numbers tells me there may be an ownership issue.

Having lived in PR, I believe the social norm there is to "cover up" any faults with duct tape and paint until something falls off. You see it with the homes, cars, and boats. PR population don't have a lot of money, and in my experience, don't take proper care of things from an American perspective. I simply wouldn't consider a boat from there. This isn't a racist thing, simply an acknowledgement of differences in typical mindset from what I'm accustomed to stateside.

Just bought a 81’ MacGregor Venture 21’ from my friend. We took it out last summer for the first time. This year it’s mine.

Good idea for a video. I also do boat shopping as an all-ocean Master and I always tell my clients "love the boat but don't fall in love with the boat." There is always another boat.

You always do such a great job! Thank you

Very sensible and enjoyable advice. Excellent video. Thanks

At first glance it looks nice. Thank you for opening my eyes!

this video was very helpful, I wasn't entirely sure what to look for, I mean I know of some stuff but this example is very good and was very useful. Thank you!

Wonderful expertise! Thanks!

A lot of great tips! Keel bolts. Especially! Also recognizing the too good to be true price and blurred out registration.

Great Video Tim,I live in England UK I have a 2016 Beneteau Oceanis 48 I bought it used at 18 months old it's the best sailboat I've ever had. I'm 55 now and retired so I use my Beneteau from Spring to late Autumn. If I had to buy another sailboat I'd buy another Beneteau like a shot .

Your videos are very informative. Keep it up. Thanks.

On any Beneteau, Jenneau or even Lagoon Cat, the bulkhead tabbing cement and joints should be checked. This cement may deteriorate prematurely reducing the bond. This can especially be the case when exposed to salt water. Not to be mistaken with the Lagoon bulkhead design issues.

You really had me at keel bolts. I once looked at a beautiful boat. Even issues that were common to that model had been addressed. Then I looked at the keel bolts. They weren't bolts anymore but piles of rust. Ran from that one.

I hope you can publish another video with this kind of superb content. Your advice is excellent, and it really helps novices like me to remove any rose-tinted glasses.

RU-vid has helped me spot real estate agents with extra steps; and also how to buy good boats. Cheers.

Good video, thanks. During the first boat, i wondered when the subject of Jenneau windows would come up.

I am not sure but if you look old youtube videos that boat suffer some damage from Hurricane Maria.

Thank you sharing with us this info.

I really enjoy your videos. Thank you brother. 🙏

Great video! I wish I could have talked to you eight years ago when I bought my 88 43’Irwin Mlll

VERY helpful, thanks!

Blistered gelcoats, under ballast, improperly stepped. Add hock through hulls fittings, cracked transom. Chipped or pitted propeller.. the list goes on and on..

I sailed a Benetau from San Juan to key west. It was so squeaky and creaky, You couldn't sleep in it under sail.

Another great video sharing lots of useful information. Thank you.

thank you for this - the in depth common sense would have been so useful before I bought my first and only boat (so far) - subscribed c

I’m glad I came across this video which spoke very highly of Jeanneau, myself and the owner of his Viking 65 which I’m the captain of, is looking at a sailing yacht as his retirement yacht, we looked at a 56 exclusive, which was new in 2018, it’s a lovely boat that was left in storage for four years, so it has obvious sign of neglect, which could be sorted out quite easily, but having now seen this video makes me push the buyer even harder into purchasing this particular yacht. 😊

Outstanding survey

Thanks for the excellent advice

Great analysis, thank you

Good information Tim. Thanks

Great commentary with your egale eye, thanks

Great video expert knowledge, experience and advice will save you a ton.

I was the editor of a Yachting Magazine. Magazines and on-line websites don't make money from subscribers. They make their money from advertisers. This means there's a lot of pressure to give boats good reviews. My rule of thumb was this: If I said it was phenomenal, it was great. If I said it was really good, it was average. If I said it was average, it was a deathtrap. If you're an experienced sailor you probably know a bit about yacht design and yacht construction, but if you're a newbie - pay for an honest adviser who only serves your interest. Don't believe what you read in the mags.

Another great video, Tim! I did my ASA 103/104 on a Jeanneau 42. It was the 3 cabin model and the aft berths were quite small. But I really like the aft stateroom model. That was really nice!!! At some point, I will want your help though. Not just with buying the boat, but finding a qualified and reliable skipper who can help me get that blue water experience I need. There's nothing that can replace hands-on experience, no matter how good your ASA instructor was.

unsupported rudders are a big one for me, fiddled or dated electronics, cheap stainless, stains, cheap winches, and many you mentioned. a good job sir. k

Thanks for your good advice

Great video. That owner was hiding a pointy dorsal fin under his wind breaker. There are a lot like it. Caveat emptor x 10. Thanks.

this is a must watch for any potential boat buyer - thank you!!!!!

if you follow the O'Kellys, they have been having the worst of times dealing with sellers in trying to find a new boat.. buyer beware

I bought a CSY 44 w/o in the VI and sailed it to PR for the refit. We are now out sailing and in Saint Croix. My boat is the one to the port. My sister's to starboard. Never been on it. Owner lives off island.

Have you ever made an episode about the pros and cons of buying a cheap hurricane damaged boat and fixing it up vs more $ for turn key.

i dont even sail but i subbed. you are a smart fella.

Oh boy. I got hooked after seeing a Jeanneau Sun Odessey Deck Saloon 49! I know its not the best for live aboard ocean crossings. Thanks for the reality check.

I actually had that boat in my favorites on Boat Trader. Not a favorite anymore!!! thanks for the warnings!

Boats are a funny thing. I have friends with old and cheap boats and sail them almost everywhere with very little problems. I also have friends with newer and also much more expensive makes. They are always fixing stuff. Confusing. I have an old and tiny Hunter Cherubini 30. Well maintained by the previous owner. New engine (300 hours) and I get on it and go sailing. Done nothing to it (except for oil changes etc)…

When we were boat shopping, we were told to take a screw driver and tap the handle around the deck to listen for soft spots. The first one we looked at had a massive area on the deck that gave a muffled thump instead of a sharp thud.

thank you for your advice

I´d say that the red flags you´ve already pointed out makes it at total no-no! Stay clear and find another better one and without any red flags even if more expensive!

I had a 2008 45DS. Sailed her all over the Caribbean and down to Grenada. Bought her in FL and sailed the “ delivery skippers route”, straight out 26 degrees t o “I-65” and down into St Thomas, 9 days open water. She sailed extremely well to weather. My only issue with her was that Jeanneau/Benetau uses brass valves and tail pieces coupled to bronze skin fittings for their thruhulls. I had multiple failures of tail pieces and two valve failures in my 1st 6 months of ownership (purchased May 2016). At my first opportunity we hauled her and replaced all 16 thruhulls with Meralon thruhulls. Never lost a night of sleep after that. I’ve posted on this topic in the Jeanneau Owners Group several times. If you own one of these, keep a watchful eye on your thruhulls and replace them as soon as you get the opportunity.

Good on you man ,thank you

I sure do appreciate your channel! As, I am nearing retirement, and my plans are living in the Caribbean! My plans are to live on board and enjoy the great weather and the good life! Been a subscriber since I found you a year ago! I do plan on living aboard a sailing vessel! I am a seasoned vet, as I race around Lake Michigan every year! Been to Puerto Rico, and I was in love when I landed. I'm about a year and a half, before I reach the starting line, on a body of water, not named Lake Michigan. In 1983, we took a bow first knock down. Talk about violent! I was on a C & C 41. People don't respect Lake Michigan's power! Anyway's great channel!

Thanks for the video. Some great points. One thing you didn't suggest that I thought was it's an ex charter boat. Perhaps a new engine as the old one was kaput. Perhaps a rebuild and someone rigged the engine hours. Seeing it bashed around and those keelbolt problems as you say, suggests a very slack owner or one who employs unqualified, cheap shipwrights.

Always good advice.

Very informative. Liked and subscribed.

Thanks for the clues

Wow! Those keel bolts, just wow. I am not a fan of bolt on keels anyway but to see this boat makes me cringe. My guess is the reason the owner and their broker wont move the boat is that they are very afraid it wont make it, and I am thinking it is not insured. No one worth a damn is going to insure it as it sets. It needs to either be scrapped or sold very cheap to someone who is willing to do a full overhaul on her. Haul her out, remove the mast and rigging, remove the keel, and put her in a air conditioned building for overhaul. It's going to take some time. Crazy. What a shame.

Where does this guy get all that knowledge thank you for the knowledge and unbiased view of your topic.

Insist upon a COLD start when testing the diesel. A common trick is to start a pre-warmed engine, masking compression issues. Also, learn how to check for soft spots in fiberglass decks.

great info- thank you!

Great review, it’s universal, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is.

Sounds like great information.