My husband and I are in the process of buying our first boat ever. We plan to live aboard while we learn to sail. I found a 1972 Challenger 40 for $29,000. It has a 13’10” beam and is really well laid out–we’d be quite comfortable living in it. However, it needs all of the rigging replaced. We just read an article in Cruising World about the costs of refitting a boat which gave a rigging replacement estimate of $10,000. In your opinion, do you think this would be worth it? We don’t mind investing elbow grease and gear costs, but we also don’t want to “go down with the ship” on this! Thank you! Erin
Hi Erin: Tough question to answer from afar. However, 10K seems like a lot of money to replace the rigging on a Challenger. I would check around and get some quotes before you buy the boat. Also, make a detailed list of the other things you need to do–machinery, systems, electronics, electrical, sails, steering system, ports and deck hatches, etc all need to be evaluated to see if they are up to your needs–and if not, the cost to replace allowed for.
Better to be realistic in front about these things! Good Luck–Steve
Posted by Steve Dashew (November 30, 1999)
