how much is enough?

[gfroch]

Hi-

I looked at a 1972 Daysailer II with the hope of purchasing. The asking price seems a bit high, however, and I'd like some advice. The boat is in ok shape, many spider cracks in the gelcoat above the water line. It has original sails, which don't look blown out, I'd say fair. Also has a 3.5 hp very basic (no rev.) engine probably from early 80's and a pretty rough trailer with small wheels. No extras i.e. spinaker, canvas.

I have a bit of experience buying sailboats (I have 2 others, a 26' and sunfish) and I know price is based on locale and demand, but this seems pretty high to me. Would welcome any input.

Thanks...

[gfroch]

forgot to mention asking price is $1895.

thanks for any advise...

[Roger]

That seems to be about the going price for a DS of that vintage. Very few are over $2k and are usually loaded with go fast equipment, new motor, or late model trailer. Boats less than $1500 tend not to have a motor and are in pretty rough shape. Depending on how boat sales move in your area, you may be able to negotiate within a couple of hundred dollars if you can identify to the owner the work that you would need to do to get the boat to sail ready condition. Also check the bearings on the trailer, lights etc, if you have to tow it any great distance.

I have been tracking the DS II value over the last couple of years and (suprisingly) it has gone up slightly over this period. When I acquired mine in 2000 the values were significantly under $2k, say about the $1600 figure. Now, I am seeing prices up around $2500 on a fairly frequent basis! These boats seem to be in hot demand. I suspect this is mainly due to its popularity and class support. I also know that the DS I is valued even higher due to its reputation on the race circuits.