Now, do you really think I have some wisdom for sale? No way, I need all I can get. But old King Solomon had some good words on getting wisdom. But . . .
What I am speaking of here is using Wisdom while in the process of buying a used Newporter (are there any new ones for sale?). But first: What is Wisdom? My dictionary says it is "the power of judging rightly and following the soundest course of action, base on knowledge, experience, understanding...." Knowledge is not wisdom. Knowledge is that body of facts that you have learned; wisdom is shown in how you use that knowledge. So . . .
You have found your Dream Boat!! Congratulations! Now, should you buy it? That's where all your knowledge about both boats and your own experience with them comes into play.
And . . .
And . . .
This collection of my thoughts may or may not be wise. So it comes down to you. You are responsible for the decisions you make, so keep in mind (really in mind and keep it there through the whole process) that though you have found your dream it is the design of the boat (see picture above), not the boat itself, that matches your dream. That boat before your eyes may not be as stout as she looks. There are many places that can be hiding some monstrously serious problems for you. So . . .
A good marine surveyor's fee can be money well spent. Find one who knows and has experience with fiberglass covered plywood planked boats. If possible, follow him all over that boat and see what he sees, ask him questions as you go, and look at the boat as an object of study, not yet as the object of your love. Get to know everything you can about "it," which will become "Her" after it passes all your tests. Remember, love is blind; or better said, love blinds you, so be very objective during this decision making process.
If the boat (it's not "the" boat yet) has some fault, get some kind of estimate to have it repaired. Get a pro to do this because even if you are thinking of doing your repairs yourself, which many do--and do well, you need the highest figure you can get. Once you have this estimate, double it.
Now, do you know how much you would pay to buy a Newporter that is in really good condition? If not, find out; a web search can be helpful if there are enough Newporters for sale available. Then subtract the doubled repair cost from the price of a good boat, and if the remainder is more, especially a lot more, than the price of the boat in question then you may have a real good deal.
Now, do you know how much you would pay to buy a Newporter that is in really good condition? If not, find out; a web search can be helpful if there are enough Newporters for sale available. Then subtract the doubled repair cost from the price of a good boat, and if the remainder is more, especially a lot more, than the price of the boat in question then you may have a real good deal.
Remember I suggested that you double the amount of the expected repairs? That doubling may pay for the repairs needed but won't be found until repairs are in progress. So . . .
The wisdom is that the boat you think you want is a boat, not an object of your love; that you needed to figure the expenses of repairs as high as possible to give you your best result; and that the total price of the boat is its cost to buy plus all costs in getting it in first class sound condition (good solid wood throughout, solid fiberglass well attached, engine bright and shiny and running well, sails in complete and good condition, all systems up and running and all that). Now decide if the difference between your total costs for this one and for one already in great condition is worth the time and effort to get this one completely repaired with all systems go. If it is, then buy your dream, which ever boat it is, and "it" will become "Her," your Dream Boat.
So, you want to do the repairs yourself, do you? Very good. There are some real nice Newporters sailing around that were repaired, even rebuilt, by their owners. You are in a good group of great people. It is for you that we are here. But in the process of deciding to buy you still should work out the math problem given above. It will help you see the amount of money you may need to complete the repairs.
The "do it yourselfer" does have some advantage if he is a capable woodworker. An owner doesn't always charge himself for labor, and labor is often the major part of a repair bill. An owner will not (cannot without his knowledge) take shortcuts on himself. An owner, in doing his own repairs, will learn much about his boat that is not learned any other way. That knowledge will impart some well earned and greatly needed confidence in the boat. One Great Person said that no good general goes into war without counting the cost. So, count the cost well, and enjoy your efforts and the fruit thereof.
