timber cruiser

[rond]

Hi all
We have for some time now been considering buying a largish boat that we can leave moored someplace, hopefully paynesville, and use it as a accomodation base for weekends away etc, our plan is to tow our 5mtr ru***out to cruiser and cruise the lakes towing the ru***out which we will use for fishing and generally having fun with donuts etc as we do.

My question is given our budget is around the 25k-35k mark we are targeting older often timber cruisers with some degree of refurbishment, are we asking for trouble? is there a lot of inherent maintenace in these older boats? I fully intend to have a chosen craft inspected prior to buying, but am very interested in responses from fellow boaties, and particularly if some of you have done a similar thing.
Here is a link to an example of what we are looking at
[http://www.webstermarine.com.au/ed.php?de=18930&range=power]

Thanks in advance guys[/url]

[triman]

Insufficient detail given in the original add.
You'd like to know the hull timber, date last slipped, date last caulked, type of anti-fouling, true fresh water capacity, range based on 60L fuel.

Also as a 2-berth there isn't much accomodation. What is the battery capacity? Is there hot water? Where is the hot ater available, galley and the stern? Any 240v electrical systems? Fridge, freezser or just an ice-box?

All these answers will decide whether it's a weekender or something you could spend a week on.

[rond]

Thanks triman
everything you have mentioned is valid points for me to note and check on when looking, the boat you looked at was simply an example and not particularly the one we wanted, although it is to be considered, there are a lot more around our price on that site...generally i guess i am after opinions as to wheter older hulls even refurbished require a lot of ongoing maintenance to keep them in order as compared to newer, modern hulls. I must admit though the old timber girls have a real charm

[triman]

rond, I have a lasting regard for timber in any form, but the species used is a very important component in considering an older boat.
The ultimate was Huon Pine which was effectively impervious to rot, especially if basic common sense was used in the maintenance.
Bulls Cruisers had hulls that lasted many years.
If I was in the market I'd be asking what the framing and planking timbers are, the age of the wood,when the hull was last slipped and the type of anti-foul used. Do a search to check what the long-term expereince with the timber is and that may give you an indication of how long your hull could be expected to last.

[triman]

Another point to consider when looking at timber boats.
They may be a bit thin on the ground nowadays but the blokes who REALLY knew timber vessels were shipwrights. I know of one who was going to move to the Lakes area and set himself up. Don't know if he did but when you're next down there ask around to see if John Scarlett is in business.
If he is John should be able to give you an appraisal of a vessel.

[rond]

Cool thanx triman, just the sort of help i am after, i am planning a trip to lakes mid march and will definately make enquiries. Hopefully i will find what i am looking for.
thanx again
ronnie