Cheapie on gumtree

[stinno]

Any one know this boat?

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/avalon/s ... 012642489#

Has no engine

Chris

[Troppo]

Don't know it, but might be worth a look. No motor but you can pop a 9.8 hp 2 stroke Tohatsu in the well for under $2000 so that would be a brand new problem-free auxilary with plenty of power. Be aware with the laws on toilets, in the old days straight pump out was fine but much trickier now. A new toilet, in my opinion, may not be worth too much in cases like mine where I am mostly in waters I can't discharge into. That's why I have a porta potti. For the price I guess there some problems but take a look as you might be able to do the work needed.

[bearmcnally]

Hi Chris
That is cheap ? It needs a motor say $4.0000 that makes it a $7.000 still cheap. The rest is just the everyday joys of owning a Yacht .
Don't be put off by the age of Top Hats .Yes the MK 1 are hitting the 40 years plus and the MK 2 & 3's aren't that far behind . Osmosis isn't a problem these days with epoxies and modern resins easily fixed . The MK1's were a little heavier laid up to the 2 and 3s .I had a look at Seaka which was built in 1969 I think ? and Egert II in 1973 both MK1 's both different structurally .One has stringers one doesn't ,only because when Seaka was first built the strength of fibreglass was still in the not sure basket ! Yet The MK 1's , have more glass in them than the MK 2 and more than the 3's But structurally there is nothing wrong with any of them because the builders have a better understanding of the material. I do worry a little with modern glass yachts, because I think they know to much and take short cuts ,but that's my opinion .

So when it comes to buying a Top Hat, I think structurally they are all still over built and that is good . Looks ! well that depends on what you like ?
When you jump on board have a good whiff when you go below as you can smell rotting timber. Most cheap Top Hats will have a mould problem mainly due to lack of maintenance, and the lack of use and being locked up .
When having a look check and make sure the deck is glassed to the hull and not just held down by the toe rail .
Spongy decks are fixable with grease nipples and plywood ?
Check the main bulkhead for rot as this could,no will be a hassle doing it yourself or expensive if not doing it yourself ?
Deck leaks ? Well we all have a deck leak with track bolts ,the odd stanchion, good thing ? cheap and easily fixed .
Sails $3500 should get you the basic suit 1 x main 2 x headsails

I say this to anybody buying a second hand boat ? If you don't have the skill or the place to restore a boat that requires work beyond you capabilities don't buy it ? Spend that little bit more and save the frustration and the disappointment and most of all the expense .


Hope this helps you get started
Cheers Bear

[DESIREMK1]

Hi Guys ,

The initial outlay may be appealing , though when you factor in such items an Auxillery Outboard and other components that may be required in setting up this TH, I think the cost of this exercise would be financially on par with buying a good used Top Hat 1-3 ( considering current market values ) . Though with buying a complete Top Hat off an owner that spent recent time sailing and appreciating his craft , may be a wiser move , such as a recent listed TH2 on this website ( Great Buy ) , I'm just living in the wrong location at the moment to consider this unit ....

Brad
DESIREMK1

[Phillip]

.
This one may be a better buy being a Mark 1.......

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/sydney-region/sail-boats/yacht-top-hat-25/1009546766#

Even at $12,000

[DESIREMK1]

Hi Phillip ,

That is of the nicest available I've seen , and would suit my family requirements with its layout , and use of O/B as an Auxillery power source . Recently I enquired about that listing with the owner through Boatpoint.com.au , and he stated that the sails were good , and that she recently had been fitted with new standing rigging .

It pains me to be currently renovating , while missing out on obvious value for money listings. ....

Maybe the owner should be more aware of this forum , and chime in with more detail , which may lead to a sale ...


Brad
DESIREMK1

[Phillip]

.
Hang in there Brad, it will happen!

[DESIREMK1]

Hi Phillip ,

Currently I'm in Sydney ( Until Sunday Morning ) for an interview with Railcorp as a Safety Officer , with my young family . It's going to be great to be able to take them over the same waters I grew up on the Hawkesbury River ( etc ) , in comfort , and with my next boat hopefully being a Top Hat MK1 " In style ".

Brad
DESIREMK1

[Jeremy]

looks damn cheap to me.

Appears to be in good nick, and may have a 2 pack paint job on deck judging by that gloss.

I sold an endeavour 24 for around that money about a year ago, I know which I would prefer!

[20126811]

I purchased another cheap tophat mk2 of e bay with a reasonable amount of gear and a new outboard long shaft for $4200.00 i thought it was a excellent buy boats name is charlie2 from adelaide it appears to have had a lift raft attached frame for windvane on stern came with new outboard porta potti autohelm uhf radio all safety gear good sails new dinghy2 anchors and chain etc purchased through E bay brisbane i would like to find out its history i no its was in melbourne and adelaide and ive got my suspicions its been in tasmania as it has a tasmanian yacht club sticker on a starboard window it must have a few sea miles under its belt to have had a life raft fitted and windvane steering plus solar panels