Military Surplus

[We're Here]

I'm seriously considering bidding on a 19' O'Day sailboat that is in the DRMO system. I have little sailing experience, but it seems too good a deal to pass up. Now, I can evaluate the boat itself; I'm pretty sure I know where it came from, what it's been used for and her condition. I'd like to hear from you if you've ever purchased any government surplus, boat or other vehicle.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Military Surplus

Basic boat and should be dirt cheap. If it's surplus, it was probably abandoned in military storage, unless a facility maintained a recreational fleet. If the hull passes your visual inspection for gaping holes or huge cracks at the rub rail and transom, it should be fine.
However, rigging will be expensive b/c everything having to do with sailboats is. Looks like you need a tiller and rudder. Can't tell about the centerboard, or what's intact on the mast and boom. And then there's the sails.
Luckily it's a popular boat so you might be able to find some used pieces. It would be a good boat where you are.
Get an experienced sailor to take you out--even hire someone from the sailing programs at your local clubs and colleges.

 

[We're Here]

Re: Military Surplus

All good advice, Home. Thanks.

She was a training boat for Midshipmen at Annapolis. They maintained her well, but now she and her sister are abandoned in a warehouse 2 1/2 hours from me. I think I can get one with the trailer for about $200 if I'm lucky.

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: Military Surplus

Nope... thats a ... TX 1000 stealth sailboat.. It actually holds 2 torpedoes. and is powered by a small turbo diesel and pushes bout 55 knots. Navy paid 2.5 million for it. But it can be yours........

 

[We're Here]

Re: Military Surplus

Mark 50s not depicted.

 

[Ned L]

Re: Military Surplus

O'day built nice solid boats. The only real comment I would have to make is to echo "Home Cookin". Unless it is complete with all the rigging & usable sails your purchase price will be only a small portion of what it could cost to get her back out on the water.

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: Military Surplus

that would be fun to learn on

the one pix shows some running rigging and corner of a sail.
i would bet there is enough rigging to get her sailing. looks like the mast and boom are still there.

heck at $200 you could part out whats left and break even as a worse case.

jil and i learned to sail on an amf sun fish 32 years ago. it was a blast.

 

[We're Here]

Re: Military Surplus

It has all the sails and rigging. Who knows the condition of either. She's up to almost $300, and the auction ends in about 8 hours. :unsure

 

[scutly]

Re: Military Surplus

id buy that. looks complete enough to get ya started. id go as high as $500. trailer should be worth that in resale worst case if its sound. see if they will throw in a half track or a howitzer for the front lawn.