Rehabilitating a sailboat stored outdoors for 10 years

[Don Rudisuhle]

We are trying to decide whether it is worth trying to fix up a 1985 Lancer 30 that has been stored outdoors in a yard in Wyoming where it has been exposed to 10 years of freeze-thaw cycles and pelted by hail. The hatches and windows eventually leaked and about 6 inches of water flooded the cabin above the level of the bilge. There will be considerable interior woodwork involved, but our question is whether the integrity of the hull may have been compromised due to waterlogging and freezing. Does anybody know how to determine this? The closest marine surveyor is more than 200 miles away. The other option is to cut it up and bury in the desert.

 

[shemandr]

Fresh water inside a fiberglass hull isn't good. The osmotic gradient isn't favorable. Water intrusion into the fiberglass is a concern. Without a surveyor nearby, it may be worth it to buy a moisture meter and practice using it. Honestly, the value of a 30 year old boat, with issues, doesn't argue for the restoration path. If you can sail it for fun that's great. No real re-sale value.

 

[capta]

There is a saying, "There's no such thing as a free boat."
Even if someone PAID you to take it, I'm sure in the long run, that it will cost you more to dispose of that boat than you received.
I don't know anyone who got a 'great deal' on a boat over roughly 30 feet who didn't spend more in money and time than they would have buying the same boat in pretty good shape. Also consider all the time you'll put in working on it before you ever get a minute's sailing in.
Run, run far and fast.

 

[Benny17441]

Do you own the boat or are just looking to acquire it? Out of this list tell us what you may be missing;

1) hull
2) mast and rigging
3) set of sails
4) working engine
5) keel
6) rudder and steering system
7) electrical panel and wiring installation
8) cabinets and cushions

To replace any of these items even with used components will set you back beyween $1,000 and $3,000. Finding replacement parts in Wyoming might be a challenge. I would definitely ascertain the condition of the hull and keel before starting any project but perhaps considering the other necessary costs first might throw some light on whether it might be a feasible project or not. Consider budgeting for used parts but realize that finding them in Wyoming (away from the sea) might not be the easiest. Gauge your abilities and available time to do much of the work. I guess my point is if you see the project might be too costly or difficult there will be no need to survey the hull. Also consider the use you might intend to give this boat as it would dictate the necessary work. I know guys that would just put it in the water to see if it leaks, strap an outboard engine on it and fix up the interior just enough to be able to weekend on it but if you want to fix it to sail it that might cost a lot more. The picture is for a 1985 30' Lancer listed for sale in Miami, FL with an asking price of $10,000. Hope this info might help you make a decision.

 

[Alan Gomes]

We are trying to decide whether it is worth trying to fix up a 1985 Lancer 30 that has been stored outdoors in a yard in Wyoming where it has been exposed to 10 years of freeze-thaw cycles and pelted by hail. The hatches and windows eventually leaked and about 6 inches of water flooded the cabin above the level of the bilge. There will be considerable interior woodwork involved, but our question is whether the integrity of the hull may have been compromised due to waterlogging and freezing. Does anybody know how to determine this? The closest marine surveyor is more than 200 miles away. The other option is to cut it up and bury in the desert.

Go with the "other option."

 

[Roland5048]

Salvage what you can then get a sawsall, or two, a big dumpster, a few friends, a lot of beer, and have at it. IMHO.

 

[kito]

Need more info. Like Benny said, is any of the major components missing?. If I were to guess, I bet the mast and boom went bye bye and was recycled for a few bucks. If so, donate to the local fire department to use as boat fire training

 

[Ron20324]

Using it as a planter to replace that lawn jockey or flamingo or for a Koi pond come to mind.

 

[Ken Cross]

Do an initial tap test. Grab a quarter (yes a $0.25 coin) and begin taping the hull. You will quickly learn what solid fiberglass sounds like. If you hear a dull thud, there is likely a problem there. tap all over the hull including the upper surfaces. Check for soft spots in the decks. You can purchase a moisture meter and check that way too. I suspect (like others have said) that it may not be worth the effort and expense. but that is based on your brief description. A careful look, tap test, and inventory will tell you if it's worth further investigation.

Ken

 

[Stu Jackson]

If this question was:

We are trying to decide whether it is worth trying to fix up a 1985 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE (any other automobile) that has been stored outdoors in a yard in Wyoming where it has been exposed to 10 years of freeze-thaw cycles and pelted by hail.


would you even be asking this question?

What's so different about neglect of a boat compared to anything else?

 

[Kings Gambit]

My question is why? If you want to go sailing, buy one that's more ready to go. If you want to flip it--forget it; it's not that kind of boat--won't make anything significant on it (see link below). If you want to just while away the hours on some endless project for "peace of mind", then that sounds good. However, your stated alternative might be your best.

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1986/Lancer-30-3010503/Deale/MD/United-States

 

[Gunni]

In the paraphrased words of Irina Dunn: A cowboy needs a sailboat like a fish needs a bicycle!

 

[Benny17441]

If this question was:

We are trying to decide whether it is worth trying to fix up a 1985 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE (any other automobile) that has been stored outdoors in a yard in Wyoming where it has been exposed to 10 years of freeze-thaw cycles and pelted by hail.

A Volkswagen Beetle might be worth restoring but surely not a Ford Pinto.

 

[kloudie1]

Gunni, maybe this is the cowboy and boat thing?? :

 

[Roland5048]

DR, can you post a pic, or two? I can't be the only one curious as to how this boat looks. BTW, what's it doing in Wyoming? I've driven across the state twice and the only water I remember seeing either came out of a tap or in Yellowstone.

 

[Justin_NSA]

Going thru rehab after 10 years will be tough. You can do it.

 

[Gunni]

Man, I love Lyle Lovett but I have never been able to figure out what that song was about!
However, any song with a reference to Roy Rogers is a good song! Who else performs on stage with a horse?

(Don, sorry to hijack your thread. Claude made me do it !)

 

[Don Rudisuhle]

Fresh water inside a fiberglass hull isn't good. The osmotic gradient isn't favorable. Water intrusion into the fiberglass is a concern. Without a surveyor nearby, it may be worth it to buy a moisture meter and practice using it. Honestly, the value of a 30 year old boat, with issues, doesn't argue for the restoration path. If you can sail it for fun that's great. No real re-sale value.

Don’s reply: Good points, thanks. The boat is far from seaworthy and you are right about the resale value in the middle of the desert in Wyoming. Who knows what might have transpired during a decade of freeze-melt cycles, but it is clear that it cracked the fiberglass cabin sole.

 

[Don Rudisuhle]

There is a saying, "There's no such thing as a free boat."
Even if someone PAID you to take it, I'm sure in the long run, that it will cost you more to dispose of that boat than you received.
I don't know anyone who got a 'great deal' on a boat over roughly 30 feet who didn't spend more in money and time than they would have buying the same boat in pretty good shape. Also consider all the time you'll put in working on it before you ever get a minute's sailing in.
Run, run far and fast.

Don’s reply: Sad but true, and as mentioned elsewhere, we have a 3 ½ hour drive to get to the marina and ½ hour drive to the closest hotel in Green River.

 

[Don Rudisuhle]

Do you own the boat or are just looking to acquire it? Out of this list tell us what you may be missing;

1) hull
2) mast and rigging
3) set of sails
4) working engine
5) keel
6) rudder and steering system
7) electrical panel and wiring installation
8) cabinets and cushions

To replace any of these items even with used components will set you back beyween $1,000 and $3,000. Finding replacement parts in Wyoming might be a challenge. I would definitely ascertain the condition of the hull and keel before starting any project but perhaps considering the other necessary costs first might throw some light on whether it might be a feasible project or not. Consider budgeting for used parts but realize that finding them in Wyoming (away from the sea) might not be the easiest. Gauge your abilities and available time to do much of the work. I guess my point is if you see the project might be too costly or difficult there will be no need to survey the hull. Also consider the use you might intend to give this boat as it would dictate the necessary work. I know guys that would just put it in the water to see if it leaks, strap an outboard engine on it and fix up the interior just enough to be able to weekend on it but if you want to fix it to sail it that might cost a lot more. The picture is for a 1985 30' Lancer listed for sale in Miami, FL with an asking price of $10,000. Hope this info might help you make a decision.

Don’s reply: Thanks for the detailed reply. We have owned the boat since it was new. We bought it at a bargain in 1985 when the Lancer Yacht Company was in its death throes. Everything you mention in your list is intact but showing its age. In the past, the Yanmar 3GMC diesel has started effortlessly even after long periods of inactivity. Yes, it might be possible to minimally restore the boat and try it out. However, the ability to separate the lake from the interior cabin is a major issue. The inner and outer seals on the saildrive are rotted out and I have been quoted a price of $600 and $200 respectively for the parts alone. Furthermore. it isn’t clear whether the engine can be lifted enough to insert the upper seal without cutting out a hole in the deck.,Also a consideration is that it is not easy for us to make the 230 mile drive to the marina and even when we do we can’t stay for very long. We are kind of old for a project of this magnitude and if we don’t do work ourselves, the only alternative is the $100 an hour certified mechanic at the yard.