Since I've spent the past year "perfecting" a 32-3, allow me to list for you a few things to look at (carefully). None is a big deal. But even the best surveyors can only give one afternoon's experienced look, and they are not in the business of listing all the stuff likely to come up with any 80's-era boat.
--Pedestal, engine controls on the pedestal, steering linkages, radial (quadrant), steering cable sheaves. It is fairly common for the base of the aluminum pedestal to suffer very bad corrosion, which is not an easy fix. If the steering system is by Yacht Specialties/Merriman, they are long out of business and parts are scarce. If it;s a YS pedestal, the wheel nut probably says "YS".
And so, This no doubt leads to the purchase of an entirely new pedestal system if you can't get parts. I am guessing this could run $2,000.
--Rudder tube and packing gland. The tube houses the rudder post. The packing gland sits on top of it and prevents water entering under power or sail. The bronze gland should make a good seal with the tube. A leak there only occurs while under way, notably when under power at 6 knots. Check this after you return from the sea trial. Remove engine compartment siding and crawl head first into the after berth.
Haul out, reglass etc etc - not a lot in parts but maybe $1,000 for this?
--Main Hatches, opening ports and fixed lights (glass windows). If original the hatches are probably crazed--replacements are expensive if you cant live with the old ones.. Check the veneer under and around the other portholes and windows. If the veneer is discolored or wet or crumbling the ports leak and need to be removed and rebedded, and possibly replaced.
Just pulling another number out of this air, but maybe $2000 for this job? No damage currently visible.
--Cabin sole (meaning the cabin floor). Expect varnished teak and holly plywood installed in several sections. Can this be refinished or is it ruined? If ruined, tends to be expensive to replace.
Looks good to the naked eye.
--Cushions and upholstery. The originals may well still be fine, or may have been replaced with new by now. But unacceptable cushions/foam is a very expensive deal, and there are about 15 cushions on the boat.
Yep - they are pretty tired. I am not sure if they ALL need to be replaced but certainly some of 'em. I am guessing about $5,000 if we did the whole thing at once (ouch).
--Diesel. There are several upgrades due this era of boat. The new type alternator bracket goes under the alternator--the old one goes over it. Under mean an upgrade was accomplished. In the cockpit, see if there is an ammeter next to the tachometer. If so, there is a wiring fix due in the future. These and other electrical upgrades are not a big deal, but will wind up on your list if you become owner. It would be nice to hear the surveyor say, "lots of electrical upgrades on this boat."
This one is a bit of a wildcard -probably some done, some not - Lets throw another $1,000 into the budget.
All this probably sounds awful, but it isn't. A boat with all these issues might still be a fine boat--but the needs would have to be accounted for in the price.
You forgot the sails - I am assuming they are still good but if not - more $$$.
You can see some of these fixes in detail on the Thelonious blog of this forum.
Cheers,
Christian
