I think I would have to agree with most people about these boats.
They are ANYTHING but an investment.
And really with girls this old, you don't choose the boat, she chooses you.
I, myself, bought a '62 Ariel in...Oct '02 or so. And it had not really been maintained for about 12 years until I bought her.
Put in hundreds of hours in labor to bring her up to snuff. And I thought that it would be smart to start on the "capital investment" type projects. things like: replace all the wiring with new, up-to-code wire and connections; strip the bottom down to the gelcoat and lay on anti-osmosis water barrier; get a good strong outboard, in case of rough water.
Did she sail any better after all that, not really. Will I ever see that time and money when I sell her, not a chance. But now I have a foundation to built a pretty girl on. Or re-build after Isabel as the case is.
And as for "stock" parts around: the only real source are other Ariel/Commanders that are going to the graveyard.
$1000 for an Ariel, sure. Sounds like a steal. The decks can wait a few years (maybe 2 or 3).
An outboard will be easy to do.
The rudder, well good luck, I have to replace mine after Izzy, too. See the many posts on that subject.
-km
aka, "sell out"
S/V Beyond the Sea
C&C 35 mkIII