Update to original message: Arion is now in Mooloolaba, SE Queensland, and is listed with a local broker for $17,000. I am open to offers but will not sell for less than $14,000 after I slip and repaint the boat in 2-3 months (as soon as the weather cools down). I'd accept $10,000 before slipping. Any prospective purchaser will have to accept the boat in an as is where is condition. I am unable to assist with delivering Arion due to my heath. The plan at this stage is to live aboard in this marina and potter along, hopefully keeping abreast of major maintenance issues. If my health bounces back (like a famous Australian Prime Minister, I have had more comebacks than Lazarus) I may even do another cruise, but then i won't want to sell.
You can see photos of the boat in my member profile albums. I've been thinking of selling for some time due to age and health issues. Arion is a 20 year old steel boat and requires regular maintenance, which is becoming more of a challenge for me every year, as my health declines. I am also beginning to find long solo passages less fun than they previously were and the time is coming when a small fibreglass daysailer in sheltered waters will suit my purposes better. Arion, as readers of the JRA magazine will know, has cruised extensively along the east coast of Australia for the last 20 years, between Sydney and Cairns, and is fully equipped for tradewind passages anywhere, including a 14hp Kubota diesel, Jordan Series Drogue, Chartplotter, charts of the east coast of Australia, autopilot, and mechanical windvane. This summer I have replaced the anchor chain (70 metres of 8mm short-link) and the house battery (200amp AGM). The 35sq metre sail is 7 oz Dacron, triple stitched, and was new in March, 2016. Mast and spars are alloy. The steel hull is sound, though ongoing maintenance can be expected. There has been some rust in the ballast keel area but this has been stabilized by welding steel plates over the ballast and filling the area with vegetable oil.
This represents a good opportunity for an energetic sailor (chasing that rust) to acquire a beautiful, strong, well-equipped offshore cruiser for a minimal investment. I've been canvassing replacement boats and know there is little out there worth looking at under $20,000. You do need to be prepared to continue a vigorous maintenance schedule and I will direct you to all areas of the boat that need ongoing attention.