Another sailboat virgin looking to buy 1981 venture 22

[nemoralis]

Here is the craigslist ad: http://jackson.craigslist.org/boa/2935813821.html
I have handyman experience in fixing things and have the time and patience to do so but I don't want to be suckered into some deal that is worthless just because I got bit by the sailboat bug or care to acquire a major project. My fiance and I have talked about purchasing a sailboat for a few years now and I have a lot of ski boat experience and my boater's license. What are things to look for? I have looked at other websites and sailboats so the price seems pretty decent but like I said am completely new to everything. The original owner says he will take me for a sail and teach me everything but he also showed me the rudder, and told me how it bumped against some rocks while he was trying to save another sailboat. He said he would adjust the cost of the sailboat and told me a website to get a new rudder for around $300. Every piece of experience and knowledge is greatly appreciated! Thanks so much everyone!

The mainsail needing repair supposedly can be fixed with a sewing machine and is minor/cosmetic but he doesn't have a sewing machine. I don't know how bad it is or what to look for but he says it doesn't affect the sailboat's ability to sail.

[nemoralis]

http://s1146.photobucket.com/albums/o532/savagepv88/

[phoenixtoohot]

Looks like a great boat to get started with sailing. Some of the things I would check:

1. Hull/Deck integrity
look at all hard mount points for any sign of stress or cracking (stanchions, chainplates, motor mount, rudder mount.
sight along the hull at an oblique angle for any sign of waviness, repair. Carefully look at the bow for any sign of impacts. Look closely at the bottom (bring a blanket and lie on your back) for signs of damage, especially any breaks in the gel coat. Try to inspect around the centerboard for any signs of stress, cracking, damage. Walk on the deck and test for any springy or soft spots. I don't know what the deck construction is on this boat, but some boats use balsa cores on the decks, which can be a problem if their has been any water ingress around fittings.

2. Standing Rigging
It's hard to tell if the the condition of the standing rigging as corrosion takes place from the inside out. But check it for any kinks, or any stray strands of wire, especially at the fittings.

3. Running Rigging and Sails
Nice that the boat has lines aft and a roller jib. Make sure that the winches work properly and are not frozen. Visually inspect all the lines, cams, cleats, etc. Make sure the centerboard line is in good condition. I'm not too sure how to check out the sails, perhaps others will chime in. I would definitely make sure the roller reefing is working properly. Deploy and retract the jib on a calm day a couple of times.

4. Interior
Carefully inspect the areas around the chainplates for any cracking or damage. check that the pop top cabin works well and all fittings are in good repair. Check operaton and fittings on the forward hatch.

5. Engine
Make the sale contingent on satisfactory operation of the engine.

6. Other
Extras are always nice. Fenders, dock lines, sail covers, manuals, cockpit cushions, boathook, radio, compass, etc.

I'm not sure how you want to deal with the rudder situation. Sounds like he doesn't want to repair or replace it prior to the sale. I guess I would carefully confirm what it costs to reoplace and adjust the price accordingly.

Good luck, Larry

[Steve K]

nemoralis,

Wow!

By the pics, she looks really good for an old Venture. You didn't mention the asking price, so it's difficult to tell if you're getting a good deal.

Previous owner sounds like he isn't trying to hide anything from you and I like the fact that the outboard isn't a relic from days of old. It also looks like (by the pics) that he took pretty good care of her. A lot can be said for taking pride in ownership.

If I could see the rudder, I may be able to tell you if it is savable or not. Fiberglass repair is fairly easy. I've hit things with mine and I even split my dagger board wide open once. The bottom foot would open up like a clam shell, whenever the boat started making headway. (I wondered why my boat was so slow that week, until I pulled her out of the water ). Fixed that and it's better than new.
If you do buy the boat, shoot me a picture or two of the rudder, before you spend big bucks on a new one.

Same goes with the sail. I've repaired sails several times on my $89 brother sewing machine. In fact, I built a drifter from a Sailrite kit, using the same machine. It should be a minor issue, if it is a cosmetic issue, as advertised. All you need is a machine that has zigzag and if buying one, get the longest stitch length you can (of the cheapeis, the Brother seem to have it).

If you are handy, these things are generally a piece of cake.

The other fellas here have given some good advice also, btw.

Do, if you can, take the owner up on his offer to take you for a sail. There's nothing like a little hands on training from someone who has been doing it.

Welcome to the board and here's hoping whatever boat you end up with gives you years of service as you enjoy a great sport

Best Breezes,
Steve K.

[vizwhiz]

Yeah, echo - the boat looks good from the pics.

I usually caution people to more-or-less ignore dirt inside the boat - it looks bad and can give you a poor feeling about the boat (especially the Admiral-to-be) but it all washes out very easily most of the time.

Do look for interior "dirt" that is actually stains from water running into the boat, however, as that is NOT a good kind of dirt...
If it's obviously windows leaking or something, no big issue, but some leaks can take more effort to locate and correct than others. If the leak is from the upper deck, it might cause damage to the internal deck structure, which you may or may not find from walking around on the deck.

Welcome aboard!

[Freedom77]

'71 Venture 222 was our second boat, Penny Sue Too. Upgraded from V-21. Had her for five years. They're a good boat. Easy to sail, stable and comfortable for up to four. We used to sail to Catallina every year for a week. Trailed as far south as Baja and as far north as British Columbia. I think the one you're looking at has a cast iron keel which is a plus. Older models had glass covered keel which would expand and crack from interior rust. As mentioned we didn't see price. Check with Ruddercraft or Bluewater Yachts for new rudder. Fair Winds and Full Sails, Old Salt...

[nemoralis]

Sorry for the delay, the price is $2500 but as stated earlier, the seller was more than willing to adjust the price after showing me the rudder. He sent me this link for the venture 22 replacement rudder. $399
http://shop.macgregorowners.com/detail- ... &skipred=T

[Doug91mac26s]

In addition to all previous suggestions; Very important to check the swing keel pivot bolt, winch, cable, etc., heard a few stories of them falling off. Very hard to find a replacement. I hear they are great boats! Sounds like a reasonable price, and you can probably get it for even less!

[nemoralis]

I have also read that elsewhere in the forums of the keel falling off so that will be another thing to add to the list. Thanks everyone for all of your help! I really do appreciate it and I'll be honest, half of the terms mentioned I don't understand yet but I'm researching, researching, and doing more research! Thanks again everyone, I think i'm going to suggest $2100 since I have to fork out $400 for a new rudder. He's taking the boat out of the water for me to inspect Saturday and if I like it he says he'll take me for my first sailing lesson!! Fingers crossed on the condition of the hull!!

[arknoah]

This looks to be a good deal. Good luck with it!

[Doug91mac26s]

One more suggestion. You might check out http://forums.macgregor.sailboatowners. ... y.php?f=68

I love this site and look for interesting stuff going on here. But it's more popular with the X & M crowd, not a whole lot of older Macgregor/Venture discussion going on here. Right now there's a few active 22 threads over there.

Check it out! But do like me follow a few of the BB's. This one; www.macgregorowners.com ; and www.trailersailor.com , to name a few.

[nemoralis]

Somebody beat me to the sale. I just don't understand how this happened. The seller told me he couldn't meet me yesterday but somehow had time to meet another person and that person bought it today while I was at work from 8-5. He couldn't have even seen the underside of it because it was raining yesterday and today. I like good deals as much as anyone but I'm not going to buy a boat without looking at the underside. This sucks. Now who knows how far I'll have to drive to find another one in as good of shape. Thank you everyone for all the pointers and tips! The search is not over!

[Keel_Hauled]

Wow. I think you may count yourself lucky here because it seems a little fishy to me. If someone bought it without getting a good look at the bottom they either offered more than he was asking or he sold it to the new buyer precisely because he suspected you might not buy it after you got a better look

Not to worry, though, it seems the boat market is really a buyer's market these days and you'll probably find quite a few more boats in better condition for the same money without having to look too hard.

Don't give up !!!

~K

[zoneboy]

Somebody beat me to the sale. I just don't understand how this happened. The seller told me he couldn't meet me yesterday but somehow had time to meet another person and that person bought it today while I was at work from 8-5. He couldn't have even seen the underside of it because it was raining yesterday and today. I like good deals as much as anyone but I'm not going to buy a boat without looking at the underside. This sucks. Now who knows how far I'll have to drive to find another one in as good of shape. Thank you everyone for all the pointers and tips! The search is not over!

That's a shame, I'm sorry to see you lost out on the deal. One thing I have read on another forum, is not to post the craigslist posting because sometimes people will see it and try to out pay you. Not saying that is what happened, but it never hurts to be too careful. I agree with Keel_Hauled, it is a buyers market and people will often renegotiate their listing price - so if you see any out there out of your price range, just send out an email and explain you are looking for a sailboat within your budget range, whatever that may be and if they don't have any luck on craigslist to send you a reply. I did that a few times, and most people responded pretty favorably. The sailboat I just bought, went from starting at $3,500 to going down to $600.

Of the people I contacted, none of them seemed to be having very much luck selling. It seems, perhaps a few people get discouraged after not getting many replies on their listing and give up on craigslist. Best of luck.

[TheJoe]

Don't feel like you missed the deal of century. You never know, the keel bolt might have been about to rip out of the trunk.

I paid 1k for a similar boat, yours only had a slightly newer motor and a roller furling over mine.

I think 2k would have been a fair price if the keel/keel trunk and hull bottom were in good shape.

Keep an eye out, you'll likely find something just as good if not a whole lot better for that price.