New to all of this

[calranthe]

Hello,
I am looking into buying a boat costal+river not looking for shiny and will be buying used I have some questions I hope some one can help me with.
Lets start with something basic.
I see a lot of costal cruisers from the 1980-2000 and lets say one has been looked after well, regular servicing and gel coating, in okay condition if the basic structure of the boat is good and it is proven to good for purpose what are the hidden issues that I would not face from say a 2000-2010 model, I actually quite like the old looks more than the sport car rocket look of the modern boats.
I really like the look of the Corvette 320.

[Bigplumbs]

Engines are all. The most significant and costly thing on a seagoing boat that is not a displacement boat with a small engine are the engine or engines and what condition they/it is in

Welcome to the forum by the way

Dennis

[BruceK]

There are basic things like engines and propulsion as Dennis said. Look for any rot in bulkheads, stringers and ribs that you can see. Look for signs of osmosis. Look at fittings, fixtures and especially soft furnishings. These can be expensive to replace. Then look for owner groups for that particular boat / model and plumb their knowledge for what to look for specific to that boat.
Corvettes are sort after but unfortunately not many that are for sale could be considered anything but project boats. There is a Corvette owners group in ybw.com but there is a acknowledged master on the Corvette in Superheat6k who could tell you all you need to know in looking out for a good example. Give him a pm. It could save you a lot of grief.

http://www.ybw.com/forums/member.php?80756-superheat6k

[BruceK]

https://corvettemotorboat.wordpress.com/

[Ianfs]

Hi calranthe

Welcome to the forum, you'll find this a great place for all sorts of advice and help.

Your questions are very valid and sensible and I have to agree that older boats tend to look like boats. As far as hidden problems not found in younger boats, a newer boat can still have a major unseen issue and the adages like "bring out another thousand" applies to all ages apart from new warranted craft.

+1 for Dennis's and Bruce's information.

I would add that if you looked further than the Corvette, i.e. as an example Doral , check whether they are still in business and when they got into trouble. Doral for example are Canadian and extremely well made, however I was advised to avoid boats manufactured during their troubled stage. Furthermore, I have seen a few Corvettes and they all have something in common, they are kept by owners for a long time and the one's I looked at where in a bit of a state. I think if you did find a good one, their design is superb but early models had some build issues, like rusting fuel tanks. On the other hand they have warehouse sized accommodation and can get on the plane, but stay in a straight line at displacement speeds. I think the 320 superseded the 32 and ironed out the quality issues.