G'day all.
I finally got sick of looking for a yacht and bought one. My head had decided on a Compass 29 but then I saw a 1983 Adams 31 centre cockpit going cheap and something went 'bing'. The First Mate will definitely be happier with all this room.
A bit more of a learning curve with the extra size. Plus, the guy who had owned it for the last 25 years hasn't really done his due diligence over the last while, so I've had to have a few basic issues tended to; the engine oil now contains no seawater and I think I might just put in a working bilge pump - you know, just for laughs.
There's so much to learn and I've got a list of jobs a mile long. I'll try to keep my questions down to 15 per day. 
Anyway, thanks for everything I've gleaned from you all over the last couple of years.
Rog
DrRog
1st and foremost, Congratulations, I still remember my first day of ownership, pretty scarey.
Boat looks great and no doubt you will have nothing but fun, regardless whether your out sailing or just pottering around while in a marina or on the pick, life does not get much better.
The learning curve is huge, you are now Skipper and everything else you may think you know changes, you are responsible, your are the mechanic, electrician, rigger, cleaner, boat Parker and as on my boat the bloody cook too, oh and did I forget the cleaner, your that too but this is all part of the fun.
Enjoy, take time to consider what is an A B or C in your list of what is to be done and you will be amazed as to what you can fix and repair yourself with help from your fellow sailors pitching in with advice on how TOO, your not alone. Do not be afraid to ask for help...?
Well done DrRog, it certainly looks a handsome boat, although I can't for the life of me figure out why you would want a working bilge pump, after all the broker in his spiel and waffle stated it to be a perfect boat.
In the description heading "equipment & safety" it clearly states "Bilge pump = yes", the way I see it's only a bilge pump if it actually works and pumps, otherwise it's just a paperweight.
Really makes you wonder how much attention to detail most brokers put into the products they are selling, but then in my opinion boat brokers are on par with used car salesmen.
Harry
When the survey has "unable to determin age of rigging need to have a AYF inspection" should Ibe worried, inoccurr large cost for inspection and I feel it's something the owner should pay or though the dealer seems to feel differently!
Is there away I can post the survey on the forum?
Keith
Well done DrRog. A close friend has an Adams 31 called Kindred Spirit that he has owned for the last 20 years. Wouldn't swap it for the world.
He has had issues like replacing the "Green Death" Volvo with a Diecon Engineering Kubota 3 cyl donk and replacing the fridge system with an EvaKool 50 litre 12 volt fridge.
www.evakool.com.au/../
Being dedicated 12 volt units, they are an excellent choice. They do have a kit with two 50 watt solar panels and regulator to suit the fibreglass models. Just add battery and it is stand alone from your on board electrics.
Most serious issue has been chain plates. One of them snapped, fortunately not bringing his rig down. Stainless when sealed from air will corrode.
They are an easy job to replace and your boat is at the age when they are due for checking at least.
It is not an expensive job but the consequences of not doing it are.
I would be putting that at the top of my list.
Congratulations and Happy Sailing.
I didn't realise Stainless corroded when sealed thought it was the other Way round?
A Maybrook built S&S34 lost its mast off Norah Head, NSW in mild conditions a few years ago when the chain plate separated below the deck. It turned out the chain plate had a weld joint hidden below decks. I expect that could have been the same stainless corrosion problem as noted above.
Swarbrick boats have a one piece chain plate.
G'day Keith, as we talked about on the phone today the survey report isn't that bad and at the right price it might still be a good buy. It is rare to have in date rigging, or even know the age of the rigging, on an old boat. Plan on replacing the standing rigging and budget for it.
Rog,
Welcome to the world of yacht ownership , hours of fun and great satisfaction as you upgrade or repair trhings.
Kieth , I lost a rig on a Carter 33, stainless rigging still looks good even after it has failed,you just cannot tell how good it is. I had had it inspected by a rigger 6 months before it failed. It cost the insurance company approx $30,000 to replace sails, furler , standing and running rigging mast and boom, and a small amount of topside damage as the rig bashed against the hull The next boat I bought a Catalina 320 ,I had all the standing rigging replaced for about $4500. Great for peace of mind and I have something to show the insurance company if needed,
If you are unsure of the age of the rig allow the price of new standing rigging in
your calculations
Pilgrim
Well done DrRog, enjoy the wonderful world of sailing vessel ownership
The half tonner is a good choice !
You will love her
Go the #1 up to 17 knts 
....... She will sail like a witch !!!!!!
Hey thanks everyone for your warm welcome and words of advice!
Yes, it's quite a responsibility and a mix of stress and fun starting that to do list so far.
Broker made some 'broad' statements and the surveyor... well, in retrospect, I should have gone with someone else. Anyway, I'm moving forward.
Thanks for specifics on this model, Cisco. This has a pretty clapped out Drofin 12; I'll see how it goes.
Rog
Welcome aboard! She looks like a lovely yacht that should give you many a happy memory, and possibly a few hairy ones also.
I think Desralei hit the nail on the head, I recall the transition from passenger with all care and no responsibility to owner/skipper was quite a significant shift. When the crew turns up and enjoys a sail they are not concerned with the list of jobs to be completed or how much they will cost. The up side however is that you now get to enjoy sailing on your own terms whenever and however you like it.
Have fun and enjoy the ride.
