OK - so here it goes. At the beginning of this year I purchased a 1978 36' Albin double cabin from someone advertising online and not on YachtWorld. I paid under $25000 for my boat - and I was looking for a long time. We wanted an older boat because we like the look, and also have a large home (and other hobbies) that take resources to keep up, so getting back into boating had to be a reasonable venture for us. We don't mind hard work and elbow grease either.
Our boat was mechanically sound and everything worked perfectly from the mechanical standpoint. Having worked closely with a surveyor from a boat we didn't purchase, I knew what to look for and inspect - which I did before buying this boat. Don't gasp - I didn't have mine surveyed. It was in the water, everything worked and ran as expected and I had both eyes open. On top of this, I have two file cabinets of prior owner paperwork and receipts, manuals, booklets, you name it, so I had access to more information than most people when I bought it. I also have funds in reserve for worse case scenarios like a repower if needed.
Yes the teak was a mess. Stripping and refinishing is a pain yes, but well applied Cetol does look nice. The decks are going to get redone. In the mean time, we are enjoying the boat, taking it out with friends, and our family. Our marina owner said that our boat is the most used boat there, so it get used a lot. My youngest son and his wife are both capable with the boat also take it out themselves and enjoy it. This isn't my retirement boat, but it does provide a lot of fun.
Sitting on the flybridge watching the sun set with the Admiral at the end of the day makes it all worth it.
I said all of that to say this - if you look hard enough there are boats to be had out there that meet your needs at the right price. It may take a lot of work, but set your expectations up front so you aren't disappointed.
mike