Re: [Cal_Boats] Re: Cal 34 MK III For sale- Advice?

Several points on cal 34's..we went to SoCal two years ago and looked at a broad range of 34's, some in obviously poor condition, needing repowers, interiors in various stages, most had been sailed hard with minimal equipment. If the boat has been in a warm climate, look for termites in every cabinet, and board. The only one without termites we found had other critters. If the icebox is next to the bulkhead/mast step, the beam is probably toast. If the shower (if it has one) is there also expect there to be water damage to the beam. At one brokered boat, in a pristine yacht club harbor, the agent tried to fire up the engine and the bilge pump put out an oil slick. The highest price we encountered for the nicest boat was $20,000, the worst was $1500, with most being in the $7000 to $12,000. The later models, I believe had the ice box at the companionway bulkhead. Put a long handled flashlight or tie one to a coathanger you can bend to maneuver, remove the sole covers, and try to put your head in far enough to see the beam as you inspect it. If you see chunks of metal, rusty most likely, you will know you have lots of work to do. Sometimes you can check the tabbing and bolts on the bulkhead in the head area behind the icebox wall. Also you should inspect all chainplate entries and their connections to the bulkheads inside. If you have plastic ports, they may be brittle to where the dogs will crumble . Any broken port may mean a pricey replacement because it may not be manufactured anymore. However, the market for boats is really for the buyer now, as lots of folks are scratching for slip rent, let alone $ for upkeep. It would be prudent to have a survey and useful for insurance purposes later. You just want to consider how much work you need to do, or not, because the price is really high(asking of course). See if they've hauled recently and where and see any paperwork documenting it( bottom, rudder, rigging, prop/shaft, etc.) Cheers, hope it's a good one. Helen To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Sent: Tue, April 13, 2010 9:15:23 AM Subject: [Cal_Boats] Re: Cal 34 MK III For sale- Advice? Thanks for the advice so far, everyone. I am not sure on the specific model of the engine- I'll have to check. I made a typo- it isn't a 1974, it's a 1978. Any specific areas/items I should scrutinize when I look at her again?