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

Hey, I was in a similar situation when I bought my cat. I drove there, saw it was dogged out, and left. After thinking about it, though, I contacted the owner w/ a very low offer--low enough to compensate for the parts and time to restore it--and he jumped at it! (His wife wanted it out of the driveway.) At any rate, I spent a couple of months on it and now have a cat that get positive comments on the beach just about every time I take it out. So don't hesitate to offer much less, because who knows??

An 8" x 4" hole in the middle of an old P18 sail sounds very repairable by a sail maker - who will likely be able to make a reasonable color match as well. While there may be no sail lofts around Lindale, Dallas has a few.

As for missing titles on old beach cats in Texas - thats very common for boats that have not changed hands in a long time - I think in the past they neither required title or registration. It takes a little work with the Parks and Wildlife to get a boat registered, but it is possible (several of my friends have done this).

Good luck with your bargaining!

Chris.

Chris:

Did it on my Hobie 17. Just need a notarized bill of sale. They give you a little flack, but in the long run will give it you.

Doug

I had posted something simlar but it must have disapeared in the server probs.
IF the boat itself is great, the sails do not matter if you buy low enough.
VERY low offer. Then you can afford new sails or a great second hand set.
What condition and worth is always subjective. The guy may just be completely out of touch or trying it on.
I went to see a $2,400 cat which was was just taking up too much room.
I did not care if I owned the boat or not....a powerful position.
I looked at it and thought what price would MAKE me buy this boat and said $1,000. They drove like a rocket to get the ownership changed and thanked me.
Wives are often the impetous to sell and believe me, if hubby gets an offer and does not accept it...he is in it deep!
They can only say no, right?