by cestlavie » Sun May 06, 2018 6:13 am
Ditto for my recent trip into Dennis territory, trap.
They are unbelieVable value for money boats, in order of $$ issue to look at when buying
1. Trailer - rust on critical joints - mine looked ok but collapsed on Airlie beach ramp, where the frame joins main drawbar at front, rust was hidden inside the join.$5500 to 9000.if a new one is required.because the trailerATM is ovEr 1tonne you must get a safety certificate to register in Qld.
2. Outboard - service history is king, $7000 to 9000 for a new 60HP 2 stroke or 4 stroke if needed. Check it at least idles smoothly, changes years without grinding and pumps water, a simple compression test is easy to do and great piece of mind, Color of oil, unscrew gearbox plug or filler to get a look for any water or emulsified oil pointing to leaks.
3. Sails, particularY jib/ Genoa if left rigged on hardstanding all year will rot - let it loose and check for tears.can get budget jib/ genoas for under $900 and mainsails around $1000 delivered from US.(BUdget versions !!)
4. Batteries - replace anyway with marine starting and or quality deep cycle $200+ each
4. Feul tanks and hose - replace with 4 X 22 l hulk from withworth anywayY so it's super easy to fill up, about $70 each.
5. As any FG boat, condition of gelcoat, mines terrible but the little buffing and polishing I do has big results
6. Rigging - replace anyway from BW. Yachts
Also be aware the M has 2 layouts, my 2003 has the galley fixed up against the hEad wall, perpendicular to the keel, whereas most M have a slidinG GalleY I admire as you can push it to back and have full standing cooking. Each has advantages.
I wouldn't be concerned about having an X or an M - I can only tell difference from the 2 black stripes on the M.
Modifications are crazy and endless- i just put in a fridge and 180w solar panel, checkout sailboatmikes posts - I'm going to do his autopilot project next (also check his posts into the trailer sailor forum website they are awesome, our boats get a lot of derision as caravans with a mast and big outboard from armchair fleet admiral keyboard warriors, but there's 10 times more of ours built than other models and that says it all - he gives it to them and it's hilarious, one day they'll just ban him and I'll lose thaT entertainment.
Dennis if you manage to get out for whale watching this season give us a heads up I'd like to follow along -
I'm keen to do 1770 to lady MusGrave in July school holidaYs if anyone is interested, and weather window is available.
or 
, it will depend on what comes along in good condition and at the right price - both models seem excellent. 
