Hi daniel and philippe, I think I have to give an answer to Daniel which confirmed me that ultrasound is a reliable survey. Do you think Seattle is far enough to make one feel as following a crazy idea? Philippe, would you go that far to get a boat? There are 2/3 in Europe: France, UK, Italy as well. The one in Seattle looks good (at least by photos) , the one in Italy has the gelcoat replaced! I heard that this kind of work can provoke problems sometimes, awlgrip seems to be better (?). I know also about a 47 which is on sale for 250,000 euro, should be 1975 or 1974, I went to see her and (as all 47) she's beautiful but too expensive for me. I have to think about. Anyway, you are all giving me a very good help. Till next...

dear fred,
the price depends how the boat is at the moment, please send to me or matteo some pics of the 411, but I think for a very good refitted 411 ( new engine, new deck, etc) the price is about 150K ?.

Hi Federic, my boat has just been re gelcoatted (look at the pic below). If the job has been done properly (I had the original Jotune product sprayed, then polished, 800 - 1000 - 1500), there is no reason why it should not last for another 31 years....
Awl Grip is more brilliant, but be sure it is not going to last for more than 10/12 years.
Fair Winds!
Matteo (38/067)

Hi Federic,
I agree with Philippe that the 411 in Seattle looks fine and I think that the price is quite good too. I would also consider seriously what he says about sailing back home: buying there is fine and I would do it, but sailing around the world is a totally different story. Just add the sum you need to have her shipped back home and consider if the price is still convenient; it is probably so even if you do not deduce the price you would spend to sail her around the world. Regarding the other boats available in Europe and the gelcoat/awlgrip issue: I once talked to a serious surveyor who told me that if the work is done properly gelcoat is better than awlgrip.
cheers
Daniel

Thank you Daniel for your info. I never even thought to travel around the world with the boat, beside the cost and the time (which I cannot afford) I dont have the experience to do something like that. I'm asking around for prices, so I can figure it out whether is convenient or not to go on with the buying. By teh way, what ican you tell me about the engine, I mean the original one, Perkins 40 HP, are spare parts still available in the market? Will it be better have it redone complitely or have it replaced with maybe a brand new Yanmar or Volvo? In this case, could I have alignment problems?
I always prefer not to change what they done originally, but maybe for engine and electonics this can be done. Thank you all. f

Hi Federic, the topic regarding the Perkins 4.108 has been discussed many times and there is one right now going on in this forum. The reply to your first question is easy: yes, spares for the Perkins 4.108 are still available worldwide. The reply to your second question is, instead, very personal and you will hear all kind of answers. My personal belief is that the old 4.108 should be kept. Taken care, overhauled perfectly but kept. It is old fashion designed, very sturdy and quite heavy with respect to new engines. New engines have more power per unit weight, less consumption and, when they are new, they probably produce less pollution. Still... I am pretty sure that they last less so that regarding the overall net pollution there is a balance. Anyway I know that I cannot justify completely and rationally my position: I have always worked on my cars, motorcycles and boats engines myself as a quasi-expert and I like the 4.108 because it does not have the fancy and ultra-hi-tech novelties where you are not allowed to stick your nose. That is all!
Daniel ___________________________________________________________________________
One more thing: if you decide to keep a 4.108 be sure to buy a complete set of tools in British/American units (i.e. inches)!

I have owned my 411 Hull no 10 for 9 years. She has a deep keel fitted from new. Layout down below is more practical than the 40 as mast is almost at bulk head.

Taller rig means she can be a bit over canvassed so we reef the main at 22knt apparent.  I use a 135% furling headsail. Staysail at over 30knts upwind.

In lighter airs i.e. under 20knts she is outstanding and will outsail most modern yachts despite being 28 years old. Can point higher than most yachts. When the weather gets rough and sea lumpy she will out perform most yachts. It has the weight and a powerful rig and hull shape to slice through the waves. Can be a bit wet under those conditions. 

Down wind with the big masthead spinnacker can be a bit of a rolly ride.  Cause down to rounded and pinched hull fore and aft.

Very biased view point, but a fantastic yacht.

With reference to the 411 in Seattle.

ALL of the ddeck dowels have popped.!

She needs a new deck.!

Follow this link to see pictures supplied to me by the agent

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLandingSignin.jsp?Uc=t0so5wz.cjadkgyj&Uy=6xz9te&Upost_signin=Slideshow.jsp%3Fmode%3Dfromshare&Ux=0

best regards

HM

Hello John

I saw your beautiful 411 Avista at SYH when I was doing a job at Lotus.  I was so impressed I got into discussions over Baron, but she seemed exteremely neglected and the owner stubborn on true value.

I hope in the future to have a Swan as well prepared as yours.!

best regards

Howard

Yes indeed, she needs positively a new deck. Like my 411. The other pictures show a well maintained inside although the engine may need work sooner or later. Even the mast foot does not look bad even if the retaining bolt seems missing. Other comments are: 1) there are not many instruments, 2) the shore-power panel was substituted by a record-player, why?
A new deck will cost approximately 25kEuros (33kU$D); the price should take into account this. And, of course, to decide a price you should check the hull, the sails, the shrouds, the mast, the rudder, etc etc.

Regards
Daniel