97 26X for $3000 - To good to pass up???

[DaveB]

You could be opening a can of worms. I bought a 97 Mac. back 3 years ago for $7500 after turning down one for $5000.
The one I bought had a good Honda 50 and sails were great, cabin was excellent but exterior showed her age. Boat had no trailer and that is what I was looking for as I had no use for the stock Steel one.
Three years later I have a nice boat with everything I need includeing a new tandum aluminum trailer, sterio,twin house batteries, Elect. panels, rewire partial, 13 gal. water tank, new 5 gal water closet,new hand pumps,depth,vhf,new foam chusions interior, 66 quart DC refig., new 105 jib,(new center board ,rudder,rollerfurler lines),dock lines,fortress 11 anchor with rode, rub rail, all new widows,gas tank,Lots of mic. parts.
So my $7500 boat is now $14,500. Best part is I got a boat equiped the way I want and will probably break even or take a small loss after 3 years of sailing.
Add up all you need to do and and look to see if it works for you, remember it will always cost more...sometimes much more.
Dave

Hello Everyone,
Have enjoyed many hours of reading on this site - and have been thinking how to get back into sailing, and how much I would enjoy doing the mods on a M26. I was originally thinking about a 26S, mostly price wise, and I lean a lot more towards sailing, but have 3 kids under 6, and I am a single dad, so a big motor could help everyone have a good time.

The first boat I looked at and inspected was a 1997 26X with orignal Tahatsu 50. Owner leaving area, and was desperate. Offered at $8000 originally but now willing to take $3000. I wasn't planning to buy so soon, but now wondering if this deal is stop thinking and do it now type of value.

The Good: (As far as a rookie MacGregor sailor could be expected to know.)
The boat though filthy on the outside, seems in good shape, well taken care of except for this last year, as the owner was away.
The inside is a dirty, but nothing abused, a bbq, fish finder.
The engine was reputed to have run fine 8 months ago.
A new jib never used, not sure of size.
A jib furler
Trailer included, original.

The bad, or possible bad:
Boat has been in the water about a year, and I do not recall bottom paint.
The engine was left in the down position for the last 6 months, unknown hours.
Battery dead
Cable for Swing keel needs to be replaced, it has some small meat hooks on it.
Jib left on furled and completely thrashed by the sun.
Main ok, under cover, small rip that has tape on it.
Trailer sitting for some time, needs bearings redone at least, rust unknown.
No mods to speak of

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Free2sail

[Free2sail]

DaveB,

You make a "can of worms" sound attractive, lol. I am looking forward to working on the boat, doing mods, customizing, etc. and realize that a lot of money can flow in that direction. Your situation sounds like you had a great time finding a boat, and making her just like you like. I hope to emulate you!

Looks like the deal is good, but I am checking with the DMV. Won't the DMV have the info on the boat as well, or do I need to check with the tax office (County tax?)?

Looking over the trailer and engine tomorrow. I have a mechanic going with me. Hoping for a repairable engine, but have read many of the 90 hp threads, and could get excited about having one of those to play with aside from the money.

I will look over the rest of the boat again, and take some pics for you guys to comment on.

Hoping for the best,
Free2sail

[Catigale]

I would check for a clear title with the state of last registration.

I would also very carefully inspect the HIN plates (one on transom starboard, one on the aft galley seat) NOT only for match but also for signs of tampering, re-riviting, grinding etc.

From a boat website on HIN fraud, and one guys' experience on having bought a stolen boat....

Caveat buyer

DO YOUR RESEARCH - HIN and title fraud are HUGE problems here in south Florida. Many boats still have riveted HINs making them an easy target - Inspect the HIN closely, looking for signs of over-stamping, grinding or any defacing what so ever. If the HIN is screwed on, ask to unscrew it - If the owner says no - be skeptical - if he says yes, look under the plate for glassed in numbers or any markings to imply they were once there. ALWAYS compare the primary HIN (aft, stbd corner) to the hidden HIN. The location of the second HIN varies. Mostly found inside the transom on one side or the other, under one of the gunnels or in the bow just under the deck cap joint. You can always call the manufacturer to help you with HIN locations and HIN verification. The ones I've dealt with have been very eager to help me.

[Free2sail]

Hello All,

I am a new boat owner -

Well the boat HIN has checked out. The paperwork looks good, old receipts, original purchase paperwork in order (the original buyer) including all the manuals and brochures for the boat and all the equipment on the boat, the trailer is in good shape, very little rust, good tires, wiring is in good shape, and its paperwork is in order as well. So I was standing there, with the owners daughter (the owner having already gone back east), having checked everything, knowing that I should by buying this great deal, slightly distracted by the cute daughter (well over 18, but still significantly shy of my age), and having nothing else to really do, pulled out the 30 Franklins and handed them over, unable to stop myself. Completely seduced by the good deal, the cute girl, and the romanticism of the dream.

The boat looked a lot better after washing off 6 months of dirt with a hose. Not a scrubbing, just a rinse, but it helped me with my almost immediate buyers remorse but that help did not last long.

The feeling was strengthened as I looked over the boat that I now owned. I began looking at everything and realized that I know nothing. I only had an hour to look over the boat after I purchased it, but I was overwhelmed. Thought I would tilt the motor up out of the water so I could have a better look at it, but could not figure out how. I did hook up a battery charger in the hopes of resurrecting the battery. It was just a lot to take in.

I feel better now, at home, rested and fed, and glad that I have the boat. Still don't know much and hope there is a Forum member in the bay area that likes teaching, ! I could use a few lessons in motor use and management, loading and unloading the boat including raising and lowering the mast, and some pointers on sailing the !

I originally found the boat in the classy classifieds in Latitude 38, online before it had a chance to go to press. I think I stumbled across it a couple of days after he posted it online. The boat is at a marina in Antioch, CA. So I am a San Francisco bay area sailor, so let me know if you are in the area. I would love some lessons, and a chance to meet some local Mac Daddies!

Any one know of a good Tohatsu mechanic in the bay area, preferably the north bay?

Cheers,
Free2sail

[Free2sail]

Hello All,

I am a new boat owner -

Well the boat HIN has checked out. The paperwork looks good, old receipts, original purchase paperwork in order (the original buyer) including all the manuals and brochures for the boat and all the equipment on the boat, the trailer is in good shape, very little rust, good tires, wiring is in good shape, and its paperwork is in order as well. So I was standing there, with the owners daughter (the owner having already gone back east), having checked everything, knowing that I should by buying this great deal, slightly distracted by the cute daughter (well over 18, but still significantly shy of my age), and having nothing else to really do, pulled out the 30 Franklins and handed them over, unable to stop myself. Completely seduced by the good deal, the cute girl, and the romanticism of the dream.

The boat looked a lot better after washing off 6 months of dirt with a hose. Not a scrubbing, just a rinse, but it helped me with my almost immediate buyers remorse but that help did not last long.

The feeling was strengthened as I looked over the boat that I now owned. I began looking at everything and realized that I know nothing. I only had an hour to look over the boat after I purchased it, but I was overwhelmed. Thought I would tilt the motor up out of the water so I could have a better look at it, but could not figure out how. I did hook up a battery charger in the hopes of resurrecting the battery. It was just a lot to take in.

I feel better now, at home, rested and fed, and glad that I have the boat. Still don't know much and hope there is a Forum member in the bay area that likes teaching, ! I could use a few lessons in motor use and management, loading and unloading the boat including raising and lowering the mast, and some pointers on sailing the !

I originally found the boat in the classy classifieds in Latitude 38, online before it had a chance to go to press. I think I stumbled across it a couple of days after he posted it online. The boat is at a marina in Antioch, CA. So I am a San Francisco bay area sailor, so let me know if you are in the area. I would love some lessons, and a chance to meet some local Mac Daddies!

Any one know of a good Tohatsu mechanic in the bay area, preferably the north bay?

Cheers,
Free2sail

[Free2sail]

Hello All,

I am a new boat owner -

Well the boat HIN has checked out. The paperwork looks good, old receipts, original purchase paperwork in order (the original buyer) including all the manuals and brochures for the boat and all the equipment on the boat, the trailer is in good shape, very little rust, good tires, wiring is in good shape, and its paperwork is in order as well. So I was standing there, with the owners daughter (the owner having already gone back east), having checked everything, knowing that I should by buying this great deal, slightly distracted by the cute daughter (well over 18, but still significantly shy of my age), and having nothing else to really do, pulled out the 30 Franklins and handed them over, unable to stop myself. Completely seduced by the good deal, the cute girl, and the romanticism of the dream.

The boat looked a lot better after washing off 6 months of dirt with a hose. Not a scrubbing, just a rinse, but it helped me with my almost immediate buyers remorse but that help did not last long.

The feeling was strengthened as I looked over the boat that I now owned. I began looking at everything and realized that I know nothing. I only had an hour to look over the boat after I purchased it, but I was overwhelmed. Thought I would tilt the motor up out of the water so I could have a better look at it, but could not figure out how. I did hook up a battery charger in the hopes of resurrecting the battery. It was just a lot to take in.

I feel better now, at home, rested and fed, and glad that I have the boat. Still don't know much and hope there is a Forum member in the bay area that likes teaching, ! I could use a few lessons in motor use and management, loading and unloading the boat including raising and lowering the mast, and some pointers on sailing the !

I originally found the boat in the classy classifieds in Latitude 38, online before it had a chance to go to press. I think I stumbled across it a couple of days after he posted it online. The boat is at a marina in Antioch, CA. So I am a San Francisco bay area sailor, so let me know if you are in the area. I would love some lessons, and a chance to meet some local Mac Daddies!

Any one know of a good Tohatsu mechanic in the bay area, preferably the north bay?

Cheers,
Free2sail

[Free2sail]

Hello All,

I am a new boat owner -

Well the boat HIN has checked out. The paperwork looks good, old receipts, original purchase paperwork in order (the original buyer) including all the manuals and brochures for the boat and all the equipment on the boat, the trailer is in good shape, very little rust, good tires, wiring is in good shape, and its paperwork is in order as well. So I was standing there, with the owners daughter (the owner having already gone back east), having checked everything, knowing that I should by buying this great deal, slightly distracted by the cute daughter (well over 18, but still significantly shy of my age), and having nothing else to really do, pulled out the 30 Franklins and handed them over, unable to stop myself. Completely seduced by the good deal, the cute girl, and the romanticism of the dream.

The boat looked a lot better after washing off 6 months of dirt with a hose. Not a scrubbing, just a rinse, but it helped me with my almost immediate buyers remorse but that help did not last long.

The feeling was strengthened as I looked over the boat that I now owned. I began looking at everything and realized that I know nothing. I only had an hour to look over the boat after I purchased it, but I was overwhelmed. Thought I would tilt the motor up out of the water so I could have a better look at it, but could not figure out how. I did hook up a battery charger in the hopes of resurrecting the battery. It was just a lot to take in.

I feel better now, at home, rested and fed, and glad that I have the boat. Still don't know much and hope there is a Forum member in the bay area that likes teaching, ! I could use a few lessons in motor use and management, loading and unloading the boat including raising and lowering the mast, and some pointers on sailing the !

I originally found the boat in the classy classifieds in Latitude 38, online before it had a chance to go to press. I think I stumbled across it a couple of days after he posted it online. The boat is at a marina in Antioch, CA. So I am a San Francisco bay area sailor, so let me know if you are in the area. I would love some lessons, and a chance to meet some local Mac Daddies!

Any one know of a good Tohatsu mechanic in the bay area, preferably the north bay?

Cheers,
Free2sail

[Free2sail]

Hello All,

I am a new boat owner -

Well the boat HIN has checked out. The paperwork looks good, old receipts, original purchase paperwork in order (the original buyer) including all the manuals and brochures for the boat and all the equipment on the boat, the trailer is in good shape, very little rust, good tires, wiring is in good shape, and its paperwork is in order as well. So I was standing there, with the owners daughter (the owner having already gone back east), having checked everything, knowing that I should by buying this great deal, slightly distracted by the cute daughter (well over 18, but still significantly shy of my age), and having nothing else to really do, pulled out the 30 Franklins and handed them over, unable to stop myself. Completely seduced by the good deal, the cute girl, and the romanticism of the dream.

The boat looked a lot better after washing off 6 months of dirt with a hose. Not a scrubbing, just a rinse, but it helped me with my almost immediate buyers remorse but that help did not last long.

The feeling was strengthened as I looked over the boat that I now owned. I began looking at everything and realized that I know nothing. I only had an hour to look over the boat after I purchased it, but I was overwhelmed. Thought I would tilt the motor up out of the water so I could have a better look at it, but could not figure out how. I did hook up a battery charger in the hopes of resurrecting the battery. It was just a lot to take in.

I feel better now, at home, rested and fed, and glad that I have the boat. Still don't know much and hope there is a Forum member in the bay area that likes teaching, ! I could use a few lessons in motor use and management, loading and unloading the boat including raising and lowering the mast, and some pointers on sailing the !

I originally found the boat in the classy classifieds in Latitude 38, online before it had a chance to go to press. I think I stumbled across it a couple of days after he posted it online. The boat is at a marina in Antioch, CA. So I am a San Francisco bay area sailor, so let me know if you are in the area. I would love some lessons, and a chance to meet some local Mac Daddies!

Any one know of a good Tohatsu mechanic in the bay area, preferably the north bay?

Cheers,
Free2sail

[Free2sail]

Hello All,

I am a new boat owner -

Well the boat HIN has checked out. The paperwork looks good, old receipts, original purchase paperwork in order (the original buyer) including all the manuals and brochures for the boat and all the equipment on the boat, the trailer is in good shape, very little rust, good tires, wiring is in good shape, and its paperwork is in order as well. So I was standing there, with the owners daughter (the owner having already gone back east), having checked everything, knowing that I should by buying this great deal, slightly distracted by the cute daughter (well over 18, but still significantly shy of my age), and having nothing else to really do, pulled out the 30 Franklins and handed them over, unable to stop myself. Completely seduced by the good deal, the cute girl, and the romanticism of the dream.

The boat looked a lot better after washing off 6 months of dirt with a hose. Not a scrubbing, just a rinse, but it helped me with my almost immediate buyers remorse but that help did not last long.

The feeling was strengthened as I looked over the boat that I now owned. I began looking at everything and realized that I know nothing. I only had an hour to look over the boat after I purchased it, but I was overwhelmed. Thought I would tilt the motor up out of the water so I could have a better look at it, but could not figure out how. I did hook up a battery charger in the hopes of resurrecting the battery. It was just a lot to take in.

I feel better now, at home, rested and fed, and glad that I have the boat. Still don't know much and hope there is a Forum member in the bay area that likes teaching, ! I could use a few lessons in motor use and management, loading and unloading the boat including raising and lowering the mast, and some pointers on sailing the !

I originally found the boat in the classy classifieds in Latitude 38, online before it had a chance to go to press. I think I stumbled across it a couple of days after he posted it online. The boat is at a marina in Antioch, CA. So I am a San Francisco bay area sailor, so let me know if you are in the area. I would love some lessons, and a chance to meet some local Mac Daddies!

Any one know of a good Tohatsu mechanic in the bay area, preferably the north bay?

Cheers,
Free2sail

[Free2sail]

Hello All,

I am a new boat owner -

Well the boat HIN has checked out. The paperwork looks good, old receipts, original purchase paperwork in order (the original buyer) including all the manuals and brochures for the boat and all the equipment on the boat, the trailer is in good shape, very little rust, good tires, wiring is in good shape, and its paperwork is in order as well. So I was standing there, with the owners daughter (the owner having already gone back east), having checked everything, knowing that I should by buying this great deal, slightly distracted by the cute daughter (well over 18, but still significantly shy of my age), and having nothing else to really do, pulled out the 30 Franklins and handed them over, unable to stop myself. Completely seduced by the good deal, the cute girl, and the romanticism of the dream.

The boat looked a lot better after washing off 6 months of dirt with a hose. Not a scrubbing, just a rinse, but it helped me with my almost immediate buyers remorse but that help did not last long.

The feeling was strengthened as I looked over the boat that I now owned. I began looking at everything and realized that I know nothing. I only had an hour to look over the boat after I purchased it, but I was overwhelmed. Thought I would tilt the motor up out of the water so I could have a better look at it, but could not figure out how. I did hook up a battery charger in the hopes of resurrecting the battery. It was just a lot to take in.

I feel better now, at home, rested and fed, and glad that I have the boat. Still don't know much and hope there is a Forum member in the bay area that likes teaching, ! I could use a few lessons in motor use and management, loading and unloading the boat including raising and lowering the mast, and some pointers on sailing the !

I originally found the boat in the classy classifieds in Latitude 38, online before it had a chance to go to press. I think I stumbled across it a couple of days after he posted it online. The boat is at a marina in Antioch, CA. So I am a San Francisco bay area sailor, so let me know if you are in the area. I would love some lessons, and a chance to meet some local Mac Daddies!

Any one know of a good Tohatsu mechanic in the bay area, preferably the north bay?

Cheers,
Free2sail

[Free2sail]

Hello All,

Sorry for the mutiple reposts, thought the computer was hung up and not working, oh well.

Free2sail

[Catigale]

We just thought you were excited about your new boat!!!

You can delete those extras yourself if you want to keep the Mods happy...

Try a car battery and see if you can get that Tohatsu running

[Hamin' X]

You can delete those extras yourself if you want to keep the Mods happy...

Not quite accurate. The original poster has a short window in which he can delete his own post. After that, only a Mod can do the deed. I'm not sure what the length of the window is, but it is on the order of minutes.

~Rich

[Free2sail]

I did try and look for the delete, but could not find it. I'm sure it was the excitment, and the slowness of this computer! lol!

[Russ]

The feeling was strengthened as I looked over the boat that I now owned. I began looking at everything and realized that I know nothing.

I strongly suggest you correct that problem and take a boating course.

Either a coast guard course or click here for a USPS course near you. I'm not familiar with CA regs, but you may be required.


--Russ