Hello all. I have been "lurking" on this forum for a while as I search for a used Catalina 36. I have narrowed my search down to three boats. They are all similar ages 1998-2000, very similarly equipped, and have [apparently] been very well cared for. The current owner of one of the three just purchased new Main and Genoa 155, never used. He indicates that these brand new sails will add $12000 to the sale price. The other two boats have their original sails. So I am wondering:
1. It would be nice to have new sails, but is it wise to get them this way.
2. Is $12000 a reasonable price for these.
3. What was he thinking? [Apparently he has had the boat on the market for a while and was wanting new sails to use the boat this summer, thinking it wouldn't sell.] Could he have some other motive?
Any insight any of you might have would be welcome. I am planning to become a member here when I make my purchase.
Thanks in advance
Peter Lundquist
s/v Rafael
1998 Catalina 36
Hull #1669
Salem, MA
Not sure how he arrived at $12,000. I bought a high quality genoa cruising sail for about $2600 (after a 20% winter discount). The main should be a little cheaper.
Richard
Richard
1994 C36 Tall Rig M1.5
Waukegan Harbor
Lake Michigan
Gorgonshead,
I agree with Richard. The current owner is off by a factor of at least two on the value of those sails. I wonder what else has been exagerated?
Tom Sokoloski
C36/375IA Past Commodore
Noank, CT
It may just be me, but I would prefer to have input on the selection of new sails so that I got precisely what I wanted, particularly if I'm being charged over retail. He may just be undecided about selling it at all, hence the over-pricing. If I were buying today, I would definitely prefer working with someone who was a bit more desperate. Good luck & Welcome!
Mike
Deja Vu
1991 MK I # 1106
Marina del Rey, CA
That is way off on a set of sails unless they are a very high performance type of material or molded technology.
Here is a rough idea of what "standard" working sails would run for a 36...
[url]http://nationalsail.com/mcart/index.cgi?code=3&cat=26[/url]
Granted this is not North or UK which will drive a premium.
If the sails are in good shape, save your money and get a folding prop instead. I bought sails prior to finding a prop and the prop delivered a better bang for the buck, performance wise, in my opinion.
You will love the boat.
Good luck!
Jack
Solstice
Hull #1598
1996 MKII/TR/FK - M35AC - 3 Blade MaxProp
Lake Texoma
www.texomasailing.org
Thanks for your quick replies and knowledgable info.
I agree that I would prefer to be the one deciding about which sail and sailmaker, and as I am new to sail-boat owning, I might do better to go with a boat with the older sails for a year or two before deciding on such a purchase.
Peter Lundquist
s/v Rafael
1998 Catalina 36
Hull #1669
Salem, MA
The sales agent now indicates that the cost was "actually" $8500 for Doyle Stackpack mainsail and Doyle Genoa. Any thoughts on this?
Peter Lundquist
s/v Rafael
1998 Catalina 36
Hull #1669
Salem, MA
Seems a lot closer. Just bought a new main from Doyle (no stackpack) for about $2600 - price on jib is about $3300. Add in the stackpack and you get a little closer -still seems high though.
I suggest you hire a surveryor to inspect the boat thoroughly - if the boat is sound - you can evaluate the sails separately. Good luck
Tim Farrell
S.V. Kailua
C36 - 1986
Hull# CTY0678A886
Yeah, If I thought the boat was the "right" boat I might offer him 1/2 of what he paid for the sails. He's not gonna get anything close to that trying to sell them separately and they'll likely just clutter up his basement or garage for the next few years until they rot.
Its a painful lesson, but the fact is even in a good economy you can only expect pennies on the dollar for improvements to your boat and in this economy you may not be able to sell unless your boat has those improvements.
Bill Boggs
s/v Palmetto Moon
1991 C36, Hull 1128
Herrington Harbor South
Chesapeake Bay
Well, I made my decision. I was able to compromise with the (now) prior owner. It was the best deal of the three final choices I had, and had a lot of other things going for it in addition to the brand new sails:
spinnaker
winter cover
1 year old Bimini and Dodger
Dinghy davits
bottom barrier coated with black micron tell tail coat
Inverter
Signed P&S yesterday. Very pleased with the price I got -- now I'll see what the surveyor has to say.
BTW, sent in check for membership today, you all are great!
Peter Lundquist
s/v Rafael
1998 Catalina 36
Hull #1669
Salem, MA
Congratulations, Peter....and Welcome Aboard!:D
Mike
Deja Vu
1991 MK I # 1106
Marina del Rey, CA
Whole deal seems like someone painting their house or getting new carpet just before putting it on the market....let the new owner decide what if any thing needs up-grading....if the sails are terrible shape knock off some $$$$.