Based on the feedback from folks on this forum, I took a chance and made the 5 hour drive to look at a Prindle 18 that I found on the internet. I spoke several times with the owner by telephone and he said the hulls were in excellent shape. Correct.... they were. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> He also said all the hardware and cables were in great shape. Again, correct. He said the the sails were in good shape. WRONG! Mice had chewed a hole about 8" x 4" smack dab in the middle of the mainsail. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> He also said he had the title. WRONG AGAIN! About 3 and a half hours into the trip he told me by phone he did not have the title. I already knew the tramp and lines would need replacing. No big deal.

Stupid me took a chance on a cat I had not seen even a photo of. The owner claimed he was unable (maybe unwilling would be a better description) to send a photo. I put trust in a total stranger on this boat and got burned. Lesson learned! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

He was right about the hulls and all other hardware being in excellent shape. As I told my wife, "all of the hard stuff was in great shape, all the soft stuff would have to be replaced. I think I will call him back and offer him a ridiculously low price. I think he really wants to get it out of his way. Maybe I can find new or used sails for it. Hopefully someone here can direct me to a good resource for finding sails for this cat.

Just hate that I spent 10 hours on the road and came home empty handed.

Sorry.....just my rant for the day.

Walter