Ranger sailboats

[jotruk]

I have a friend that wants me to buy his ranger 23. It is an older ranger and he wants 6500.  that is a little high for a 23 without a motor. It does have new sails and a new roller furler. I am a little leary of  the boat and was wondering if anyone has had any dealings with these boats good or bad?

[SailorTom]

Hi, I've never owned or sailed the 23. But I have bought and sold many sailboats, so my 2cents. That's a pretty steep price for a boat in the 40year old range. A quick search turned up several at least $2000 less. New sails are a very good thing but if the boat has been actively raced and if you want to race then if they are over 1.5-2 years old they are probably not going to be competitive.
Personally I'm not sure why a 23ft boat needs a furler, but I would not credit full value to be added to basic value.

More importantly with ancient boats is what is needed to make her safe/solid/fast/comfortable? For example, if it has original winches (sheets,halyards,etc). They are probably too small, not self tending, and worn out parts. Even a pair of new winches plus handles are probably 10% of that asking price. Then what about the standing rigging, turning, blocks, running rigging, etc,etc. Does it even have all the sail controls in place. It's shocking how many alleged ;D "sailboats" that don't have mainsail adjustable outhauls, cunningham or even a boom vang!

Sometimes it worth paying above average but you really need to know what your looking at. Anyway this is why sailboats are so much darn FUN!
Good luck and let us see some pics!
Cheers
   

[jotruk]

Thanks for the come back Sailor Tom, I have decided to not get that boat. He would not back off the price and was insistant that it was a fair price. So the boat sets as it is.

[SailorTom]

I'm sure it's not a loss. Keep looking, half the fun is the search ;D
What are your goals for a boat anyway? Cruising/weekends, Racer, racer/cruiser, something else??
I see Rangers raced in handicap settings. If you want to race I'd suggest looking for a one-design fleet. I race on a Flying Scot 19 and it's more fun then a barrel of monkeys  8)

[jotruk]

Sailor Tom I have a 27ft Hunter now and plan on keeping it. I was just thinking about another boat and have decided that I will be happy with just one boat.