Hello Airsailor, I'm also a newcomer to this site, and a newbie in that I purchased my first sailboat last December (2016).
After deciding to buy a boat, I started by reading about a dozen books on the subject while conducting daily searches of online sailboat listings (primarily yachtworld). One of the books I found most directly useful was "The Best Used Boat Notebook" by John Kretchmer. In this book John reprints years of Sailing Magazine articles he wrote about 40 used boats. I came upon a few early 1990's model Ericson 34's in a boat yard in Waukegan, IL. John's book has a very good review of a Pacific Seacraft 34 covering Price, Design Quality, Construction Quality, User-Friendliness, Safety, Typical Condition, Refitting, Support, Availability, Investment/Resale, and Overall rating. The 1992 Ericson 34-II I was considering was built by Pacific Seacraft - I figured the review would be representative. I then spent two 5-hour Saturdays surveying the boat myself. I'm not experienced, but followed the detailed guidance in Don Casey's "Inspecting The Aging Sailboat." I inspected the hull, chainplates, rigging... everything. The boat was in a cradle and I wasn't able to sail it or run the engine prior to purchase. I also had a very experienced friend look at the boat for me. I investigated the boat's history and learned it had been sold new by the same marina in 1992, had only two prior owners (I'm #3), was freshwater sailed in Lake Michigan, and serviced / winter stored for 25 years at the same marina. I looked up the BUC Value. After making an offer that was very close to the asking price that was accepted, I had the boat surveyed by a firm that was recommended by my friend, and found the boat to be good condition but for some neglected maintenance. I closed on the boat subject to a holdback protecting me from mechanical problems (tested after launch).
Fast forward: I worked on the boat for a number of weekends during the winter; launched in early May and made my first voyage to Chicago of about 45 nm. I spend quite a bit of time and money working on the boat so that it's safe and suitable for offshore sailing, but that takes a backseat to sailing 2-3 times/week which is an absolute life changer! I have no buyer's regret whatsoever. I learn something every time I'm out on the lake. I've spent more than 20% of the original purchase price on all the necessary safety gear, new Raymarine electronics, (some) new running rigging, new lifelines, and various repairs. From what I read that's to be expected. All in all perhaps the best money I've ever spent. One quote I remember from someone on this site is "if you don't like working on sailboats, don't buy one." How true that! My project list is a mile long.
By the way, I attended a couple talks by John Kretchmer at a boat show last January in Chicago, and I thanked him for his work and for giving me the confidence to pull the trigger on the purchase.
Finally, the resources at this site are priceless. I don't post much, but I read and learn as much as I can here.
I hope this is helpful, and good luck!
Brad
After deciding to buy a boat, I started by reading about a dozen books on the subject while conducting daily searches of online sailboat listings (primarily yachtworld). One of the books I found most directly useful was "The Best Used Boat Notebook" by John Kretchmer. In this book John reprints years of Sailing Magazine articles he wrote about 40 used boats. I came upon a few early 1990's model Ericson 34's in a boat yard in Waukegan, IL. John's book has a very good review of a Pacific Seacraft 34 covering Price, Design Quality, Construction Quality, User-Friendliness, Safety, Typical Condition, Refitting, Support, Availability, Investment/Resale, and Overall rating. The 1992 Ericson 34-II I was considering was built by Pacific Seacraft - I figured the review would be representative. I then spent two 5-hour Saturdays surveying the boat myself. I'm not experienced, but followed the detailed guidance in Don Casey's "Inspecting The Aging Sailboat." I inspected the hull, chainplates, rigging... everything. The boat was in a cradle and I wasn't able to sail it or run the engine prior to purchase. I also had a very experienced friend look at the boat for me. I investigated the boat's history and learned it had been sold new by the same marina in 1992, had only two prior owners (I'm #3), was freshwater sailed in Lake Michigan, and serviced / winter stored for 25 years at the same marina. I looked up the BUC Value. After making an offer that was very close to the asking price that was accepted, I had the boat surveyed by a firm that was recommended by my friend, and found the boat to be good condition but for some neglected maintenance. I closed on the boat subject to a holdback protecting me from mechanical problems (tested after launch).
Fast forward: I worked on the boat for a number of weekends during the winter; launched in early May and made my first voyage to Chicago of about 45 nm. I spend quite a bit of time and money working on the boat so that it's safe and suitable for offshore sailing, but that takes a backseat to sailing 2-3 times/week which is an absolute life changer! I have no buyer's regret whatsoever. I learn something every time I'm out on the lake. I've spent more than 20% of the original purchase price on all the necessary safety gear, new Raymarine electronics, (some) new running rigging, new lifelines, and various repairs. From what I read that's to be expected. All in all perhaps the best money I've ever spent. One quote I remember from someone on this site is "if you don't like working on sailboats, don't buy one." How true that! My project list is a mile long.
By the way, I attended a couple talks by John Kretchmer at a boat show last January in Chicago, and I thanked him for his work and for giving me the confidence to pull the trigger on the purchase.
Finally, the resources at this site are priceless. I don't post much, but I read and learn as much as I can here.
I hope this is helpful, and good luck!
Brad