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Any advice before buying a 1961 53' Huckins?

Discussion in 'Huckins Yacht' started by sproatt, Mar 28, 2012.

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  1. sproatt, Mar 28, 2012
    #1
    sproatt

    sproatt New Member

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    Mar 27, 2012
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    Location:
    Holland, MI
    I have just joined the forum after reading the discussions and posts. We are returning to big water boating after a brief respite. The Huckins in New York is our first target (Dry Martini / 1961 53' Huckins) and have found threads on her from others that have looked her over. 14 Freedom (Dan) took a serious look and survey with advice from others. We would welcome any comments and advice. This forum is a wealth of information!
    Regards,
    Great Lakes Jim.
  2. Ken Bracewell, Mar 28, 2012
    #2
    Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

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    As with any wood boat, check the bottom thoroughly. I once spent a winter watching a new bottom installed on a 56' Huckins.
  3. Savasa, Mar 28, 2012
    #3
    Savasa

    Savasa Senior Member

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    Hiya,
    Welcome aboard Jim. Advice on buying a wooden boat? Psychological counseling! What Ken said regarding the bottom and fasteners and also any place fresh water can collect (dry rot). NOTHING rides like a wooden boat!
  4. sproatt, Mar 28, 2012
    #4
    sproatt

    sproatt New Member

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    moving forward

    Thank you gentlemen. Good friends are traveling to NY (a CC captain) that has extensive wooden boat experience to take a good look. We hope that we can move then to a proper survey and then talk it over. I have in my past a Chris Craft, two Lymans, and 1967 37' Egg Harbor - all wooden. Our last boat was a 46' Uniflite MY, and we miss the big boat / big lake experience too much to let the rest of our life slip away without another go!
  5. RB480, Mar 28, 2012
    #5
    RB480

    RB480 Senior Member

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    I see that you are in Holland, MI. There are 3 beautiful Huckins stored there for the winter months, you just missed out on a 1970 65' that was in bristol condition right in your back yard!

    There are a few Captains that take care of a few Huckins at Eldeans yard there, might want to look them up and pick their brains!
  6. chuckb, Mar 28, 2012
    #6
    chuckb

    chuckb Senior Member

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    Location:
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    I looked at her over a year ago and thought she needed a lot of attention... there were lots of original gear, both good stuff (keeping it classic) but also some very dated electrical panels, I don't think she's ever had a true refit. It was December and there was snow on the boat, so I didn't pop the hatches to see the engines. I got the impression the marina owner (who owns the boat) used her as a spare time project when things were slow. I'm not saying she's a bad deal, but would recommend going in with minimal expectations... expecting to find work needed in several areas.

    But I hope I'm wrong!;)

    Chuck
  7. Loren Schweizer, Mar 29, 2012
    #7
    Loren Schweizer

    Loren Schweizer YF Associate Writer

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    Jim, first and foremost, make sure that all the termites are holding hands. Get it in writing.
    On a serious note, among your other due diligence, get Cindy Purcell's phone number down in JAX as you will undoubtedly be speaking with her at length about tips & how-tos.

    They are great, classy boats.
  8. SeaEric, Mar 29, 2012
    #8
    SeaEric

    SeaEric YF Historian

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    When the termites stop holding hands, the portlights fall out.

    Back to being serious: Hopefully YF member Maldwin will comment here. He has a wealth of information and hands on, multiple Huckins ownership experience.
  9. Seafarer, Apr 2, 2012
    #9
    Seafarer

    Seafarer Senior Member

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    Dry Martini has been on the market for several years, with a price that has been spiraling downward the entire time. She may still be the perfect boat for someone, but some of her "upgrade" modifications are taste-specific and best suited to the Miami Vice era.

    I last saw her in perhaps 2008, though it may have been 2007. Personally, I expect (assume) she's still a savable project. It would take a lot of neglect in +/- 5 years to make her ready for Captain Stihl.
  10. maldwin, Apr 7, 2012
    #10
    maldwin

    maldwin Senior Member

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    There are many other Huckins in that size range which will cost you much less in the long run, although their asking prices are around $250 000. Pm me if you would like more specific advice.
    Best,
    Maldwin
  11. Wl3175, Apr 8, 2012
    #11
    Wl3175

    Wl3175 Member

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    I captain 2 Huckins and we are in Eldeans in holland for the winter stop by next week I will show you around ours.we looked at dry martini a few years ago she was in really bad shape our surveyor put a complete restoration at 500,000 plus .there are much better boats on the marker .
    Just sent you a private message with my phone number