Old Bavaria 36 in very good condition - to buy or not to buy?

[Woman Onboard]

Dear members, I'm thinking about buying an old Bavaria 36, a boat from 1986., very affordable price. Previous owner was very tender to the boat, she is in very good condition, no damages, no osmosis. What do you think about the boat of that age? What is a general condition of Bavaria about 3o or more years old and are there any hidden faults (tipical for this tipe of Bavaria) that I should consider? Thanks a lot for any tip and advice.

[tiger79]

Welcome to the forums!

The only thing which might concern me is the state of the engine.  Is it original?  Otherwise, most things are routine maintenance items.

[Woman Onboard]

Thanks for the welcoming words, Tiger79.
The engine is Volvo 24 KW, I'm not sure that this is original one. But the engine is in very good condition, good maintenance, no rust on it. 

[symphony2]

Bavarias of that age are very different boats from the later and much more common types. Heavier and aimed at the premium market. Nothing special to consider - just the usual caution about a 35 year old boat that a good survey will reveal. The original engine would be an MD 2003 and if it has been replaced it would most likely be an MD 2030 which was made between 1992 and 2004. More recent would be a D1 30. Later engines are better but the 2003 lasts well if properly maintained.

[sy_Anniina]

I have owned a 1986 boat, although not Bavaria, but with original Volvo (MD 2002) engine.

If the engine is original and "raw-water" cooled = without heat exchanger I would be very careful or budget for engine replacement rather soon.

The failure mode in raw-water cooled engines is: seawater heats up in cooling channels -> calcium deposits form in cooling channels -> cooling impaired & stagnant seawater in cast iron channels -> corrosion and/or overheating

As above: other than engine, a 1986 boat can be just fine if maintained properly and wearing items like running rigging, sails etc are up to date.

BR,

Tommi
s/y Anniina

[Woman Onboard]

Thanks to all for your suggestions and advices. I'm still searching for the best option. There are some other boats, so ... I won't hurry till the right one 

[tiger79]

Thanks to all for your suggestions and advices. I'm still searching for the best option. There are some other boats, so ... I won't hurry till the right one 

Don't take too long; it's said boats are selling rather quickly at the moment.

[JEN-et-ROSS]

Thanks to all for your suggestions and advices. I'm still searching for the best option. There are some other boats, so ... I won't hurry till the right one 

Don't take too long; it's said boats are selling rather quickly at the moment.

Not nearly as quickly as motorhomes and campers.....