The world is full of old, forgotten boats for sale at “bargain” prices. But beware, for among the “old irons” are hidden pearls. Sometimes, real bargains. Opportunities for enthusiasts, ready to invest time in them, restore them and enjoy them in all their glory. Because often abandoned at the dock, real bargains are hiding in plain sight…
The classic boats
A parallel should be drawn. The four-wheeled world is populated by cars that, from being the most ordinary and popular cars on the road thirty years ago, have now become little icons, cults. And it is happening more and more often. No longer “old” as they were until yesterday, but coveted, pleasant, and highly valued, many cars that yesterday were scrapped for two liras are now highly sought after. The boating world, however, is trudging on this front. Why? Have there not been great boats in the past? Popular hulls, boats for all that could be recovered and fully enjoyed today? That’s right, but we tend to downplay them, underestimate them, and, simply, forget about them.
Some, however, are recently beginning to see beyond the veil. So many boats, in fact, are great opportunities, great projects or ideal bargains for ad hoc restorations, capable of making them as we want them-maybe without even having to spend too much, and certainly less than new… Not to mention that, often, they are at the same time the best boats to start with, especially for a neophyte. Why? Because the investment is minimal and the lessons so many, and bad then you change it when you know what you really need. So here are 4 Classic Boats ideal for novices and enthusiasts, boats that will potentially prove to be good investments.
- Is your boat historic and over 25 years old? Read this article!
- Are you interested in the topic Classic Boats? Visit our collection of dedicated articles
by clicking here
.
1. Boston Whaler Outrage 21 (6.5m)
Trivial but inevitable choice. This little 6.5-meter is, yes, little more than a planing shell, but it is a classic not for nothing. It is a brilliant boat, a small masterpiece. It costs little, it is good for everyone, it flies on water, it is easily restored, and most importantly, it is unsinkable! Not to mention the look, a somewhat raw but timeless cult.
The Boston Whaler Outrage 21 is the first true Boston Whaler, a success since its launch in the early 1960s. It is a simple boat: center-deck steering, outboard motoring, a clear deck but adaptable to a whole range of needs. It is the ideal hull for those who have no special needs and simply want to enjoy the sea, whether going out for a swim, fishing or, simply, seeking some peace offshore. It is, fundamentally, a versatile and unsinkable platform. A system of canvas canopies then allows its volumes to be closed in different stages, thus also providing what little shelter is needed on summer days.
Price from 10,000 to 25,000 depending on condition
2. Riva 25 Sport Fisherman (7.5 m)
With the Riva 25 Sport Fisherman we go one step further. At 7.5 meters, she is beginning to be a more livable hull, more spacious and able to offer far more shelter. The pilot house offers a sheltered wheelhouse and a comfortable dinette that can be converted into a bunk, not to mention a refrigerator and a small sink. The forward volumes then also provide space for a cabin with two bunks and a toilet, making the small Riva a perfect hull even for short stays on board.
The name, then, well underscores its ambition for use: it was a sport boat and, in its own way, can still be one today, ideal for fishing, short trips or weekends away. Not to mention the allure of having a Riva with a flybridge… I mean, it’s old and it’s small, but it still has a lot to offer, both to those who are getting into this world and to enthusiasts, because let’s not forget that, in its time, it was a big success.
Price from 50,000 to 130,000 depending on condition
3. Chris Craft (Super) Catalina 28 (8.6 m)
8.6 meters long overall and 3.1 wide at the maximum beam, with the Chris Craft (Super) Catalina 28 we enter fully into the world of 80s Cult. Indeed, with the Catalina 28 there was a small revolution, a project that became big, undoubtedly a part of the Italian nautical scene. An ante-litteram weekender, the 28 is in fact a hull that has been able to offer the experience of small cruising to most, on the strength of a well-designed hull and intelligent spaces, both on deck and inside.
It is now a boat that is already going up in value, a hull with a strong 1980s feel but still capable of having its say, versatile as it is for both daily outings and weekends away. In fact, below deck houses a very pragmatic and complete layout, with facilities, galley, dining area, and up to 6 beds, if the convertible dinette is also considered. A miniature cruiser, in short, capable of 20 knots and offering great experiences to anyone who decides to give it a chance.
Price from 15,000 to 40,000 depending on condition
4. Bertram 31 (9.4 m)
Here we talk about a true cult favorite, the Bertram 31, the first hull of the yard of the same name and the boat that changed the world of motor boating forever. Cabin and just under nine and a half meters long, innovative and marine like few others, the Bertram 31 is indeed a boating legend, a resounding success, and the first mass-produced demonstration of the goodness of deep-V hulls.
Ideal for spending more than one day at sea, as well as for fishing trips or swimming offshore, the Bertram 31 is first and foremost a safe hull, capable of holding its own at sea and offering, at the same time, an extremely complete interior. Especially if refitted to suit one’s needs. But overall, even in its original version, which certainly gets more value if maintained and brought in perfect condition. Besides, how many 9-meter boats can boast a fly convertible into a tuna tower?
Price from 75,000 to 150,000 depending on condition
Discover Classic Boats from previous articles
At this link you can find all the other great Classic Boats, and if you have one and want to tell us about it, here are the instructions for uploading it to our dedicated section so you can celebrate it with us and all the enthusiasts
- Here is one of the last articles in the series:
https://www.barcheamotore.com/chris-craft-commander-19/
