Interested in a boat for 2018 TransPac

[svShearwater]

Double Espresso does seem like a good option. o30's are probably the most successful boat ever in the SHTP. We raced against DE this summer and Jason has had that boat for a long time, is meticulous, and knows the boat very well. You'd be hard pressed to find a more turn key boat at a good price.

 

[jamottep]

Thanks for the lead on Double Espresso. I checked it out this afternoon.

Sitting in Double Espresso was a bit of an eye opener ... I see yoga in my future ...

My first impression was excellent. The hull looked great/shiny in the trailer and the boat basically looked new. I was really excited. When we climbed on the ladder to go on deck (it's on a trailer) things were different there and that first impression dissipated and was replaced with a generous dose of realism about what 30 years does to a boat. Lots of gear is available for purchase and there are a lot of nice touches throughout. Water is coming in as as the bilge was full (it's small to begin with) and there was a poodle on one of the "sleeping tubes". Maybe that's normal for these boats. Next step would be a test sail and trying to move around inside simulating cooking, navigating, personal business, sleeping ... cramped comes to mind.

Please keep the leads coming about well prepared boat ...

 

[pogen]

I wrote that singlehanding a Hobie 33 to Hawaii would be a blast (and it would be) but I'll also suggest it would be like a driver-training graduate hopping into a Porsche Turbo. It will keep swapping ends on you and you won't know why. Maybe something a bit smaller, heavier and less powered-up for the first time?

Back to the Olson 911s. A lot bigger inside than the O-30. More money, needs more setup.

 

[svShearwater]

Welcome to world of boat buying. Every boat is a compromise. You can have performance, comfort, and a good price. Pick any two.

+1 on the Olson 911.

 

[SeanRhone]

Thanks for keeping the thread alive and thanks for reminding me that a slow boat may not be the best choice.
Links are for me ...
I've emailed Sail California to inquire about the Olson 911s. http://www.sailcal.com/brokerage/?slim=pp290331&ps=20&lineonly
About Hobie 33s, I've contacted the one boat that doesn't have an address to find out where it's at. I don't have a vehicle to pull up a trailer. None seem to have any offshore preparation. http://www.hobie33class.com/hobie33-for-sale.htm
I saw the Capri and Cal 29 but they're nowhere in terms of offshore preparation. http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/boo?boat_propulsion_type=1
There's a Cape Dory 30 cutter that's back from lots of travelling around that seems ready, although probably a little tired. In the slow category ...
I've emailed the owner of Double Espresso. http://www.olson30.org/show-ad/?id=281
Keep them coming

The Hobie33 list on that site, not sure how up to date it is. There are a few here to look at.

http://www.sailboatlistings.com/sailboats/Hobie

 

[jamottep]

I'm putting offshore readiness ahead of comfort. I am warming up to the O30.

With regards to the water in the bilge, should that be a concern? Maybe hose the deck down and watch under? My assumption is that a boat on the dry should stay dry inside, even if it rains.

Any surveyor to recommend, someone with experience with these boats? The cost of the boat itself, excluding sails and gear (14k), is low enough that I wonder if it makes sense.

I'm not clear on the process:

1. Sail it;
2. Survey it (maybe);
3. Buy it at DMV;
4. Insure it (does this require a survey);
5. Find a new marina.

 

[svShearwater]

First place I would check for leaks is where the mast passes through the deck. That's a very common and not worrisome leak point.

Insurance usually requires a survey, but not always. Boat US did not require it for a similar boat earlier this year.

 

[SeanRhone]

I got liability only insurance for my Hobie 33 without a survey. If I wanted full coverage a survey was required.

 

[Oceanslogic]

If you pass on the O30 because of the headroom....and pass on the O911 because of the price tag....unless Max scoops up the Scampi 30 that could be a nice fit...I imagine it needs work but it looks to be dirt cheap. https://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/boa/5911392758.html
That being said...there will be some prep work and modifications involved with whatever you buy...which will involve cold showers and shredding $100 bills The bilge water in Double Espresso is most likely from the mast partners and the mast base via internal halyards...I get that in my Olson when it rains a bunch. Not a deal breaker...and having owned both....the O30 has a MASSIVE interior compared to the Santa Cruz 27...and more waterline But the primo fast is fun ticket for both comfort, headroom, and SH manners would be the Wilderness 30...but they are hard to find and I know Domino is NOT for sale

Not sure if this is still for sale...but the O34 in SoCal looks real clean:
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/boa/5887840937.html

 

[pogen]

Very nice cosmetics, but has a wheel, and no spin setup. Would cost a bit to get race ready. Probably a fair price though.

 

[jamottep]

Quick update ... hoping for a sail on Double Espresso around 12/21.
I called in for the Scampi. That's a little flaky at this point. I'll call again tomorrow.
911s too expensive at this time, unless it's just as ready as Double Espresso, which I can't tell from the add on Sail Anarchy.
I contacted Sail California but haven't heard from them.

 

[pogen]

If I can make a suggestion, when you are thinking in terms of 'too expensive' or not, you should probably think in terms of total program cost, not just purchase price. Many experienced owners will agree that purchase cost is the least of it.

Of course, an honest budget would scare off a lot of people, and even more spouses!

Here are a few things to include

1. Boat purchase cost
2. Running cost -- slip, ins. , taxes
3. Electrical system upgrades -- batteries, charging, solar, etc.
4. Rigging overhaul
5. Sail budget
6. A/P system with redundancy
7. Comms gear (purchase or rental)
8. E-rudder
9. Lost income while taking time off work
10. Return delivery or shipping (inc. trailer, ancillary expenses)

 

[jamottep]

Good call ...

1. Boat purchase cost
Note: Jason, if you're watching, this is not my offer to you; this a number that was suggested to me for the whole deal.
25000.

2. Running cost -- slip, ins. , taxes
2 years: (250/mth for all 3)
6000

3. Electrical system upgrades -- batteries, charging, solar, etc.
Double Espresso should be ready. Adding 500 to fix anything that comes up.
500

4. Rigging overhaul
Double Espresso is ready here.
0

5. Sail budget
Double Espresso is ready here.
0

6. A/P system with redundancy
I think Double Espresso only has one. May want to install pelagic instead.
1500

7. Comms gear (purchase or rental)
All's there, 1000 for subscription fees
1000

8. E-rudder
It's there
0

9. Lost income while taking time off work
Boooh

10. Return delivery or shipping (inc. trailer, ancillary expenses)
4500

11. Coaching, training, food, kitty, shit happens
5000

TOTAL: 43500

Resale value: 25000 (who am I kidding)


Out of pocket: $18500

Ah ... poke at it ... make me cry

 

[BobJ]

We've found it's best to avoid doing this calculation.

 

[svShearwater]

Those are fairly reasonable numbers. Figuring $20k, not including the boat, for a 2 year SHTP campaign. Sounds about right.

Can you really get a slip in the Bay area for $250/mo for a 30 footer, nevermind the taxes and insurance?

A few of your numbers have a little padding, so that's good. You'll use it somewhere else, I'm sure.

 

[Philpott]

Berkeley upwind shared slip for Dura Mater/ 27' = $301; in Grand Marina individual no wind slip = $291.

 

[Lanikai]

Brisbane 30' double-finger = $240. Single-finger about $220. Other options might be further south bay, maybe deep in the Oakland estuary, maybe San Rafael...30' under $300 involves limitations. And that's excluding taxes and insurance as others note.
Might want to bump your monthly to 300 or 350. Gas House and most of Sausalito were close to or over $400 as of a few months ago. Brickyard and Marina Bay I think were around the 300 mark for 28-30' when I was looking last year.

Now I'm curious: what is the insurance situation for SHTP'ers? Is there a requirement to be insured all the way across, and how do insurance companies treat singlehanders? Is it "good riddance--er, luck, to you" once you leave the Gulf of the Farallons and "welcome back, coastal policyholder!" when you're 20 miles from Hawaii? Or do some get serious bluewater cruising type coverage (whatever that is)?

 

[brianb]

Insurance: Nothing from the SSS requires insurance. Your marina will. You won't find insurance for the trip, or at least none you would want to pay for. It is virtually non existent. Assume in your budget that you may lose the boat.

Slip fees: I 2 nd the Brisbane costs, my boat is in a 35' slip and the cost is $240. If you happen to locate there you want to be on docks 3 or higher. There is a wind gradient between 1 and 3 that is somewhat remarkable. Also note, expect to use your storm sails to get back to the marina on an average summer day.

Brian

 

[Lanikai]

... you want to be on docks 3 or higher. There is a wind gradient between 1 and 3 that is somewhat remarkable. Also note, expect to use your storm sails to get back to the marina on an average summer day.
Brian

Second that. Moved into dock 6 in May. It can be a deceptively balmy 5 kts at the slip but 25 a hundred yards beyond the breakwater. Engine use has gone way down since moving from the estuary. Turn the corner at Hunter's point and it's a screaming wet starboard tack right to the entrance. Mt. San Bruno makes things interesting.
The pigeon turd, however, has been an unwelcome change from Alameda.

 

[jamottep]

It's confirmed. Test sail on Double Espresso Wednesday 12/21 afternoon, Santa Cruz. It's 10 days away so things could happen between now and then. If anyone's willing/interested to help test sail and evaluate for SHTP readiness please PM me.