SS Market for Year 2000

Sadler/Starlight Market for the Year 2000
1 INTRODUCTION. Our last article written about the market for the Owner's Magazine September 1996, is still in many respects relevant and we shall endeavor not to repeat ourselves, where those previous comments are still valid. We are now £5m sales of Sadlers and Starlights since 1994 and have a good understanding of the true market value of the whole range of boats, taking into account specification, inventory and particularly condition, which is all important. These notes now refer to each Starlight and Sadler in turn and conclude with some general comments. 2 STARLIGHT 39. First built in 1990, some 36 boats were sold up to 1994. Since that time, Bowmans have built a further five or six. We have now been involved in selling eight or nine 39s over the last few years and have found that where the standard of maintenance is high, they have stood the test of time and generally are in very good condition. Starlight 39s which have been owned by enthusiastic owners, have generally acquired an impressive array of instrumentation, sail wardrobe and general cruising equipment. Sadly, a few of them have had a hard life and the result of this is that the selling price of a Starlight 39 varies between about £85,000 for the older boat with evident wear and tear, to about £130,000 for the newer boat with good equipment. It is not uncommon for a well-equipped 39 to have £60,000 to £70,000 of additional inventory and equipment, over and above the standard boat as dispatched by the builder. All this equipment is of course significantly discounted once the boat comes on to the market. Condition is paramount, both to secure an enthusiastic purchaser and a good selling price. It is also true that a boat that is well maintained and looked after will give many years of trouble free sailing. The purchaser therefore should be prepared to pay a premium price for a carefully controlled maintenance program. It will certainly pay off in the short to medium term. Having taken into account the condition of the boat and its inventory, we are now in a strong position to establish the right market price. As far as survey is concerned, it has been our experience that the Starlight 39 does extremely well, with low moisture absorption and no wicking or blistering. The surveyor's report is generally complimentary about the build quality of the boat, the installation of the engine and on board equipment. Any problems arising are usually generally as a result of equipment installation by contractors lacking the necessary experience. These are of course peripheral matters and most problems can be resolved. 3 STARLIGHT 35. The 35 emerged as the smaller sister to the Starlight 39 in 1991 and was an immediate success with some fifty boats being built in the ensuing three to four years. More easily handled by man and wife, the boat was often purchased by a retired owner and many of these 35s were well equipped for serious cruising. Those that have been in good hands have been found to be in excellent condition and have had no problems through survey. Like the 39, there are those that have had a tough life (particularly with the Services, or in charter work) and the sale price is adversely affected. Since 1994 Bowmans have built about forty further Starlight 35s and a few of these are now becoming available. Minor changes were made to the boat, relating mainly to interior trim and finish and this justifies a premium on the sale price. Also of course, the later boats are in better condition and have latest equipment, particularly instrumentation. The older boat built in 1991/1992, reasonable condition and equipment sells for between £80,000 to £85,000. Boats built 1993 to 1994 are around £90,000 to £95,000 sale price. However, a Bowman built 35 with sophisticated equipment, teak deck and all the extras will be £115,000 to £125,000. These later boats will command a price similar to the cost of a basic new one, but remember the value of extras and equipment probably amounts to £30,000 to £35,000 or more. Engine installations have varied over the years, with the first six boats having the Volvo 2003. Subsequent 35s then had the Perkins Perama 30hp with Aquadrive stern gear. This carried through to about 1994 when the new Volvo 2030 was then installed by Bowman. Second hand market is very strong for Starlight 35s and demand is good for the better boats. Pre-sale preparation is fundamentally important, whether it be to upgrade a well used boat, or to show the really good yacht off to best advantage. 4 SADLER 34. We have found that from about 1986, the boats are generally better finished and certainly in much better condition. Average price for an 1986 to 1987 boat with good equipment and well maintained is about £45,000. All the earlier boats from 1983 to 1985 need to have upgraded instruments and sails to command a reasonable price and this will then be between £38,000 and £42,000. There are a fair number of old 34s which are in bad shape and there is a danger that in buying one of these boats, the amount of investment required to bring it to an acceptable condition, will bring the purchase cost above that which can be recovered in the market place. Purchase price of these older 34s, lacking maintenance and with old equipment, should be in the region of £25,000 to £35,000. At the other end of the scale is boats built from 1987 onwards. These are generally rather better and well equipped and market price for a 1987/1989 boat is £46,000 to £49,000. Later boats built by Sadler International through 1990 to 1994 are rare, but will command a price upto about £55,000 for the later ones. Key points to look for are that from 1989 onwards, the Sadler 34 had the Stephen Jones deep fin keel. This gave greater stiffness (CG lower by about five inches) and certainly better windward performance. In fact the time for putting the first reef in, goes from about seventeen knots to about twenty three knots of apparent wind. We have fitted several of these Stephen Jones keels to Sadler 34s, where owners have reported a much enhanced windward performance and stiffness. Other factors which enhanced the boat from 1989 onwards are a variety of improved joinery features, more attractive formica and better styled upholstery. From about 1994, the 2030 engine was being installed. More than half the 34s have deep fin keels, with about one third having shallow fin. There is limited demand for the twin keel version and the centre plate version, but a buyer who desires this, will pay the same price. Only a few were made of these types. There are a few wheel steering 34s around, but again this has limited appeal, but some buyers actually seek it. The well kept 34 is a very desirable boat with an excellent market following. However, beware of the older ones and be sure to get a survey done early in the buying process. 5 SADLER 32. Although this boat first emerged in 1979, it was (as the success of the Contessa 32) an instant success. About three hundred of these yachts were built upto 1989 and then Mike Slack bought the moulds and produced a further twelve to fourteen. Fortuna Yachts of South Africa have built a number of Sadler 32s under licence. We have been involved in two of these, which were well finished and attractive boats. The best 32s are those built after 1986. These are reliable boats and very often in excellent condition with a comprehensive inventory. Few problems emerge in survey with these later boats and sailing performance, particularly to windward, is the best in the Sadler fleet. The well laid out and spacious main cabin is popular, but lack of headroom from the main bulkhead forwards is generally criticized. A really excellent 32 between 1986 and 1989 can be bought for between £35,000 and £39,000. The older boats very often have problems, particularly those built between 1979 and 1981 and there are very few good ones around. Commonly found problems up to 1984 are osmosis, de-laminating side decks, deck distortions at chain plates and babystay fixings. All of this can be dealt with, but it should reflect in the purchase price. 6 SADLER 29. This is the most popular of the range of Sadler yachts with about 370 built between 1981 and 1994. The 29 is a most reliable buy and they generally do well in survey. There are a few around without interior mouldings, or with limited interior mouldings and these were certainly "kit" boats, to be avoided except at very low price. Certain interior modifications were introduced in about 1984, which improved access at galley and chart table (by angling the cockpit bulkhead) and by 1989, a third window per side was added. By that stage, the Lewmar hatches had been fitted (rather than the Camper corroding version) and other improvements to interior trim by 1989, particularly upholstery and formica cladding. Most boats from 1986 onwards appear to be in average to good condition and many of them represent an excellent buy at £27,000 to £29,000. From 1989 onwards, the price rises to £30,000 and a really good 29 with updated sails and equipment has a market value of about £35,000. About two thirds of the boats are twin keels, although a fair number are deep fin. There is a noticeable improved windward performance with fin keel and better stiffness, but most buyers seem to seek the twin keel. The 29 is a little tender when at rest at the dockside, compared with other more modern boats, but the excellent seakeeping qualities are evident when out in a seaway. A number of boats which we have sold have headed up to North Wales and Scotland and some have done extended passages with enthusiastic owners. 7 SADLER 26. This is a boat that has a keen enthusiastic following and is a superb sailing boat for her size. Layout is well thought through and the later boats, with chart table in the cabin is a more successful arrangement than chart table over the pilot berth (since this restricts access). Almost all Sadler 26s are bilge keel and this is what the market seeks. Some customers seek a deep fin keel 26 and there are a few of these around. A good 26 aged 1983 to 1984 will sell for about £18,000. The later boats (though rarely available), can be up to £25,000 for example for a 1989 to 1990 good condition and updated equipment. This is the true "unsinkable yacht" and tests were carried out by the yachting press soon after the boat was launched, which demonstrated how the 26 could be sailed with all the seacocks left open and water up to bunk level. 8 SADLER 25. This is where it all started in 1974 and was the boat that David Sadler designed, following his enthusiasm for the Folkboat and Contessa 26. Most attractively styled with considerable "tumblehome" and a lot more room than a Contessa 26 down below. Performance was astonishingly good and some of these boats achieved extended open sea passages, such as Round Britain and Transatlantic. Most second hand 25s are now in pretty bad shape, but there are a few good ones around. The better boats command a price of £11,000 to £12,000, but for this they need recent sails and instrumentation and must be in good clean condition throughout. A more average price achievable is about £9,000 and rather lower if neglected. There were great improvements from 1979 onwards and any 25 enthusiast will be looking for the Mark 3 rig, (two foot taller than Mark 2), which came through in 1979. As far as the engines are concerned, most of the older ones have the Petter Mini 6. Later boats have the BMW 7 or Yanmar 1GM, generally come through survey quite well and are a reliable buy if well maintained. 9 GENERAL THOUGHTS. The final price of a boat, whether buying or selling relates in the first case to the age and secondly its equipment and condition. Providing a steady program of maintenance has been implemented, with renewals and replacements as required, this will reflect a good price in the market place. It is well worth while bringing the standard of cleanliness and maintenance up to a high standard prior to selling, to optimise the price. It is equally important for the buyer to look for a boat in this state, since it is preferable to pay a little more for the well maintained boat. We are happy to advise on price, even where a private sale is envisaged and to assist in the general marketing of Sadlers and Starlights. If seeking our advice, it is most helpful to send a set of photographs, so that a realistic appraisal can be made and selling price suggested. The market is strong for Sadlers and Starlights across the whole range. We have received over 2000 enquiries in the five year period that we have been dealing with these boats and there is no doubt we have a profound knowledge regarding problems to look for and the virtues of the boats as compared with the competition. Most importantly we have found that the price of a Sadler and Starlight does not noticeably depreciate in the short to medium term, providing the boat is maintained or indeed improved from the condition when purchased. We are delighted to help any members of the Association who are considering either selling or buying another boat and will be pleased to handle your enquiries. Good sailing and best of luck in the new millennium.

Sadler/Starlight Market
for the Year 2000

1 INTRODUCTION. Our last article written about the market for the Owner's Magazine September 1996, is still in many respects relevant and we shall endeavor not to repeat ourselves, where those previous comments are still valid.

We are now £5m sales of Sadlers and Starlights since 1994 and have a good understanding of the true market value of the whole range of boats, taking into account specification, inventory and particularly condition, which is all important.

These notes now refer to each Starlight and Sadler in turn and conclude with some general comments.

2 STARLIGHT 39. First built in 1990, some 36 boats were sold up to 1994. Since that time, Bowmans have built a further five or six. We have now been involved in selling eight or nine 39s over the last few years and have found that where the standard of maintenance is high, they have stood the test of time and generally are in very good condition.

Starlight 39s which have been owned by enthusiastic owners, have generally acquired an impressive array of instrumentation, sail wardrobe and general cruising equipment. Sadly, a few of them have had a hard life and the result of this is that the selling price of a Starlight 39 varies between about £85,000 for the older boat with evident wear and tear, to about £130,000 for the newer boat with good equipment.

It is not uncommon for a well-equipped 39 to have £60,000 to £70,000 of additional inventory and equipment, over and above the standard boat as dispatched by the builder. All this equipment is of course significantly discounted once the boat comes on to the market. Condition is paramount, both to secure an enthusiastic purchaser and a good selling price. It is also true that a boat that is well maintained and looked after will give many years of trouble free sailing. The purchaser therefore should be prepared to pay a premium price for a carefully controlled maintenance program. It will certainly pay off in the short to medium term. Having taken into account the condition of the boat and its inventory, we are now in a strong position to establish the right market price.

As far as survey is concerned, it has been our experience that the Starlight 39 does extremely well, with low moisture absorption and no wicking or blistering. The surveyor's report is generally complimentary about the build quality of the boat, the installation of the engine and on board equipment. Any problems arising are usually generally as a result of equipment installation by contractors lacking the necessary experience. These are of course peripheral matters and most problems can be resolved.

3 STARLIGHT 35. The 35 emerged as the smaller sister to the Starlight 39 in 1991 and was an immediate success with some fifty boats being built in the ensuing three to four years. More easily handled by man and wife, the boat was often purchased by a retired owner and many of these 35s were well equipped for serious cruising. Those that have been in good hands have been found to be in excellent condition and have had no problems through survey. Like the 39, there are those that have had a tough life (particularly with the Services, or in charter work) and the sale price is adversely affected.

Since 1994 Bowmans have built about forty further Starlight 35s and a few of these are now becoming available. Minor changes were made to the boat, relating mainly to interior trim and finish and this justifies a premium on the sale price. Also of course, the later boats are in better condition and have latest equipment, particularly instrumentation.

The older boat built in 1991/1992, reasonable condition and equipment sells for between £80,000 to £85,000. Boats built 1993 to 1994 are around £90,000 to £95,000 sale price. However, a Bowman built 35 with sophisticated equipment, teak deck and all the extras will be £115,000 to £125,000. These later boats will command a price similar to the cost of a basic new one, but remember the value of extras and equipment probably amounts to £30,000 to £35,000 or more.

Engine installations have varied over the years, with the first six boats having the Volvo 2003. Subsequent 35s then had the Perkins Perama 30hp with Aquadrive stern gear. This carried through to about 1994 when the new Volvo 2030 was then installed by Bowman.

Second hand market is very strong for Starlight 35s and demand is good for the better boats. Pre-sale preparation is fundamentally important, whether it be to upgrade a well used boat, or to show the really good yacht off to best advantage.

4 SADLER 34. We have found that from about 1986, the boats are generally better finished and certainly in much better condition. Average price for an 1986 to 1987 boat with good equipment and well maintained is about £45,000. All the earlier boats from 1983 to 1985 need to have upgraded instruments and sails to command a reasonable price and this will then be between £38,000 and £42,000.

There are a fair number of old 34s which are in bad shape and there is a danger that in buying one of these boats, the amount of investment required to bring it to an acceptable condition, will bring the purchase cost above that which can be recovered in the market place. Purchase price of these older 34s, lacking maintenance and with old equipment, should be in the region of £25,000 to £35,000.

At the other end of the scale is boats built from 1987 onwards. These are generally rather better and well equipped and market price for a 1987/1989 boat is £46,000 to £49,000. Later boats built by Sadler International through 1990 to 1994 are rare, but will command a price upto about £55,000 for the later ones.

Key points to look for are that from 1989 onwards, the Sadler 34 had the Stephen Jones deep fin keel. This gave greater stiffness (CG lower by about five inches) and certainly better windward performance. In fact the time for putting the first reef in, goes from about seventeen knots to about twenty three knots of apparent wind. We have fitted several of these Stephen Jones keels to Sadler 34s, where owners have reported a much enhanced windward performance and stiffness.

Other factors which enhanced the boat from 1989 onwards are a variety of improved joinery features, more attractive formica and better styled upholstery. From about 1994, the 2030 engine was being installed. More than half the 34s have deep fin keels, with about one third having shallow fin. There is limited demand for the twin keel version and the centre plate version, but a buyer who desires this, will pay the same price. Only a few were made of these types. There are a few wheel steering 34s around, but again this has limited appeal, but some buyers actually seek it. The well kept 34 is a very desirable boat with an excellent market following. However, beware of the older ones and be sure to get a survey done early in the buying process.

5 SADLER 32. Although this boat first emerged in 1979, it was (as the success of the Contessa 32) an instant success. About three hundred of these yachts were built upto 1989 and then Mike Slack bought the moulds and produced a further twelve to fourteen. Fortuna Yachts of South Africa have built a number of Sadler 32s under licence. We have been involved in two of these, which were well finished and attractive boats.

The best 32s are those built after 1986. These are reliable boats and very often in excellent condition with a comprehensive inventory. Few problems emerge in survey with these later boats and sailing performance, particularly to windward, is the best in the Sadler fleet. The well laid out and spacious main cabin is popular, but lack of headroom from the main bulkhead forwards is generally criticized.

A really excellent 32 between 1986 and 1989 can be bought for between £35,000 and £39,000.

The older boats very often have problems, particularly those built between 1979 and 1981 and there are very few good ones around. Commonly found problems up to 1984 are osmosis, de-laminating side decks, deck distortions at chain plates and babystay fixings. All of this can be dealt with, but it should reflect in the purchase price.

6 SADLER 29. This is the most popular of the range of Sadler yachts with about 370 built between 1981 and 1994. The 29 is a most reliable buy and they generally do well in survey.

There are a few around without interior mouldings, or with limited interior mouldings and these were certainly "kit" boats, to be avoided except at very low price. Certain interior modifications were introduced in about 1984, which improved access at galley and chart table (by angling the cockpit bulkhead) and by 1989, a third window per side was added. By that stage, the Lewmar hatches had been fitted (rather than the Camper corroding version) and other improvements to interior trim by 1989, particularly upholstery and formica cladding.

Most boats from 1986 onwards appear to be in average to good condition and many of them represent an excellent buy at £27,000 to £29,000. From 1989 onwards, the price rises to £30,000 and a really good 29 with updated sails and equipment has a market value of about £35,000.

About two thirds of the boats are twin keels, although a fair number are deep fin. There is a noticeable improved windward performance with fin keel and better stiffness, but most buyers seem to seek the twin keel. The 29 is a little tender when at rest at the dockside, compared with other more modern boats, but the excellent seakeeping qualities are evident when out in a seaway. A number of boats which we have sold have headed up to North Wales and Scotland and some have done extended passages with enthusiastic owners.

7 SADLER 26. This is a boat that has a keen enthusiastic following and is a superb sailing boat for her size. Layout is well thought through and the later boats, with chart table in the cabin is a more successful arrangement than chart table over the pilot berth (since this restricts access). Almost all Sadler 26s are bilge keel and this is what the market seeks. Some customers seek a deep fin keel 26 and there are a few of these around.

A good 26 aged 1983 to 1984 will sell for about £18,000. The later boats (though rarely available), can be up to £25,000 for example for a 1989 to 1990 good condition and updated equipment. This is the true "unsinkable yacht" and tests were carried out by the yachting press soon after the boat was launched, which demonstrated how the 26 could be sailed with all the seacocks left open and water up to bunk level.

8 SADLER 25. This is where it all started in 1974 and was the boat that David Sadler designed, following his enthusiasm for the Folkboat and Contessa 26. Most attractively styled with considerable "tumblehome" and a lot more room than a Contessa 26 down below. Performance was astonishingly good and some of these boats achieved extended open sea passages, such as Round Britain and Transatlantic.

Most second hand 25s are now in pretty bad shape, but there are a few good ones around. The better boats command a price of £11,000 to £12,000, but for this they need recent sails and instrumentation and must be in good clean condition throughout. A more average price achievable is about £9,000 and rather lower if neglected.

There were great improvements from 1979 onwards and any 25 enthusiast will be looking for the Mark 3 rig, (two foot taller than Mark 2), which came through in 1979. As far as the engines are concerned, most of the older ones have the Petter Mini 6. Later boats have the BMW 7 or Yanmar 1GM, generally come through survey quite well and are a reliable buy if well maintained.

9 GENERAL THOUGHTS. The final price of a boat, whether buying or selling relates in the first case to the age and secondly its equipment and condition. Providing a steady program of maintenance has been implemented, with renewals and replacements as required, this will reflect a good price in the market place. It is well worth while bringing the standard of cleanliness and maintenance up to a high standard prior to selling, to optimise the price. It is equally important for the buyer to look for a boat in this state, since it is preferable to pay a little more for the well maintained boat.

We are happy to advise on price, even where a private sale is envisaged and to assist in the general marketing of Sadlers and Starlights. If seeking our advice, it is most helpful to send a set of photographs, so that a realistic appraisal can be made and selling price suggested.

The market is strong for Sadlers and Starlights across the whole range. We have received over 2000 enquiries in the five year period that we have been dealing with these boats and there is no doubt we have a profound knowledge regarding problems to look for and the virtues of the boats as compared with the competition. Most importantly we have found that the price of a Sadler and Starlight does not noticeably depreciate in the short to medium term, providing the boat is maintained or indeed improved from the condition when purchased.

We are delighted to help any members of the Association who are considering either selling or buying another boat and will be pleased to handle your enquiries.

Good sailing and best of luck in the new millennium.