Nothing in life is free. We as sailboat owners know this to be a fact. A free boat, many times will cost more in repairs, material and time. I've turned down my share of "free boats" in my sailing career... but, this one got to me.
Yes it was free, but it was all there. The cushions were perfect, the sails and covers were nearly new and the pop up canvas was new without a tear or rip. So, she got me. My girlfriend/co-captain/ partner (Molly) had wanted a sailboat for some time, so we took the plunge together.
That being said, I've decided to document the entire process as this is my fourth our fifth boat and I wish I had kept a journal and pictures of my previous projects. I've put a couple of random posts up, but I'm starting this one as the "official timeline and progress thread." You guys have already been most helpful and I look forward to all the comments and advice. so here we go.
S/V Blue Christmas arrives 12/31/17
Early January I begin to notice some "modifications" to the pivot bolt. I suspect the PO was attempting to prevent water from coming in the pivot bolt area. My suspicions are, the "malformed keel" See next pic was causing water to channel up the trunk and force it's way out the pivot bolt opening. So, what do you do when you see water if you're a jack leg sailor... throw some resin and fiberglass over that bolt... it certainly isn't a symptom of a bigger problem.
Late January I find her keel is encapsulated and delaminating. Seems the PO never understood the need for maintenance, let alone basic sailing physics. Also, at this point I surmise that she is pre-1973 and possibly from the first production run, as there is no Hull ID to be found anywhere. Thanks to the kind folks here, I also found out only the pre-73's had laminated keels.
Late February - we start measuring and positioning her for her future months "On The Hard." We are also encouraged to find out her original hull paint will be salvageable with some rubbing compound and polishing.
Removed the hideous plastic plate where the former Indiana numbers were. Finding the hull paint to be very good for it's age.
The PO was all about overkill... the plastic plaque with Indiana numbers was awful! And he kept every registration number on it for every year it was registered.
So we get to re-build a trailer too... Joy!
Keep watching.... much more to come. Todd & Molly
Yes it was free, but it was all there. The cushions were perfect, the sails and covers were nearly new and the pop up canvas was new without a tear or rip. So, she got me. My girlfriend/co-captain/ partner (Molly) had wanted a sailboat for some time, so we took the plunge together.
That being said, I've decided to document the entire process as this is my fourth our fifth boat and I wish I had kept a journal and pictures of my previous projects. I've put a couple of random posts up, but I'm starting this one as the "official timeline and progress thread." You guys have already been most helpful and I look forward to all the comments and advice. so here we go.
S/V Blue Christmas arrives 12/31/17
Early January I begin to notice some "modifications" to the pivot bolt. I suspect the PO was attempting to prevent water from coming in the pivot bolt area. My suspicions are, the "malformed keel" See next pic was causing water to channel up the trunk and force it's way out the pivot bolt opening. So, what do you do when you see water if you're a jack leg sailor... throw some resin and fiberglass over that bolt... it certainly isn't a symptom of a bigger problem.
Late January I find her keel is encapsulated and delaminating. Seems the PO never understood the need for maintenance, let alone basic sailing physics. Also, at this point I surmise that she is pre-1973 and possibly from the first production run, as there is no Hull ID to be found anywhere. Thanks to the kind folks here, I also found out only the pre-73's had laminated keels.
Late February - we start measuring and positioning her for her future months "On The Hard." We are also encouraged to find out her original hull paint will be salvageable with some rubbing compound and polishing.
Removed the hideous plastic plate where the former Indiana numbers were. Finding the hull paint to be very good for it's age.
The PO was all about overkill... the plastic plaque with Indiana numbers was awful! And he kept every registration number on it for every year it was registered.
So we get to re-build a trailer too... Joy!
Keep watching.... much more to come. Todd & Molly
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