Hi,

New to this forum but have been lurking for 2 years learning from the great posts. I am in the tire kicking phase but since I'm in the middle of Mississippi, it's hard to get out and see boats so this spring I'll be out traveling. Based on what I've seen/read/can afford, looking for a Bullet, older Cafe, or later flatdeck.

Poking around on the web, looks like a survey on an '80's 35' cig would be pushing $1,000. Reasonable? Are these surveys more technical or more of an appraisal? If they're going to charge $1K to say the oil is dirty and the compression is down on cylinder 5, I can do that myself. I'd be most interested in their assessment of prior hull damage, rot, etc. Thoughts?

Thanks, Randy

buy seans cafe

Any survey that is worth the paper it's written on will include moisture readings, and attestation as to the condition of the hull. Like you say, the mechanical stuff (compression/leakdown) can be done on your own.

If you get serious about a boat the survey is really just an entry fee you are going to have to pay - most insurance carriers and lending institutions are going to require one anyways so when you are zeroed in on a boat and think you will be able to make the price work make the sale contingent on satisfactory survey and sea trial.

As to price - I'll let others chime in but you are most likely going to get what you pay for.

P.S. - go with the CAFE - GREAT BOAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WINTER BLOWS....

You should be able to get a value survey for less then $400 that will cover moisture test.

You can't go wrong with a Cigarette. And I think you can probably get a decent survey done with a local surveyor for about $500.

15-18 per foot i think

Thanks for the info! Cafe Racer of Bullet makes the most sense, but I'm a sucker for the classic flatdeck lines. Gotta keep an open mind and look for the right boat. Nice to "meet" y'all. Randy

Welcome!!

I know where a sweet looking, mid 80's Cig Mistress is that's priced right. I don't think he plans to put it on the market until spring, but I'm sure he'll sell.

Everyone loves the classic lines but for some reason I just feel like the Bullet's or Cafe's are easier to get rid of when the time comes.....

The Cafe's and Bullet's are really "liveable" too - which is important to me because we stay on the boat probably 15 nights a summer. With a full head, Cooler, Sink, I could stay on that thing for a week and be completely comfortable.

Hollow - you going to have that boat back together by NEXT summer? I'm in for Jammin' - hope to see you there....