In December 2016 I purchased a 1977 Irwin Citation 30’ from Nautical Donations for $5600. I had a nautical survey done on her at that time from a Chicago survey firm I would not recommend, recommending her as in “poor” condition (because of evidence of dry rot in the crucial aft stringers) but “fair” on the crucial page of the survey. “Fair” got her insured and settled in Jackson Park Outer. We had one season together.At the end of that season, Crowley’s Yacht Yard pulled her out for storage and determined she needed approximately $22,000 of work on her substructure and rigging.The cost of this Irwin was a significant portion of my retirement income. At every anxious turn I was re-assured by Nautical Donations’ Michael Anderson that the ship was in good shape, even as we re-rigged her in a torrential rain (Michael was truly helpful).But selling a boat for $5600, with an ambiguous marine survey, out of a Chicago yacht yard that after a season wanted to bill $22,000 for “critical repairs” sure sounds like old Chicago. It was a great loss.I learned to sail in Avalon, NJ and sailed Erickson 36’s out of the Golden Gate.Don’t buy from these guys. If you want to donate money, just donate money. If you want a boat, buy her from a reputable dealer with an included marine survey from one of the best marine surveyors on Lake Michigan.Tom Simmons

Great people and great organization.