First Boat

S

STEPHEN

.
Jan 22, 2008
16
ORKNEY STRIKELINER WEYMOUTH/MELKSHAM
Hi all,

I'm new to it all with limited sailing experience but, all my reading has brought me to the Albin Vega 27. My plan is to buy a boat that will serve me now in local waters around Vancouver and in the future, possibly some extended offshore cruising as my confidence grows and available time.

Now, for the question: I have been searching a bit, looking at some interesting prospects. It seems I can get into something for around $15,000. US ready to cruise with all kinds of gadgets, but knowing myself and not being in any big rush, I'm leaning towards one that will allow me to refit (most work done by others) over time to my needs. I've seen some earlier models being offered at around $10,000 CAD which seem to be in original condition with motors either dead or dying.

I saw one on Craigslist in the Chesapeake Bay area for $4,000. A refit was started but stopped since the owner has bought something bigger - a common thing I presume. So far, it's been prepared for painting and all standing rigging has been replaced as well as running most of the running rigging. The engine is I assume...toast. I did get a price on a Beta engine installed of about $15,000 CAD (Taxes included).

The quote I received for transport is approximately $3,800.00 US

Does this idea of mine make any sense or I am way off in my thinking?

Any help would be appreciated.

Stephen
Vancouver BC
 
S

stephenb_vancouver

.
Jul 12, 2009
14
Thanks Bob,

I suppose buying something old, stripping away the unwanted, then refitting to give it a new strength and vitality appeals to me. Also, I want to be confident in the boat and what better way to get to know it than through a renovation - of course along with it comes the time, expense, and the frustrations of not being on the water.

Stephen
Vancouver

________________________________
From: quiet_bird quiet_bird@...
To: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 12:22:35 AM
Subject: [AlbinVega] Re: First Boat
 
R

rogerefairest

.
Jul 6, 2007
106
Hi Stephen

The most expensive part of the Vega is the Engine I don’t know about prices in Canada, but CAD 15K sounds a bit too much, maybe you should sail it over here (UK) and get it refit, Steve (who you will get to know soon enough if you don’t know him yet) is very experienced at the installation.

Joke aside (about the getting it to the UK), there is so much to do on a sailing boat that unless you dream is to refit it I would buy it as complete as possible and as you learn you find more stuff to put on, all the gear will be dependent on where you are sailing and what kind of sailor you want to be.

The things with the vegas (and just about any other small boat), is that no matter how much stuff you put on it you will never get the price back on it (ie you put a new engine, buy a new set of sails, put a new mast, standing rigging, running rigging and then just for good measure you add a brand new gel coat and you will never be able to sell it for how much you spent on her).

So my point is, what kind of person are you? Do you actually enjoy spending months cooked inside and outside dreaming about one day being able to sail? Or just want to sail?

At the moment I am actually going through the biggest refit and upgrades on the life of “Ocean Sunrise” which so far has take us (me and my wife) since October last year and I don’t think we will finish by October this year when I want to put her back on the water and I am fed up, tired of not being able to sail her, tired off all the expenses that are still to come and how far it still is for me to enjoy a warm afternoon sailing away with a breeze from behind.

I bought her back in 2005 and you cannot imagine how please I am that I was able to sail her strait that summer, then some minor refits during the following winter and some more sailing in 2006 and a major one in 2007; boats decay faster due to lack of use than whilst being used.

Any way, my two pence there and best of luck.

Cheers

Roger
 
P

pjacobs55

.
Oct 30, 2019
1,459
Stephen,
In my opinion (oh oh, ... here we go again...!)
I've done it both ways: restoring the "cheap" boat (San Juan 24), and upgrading a sail-ready boat (Vega).

My strong preference would be for a sail-ready boat with a sound motor and decent sails. Things like upholstery, and running rigging are easy enough to replace, but replacing an engine will suddenly make the boat worth more than you could ever sell it for. Even on a good boat there's always lots of room for improvements.

I'd rather pay a bit of a premium for a well maintained and decently equipped boat than try to refurbish a neglected one that "just needs a little TLC and cleaning up".

Boats in this part of the world (Western Canada) are a bit more expensive than in the US. I paid $14,000 for Sin Tacha, which was in sail away condition with a good Diesel engine, but still needed a lot of work (which I mostly did while still sailing her). I've managed to far exceed that initial cost with a constant array of goodies and 'improvements' :) I keep a running album at
which starts on purchase day.

There's a Vega Rendezvous at Friday Harbour on San Juan Island coming up in a week or so. There'll be lots of boats to look at and information to share, and all are welcome. There'll be ocean voyagers as well as coastal cruisers there.

Check out the notice at The American Vega Association

Good luck on your search!

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'
 
S

stephenb_vancouver

.
Jul 12, 2009
14
You guys have been fantastic. The consensus seems to point to getting as much as you can for you money...As Steve put it; "As much nick for your money". If I wasn't working I would enjoy meeting some of you at the rendezvous in Friday Harbour - Maybe next year with my own Vega! I'm glad there was mention of the higher prices here in Canada, that's certainly the impression I'm getting.

Well, I will try to be patient and keep on the lookout for that perfect (not-so-perfect) boat.

Thanks to all of you!

Stephen
Vancouver

________________________________
From: pjacobs55 prjacobs@...
To: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 9:22:40 AM
Subject: [AlbinVega] Re: First BoatStephen,
In my opinion (oh oh, ... here we go again...!)
I've done it both ways: restoring the "cheap" boat (San Juan 24), and upgrading a sail-ready boat (Vega).

My strong preference would be for a sail-ready boat with a sound motor and decent sails. Things like upholstery, and running rigging are easy enough to replace, but replacing an engine will suddenly make the boat worth more than you could ever sell it for. Even on a good boat there's always lots of room for improvements.

I'd rather pay a bit of a premium for a well maintained and decently equipped boat than try to refurbish a neglected one that "just needs a little TLC and cleaning up".

Boats in this part of the world (Western Canada) are a bit more expensive than in the US. I paid $14,000 for Sin Tacha, which was in sail away condition with a good Diesel engine, but still needed a lot of work (which I mostly did while still sailing her). I've managed to far exceed that initial cost with a constant array of goodies and 'improvements' :) I keep a running album at
http://picasaweb. google.com/ pjacobs55/ SinTacha#
which starts on purchase day.

There's a Vega Rendezvous at Friday Harbour on San Juan Island coming up in a week or so. There'll be lots of boats to look at and information to share, and all are welcome. There'll be ocean voyagers as well as coastal cruisers there.

Check out the notice at http://americanvega .org/rendezvous. html

Good luck on your search!

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'
 
S

stephenb_vancouver

.
Jul 12, 2009
14
By the way Peter... Thanks for the photo link. Sin Tacha looks beautiful. That's what I want though the time...and the expense must be considerable. I have a feeling that I may be experiencing something similar in the future. There's just something about transforming...or watching someone else do the transforming of a tired old boat into a such a gem....Stephen

________________________________
From: pjacobs55 prjacobs@...
To: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 9:22:40 AM
Subject: [AlbinVega] Re: First BoatStephen,
In my opinion (oh oh, ... here we go again...!)
I've done it both ways: restoring the "cheap" boat (San Juan 24), and upgrading a sail-ready boat (Vega).

My strong preference would be for a sail-ready boat with a sound motor and decent sails. Things like upholstery, and running rigging are easy enough to replace, but replacing an engine will suddenly make the boat worth more than you could ever sell it for. Even on a good boat there's always lots of room for improvements.

I'd rather pay a bit of a premium for a well maintained and decently equipped boat than try to refurbish a neglected one that "just needs a little TLC and cleaning up".

Boats in this part of the world (Western Canada) are a bit more expensive than in the US. I paid $14,000 for Sin Tacha, which was in sail away condition with a good Diesel engine, but still needed a lot of work (which I mostly did while still sailing her). I've managed to far exceed that initial cost with a constant array of goodies and 'improvements' :) I keep a running album at
http://picasaweb. google.com/ pjacobs55/ SinTacha#
which starts on purchase day.

There's a Vega Rendezvous at Friday Harbour on San Juan Island coming up in a week or so. There'll be lots of boats to look at and information to share, and all are welcome. There'll be ocean voyagers as well as coastal cruisers there.

Check out the notice at http://americanvega .org/rendezvous. html

Good luck on your search!

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'
 
P

pelagicasd

.
Jan 28, 2001
694
Just thought you might want to know. Vega for sale down by San Francisco. Asking 15,000 US. Diesel, new standing rigging, VHF, etc. Go to the Latitude 38 web site and from there go to the classy classifieds. I don't know the boat. There is an email link with the ad. Find out what kind of diesel first. How many hours on it and if an older Volvo, what condition, Volvo parts are not cheap.

Walt



PS Anybody know of a place to get the bubble taken out of my Plastimo Contest 100? Prefer the California, Oregon, Washington area. Tried Island Marine in Everette Wa.but they said they can't get parts for the 100 anymore. It looks like it would be an easy enough job, remove the screw, put in the correct fluid and reseal it. Has anyone done it. Anyone know what kind of fluid is in the Plastimo?

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.
To: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
From: quiet_bird@...
Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2009 07:22:35 +0000
Subject: [AlbinVega] Re: First Boat
 
R

richard.trawick

.
May 27, 2008
3
Hi Stephen,

Just thought I would let you know (and the other Vegatarians) that Mr. Perfect is now for sale in Point Roberts WA. 1972 Vega with new (2004) standing rigging, mast, boom, sails (full batten triple stitched main with 3rd reef, large tri sail, genoa, working jib, storm jib, original spinnaker) The rig was inspected and tuned by Brion Toss in 2008 before I sailed it to Hawaii and back last summer. All structural upgrades complete (rudder post paddles swapped to stainless, aluminum chain plates replaced with stainless, compression beam done but could use some re-working). Powered with a 9.9 outboard with built in 40 liter tank. Lots of other stuff with it--two 75 watt solar panels, anchors, rode, gps, BBQ, parachute anchor, etc. This boat is in good structural condition but could use some TLC cosmetically. It is also has a Navik on it which was unused when I installed it in 2008 (now has 5000 miles on it).

Asking $9500 without the Navik, $10250 with the Navik (OBO)

By the way I also have trailer fitted for a Vega that I used to tow Mr. Perfect up from Texas in December 2007. $2400 OBO

Rich

richardtrawick@...
 
S

stephenb_vancouver

.
Jul 12, 2009
14
Hi Richard,

Too bad our timing is off a bit, I was just out at Point Roberts Marina on Tuesday taking some private sailing lessons (It's been a few years). I enjoyed your video... that's a trip I would like to do in a few years when time and skill allow. I wonder...is finding a slip in Vancouver very difficult these days?

Since I don't own a car, and don't want one. I rented a car on Tuesday to get me out there. Anyway, I am have just begun to look with the idea of ideally taking possession in the spring. I want time to save more cash (just cleared all my debt) and find a spot closer to home - I live in English Bay and drive a city bus out of the North Van depot. So, if Mr. Perfect is still for sale at the end of the season, send me an message. I'm assuming you would like to sell sooner than later?

Thanks,

Stephen

________________________________
From: richard.trawick richardtrawick@...
To: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2009 7:27:40 PM
Subject: [AlbinVega] Re: First Boat


Hi Stephen,

Just thought I would let you know (and the other Vegatarians) that Mr. Perfect is now for sale in Point Roberts WA. 1972 Vega with new (2004) standing rigging, mast, boom, sails (full batten triple stitched main with 3rd reef, large tri sail, genoa, working jib, storm jib, original spinnaker) The rig was inspected and tuned by Brion Toss in 2008 before I sailed it to Hawaii and back last summer. All structural upgrades complete (rudder post paddles swapped to stainless, aluminum chain plates replaced with stainless, compression beam done but could use some re-working). Powered with a 9.9 outboard with built in 40 liter tank. Lots of other stuff with it--two 75 watt solar panels, anchors, rode, gps, BBQ, parachute anchor, etc. This boat is in good structural condition but could use some TLC cosmetically. It is also has a Navik on it which was unused when I installed it in 2008 (now has 5000 miles on it).

Asking $9500 without the Navik, $10250 with the Navik (OBO)

By the way I also have trailer fitted for a Vega that I used to tow Mr. Perfect up from Texas in December 2007. $2400 OBO

Rich

richardtrawick@ hotmail.com
 
W

wemccourt

.
Jul 5, 2006
49
There's a nautical instrument shop in Portland that I can't remember the name of. It's on 10th street near Burnside and the big Powell's Book Store. (Captain's ?)

Sorry I couldn't be more help.

Bill-WF1L
Reston, VA
 
J

j.hunter9999

.
Oct 30, 2019
574
Hi Stephen,

I think you have chosen a great boat. We bought our Vega, Bella, last year after a ton of research. We love how she sails and takes care of us. Having sailed for many years, but having done very little "work" on boats, half of the enjoyment of having Bella is helping her to become "our" boat. I actually think I enjoy working on her as much as I do sailing her. However, even if I were not doing the work myself, being able to determine how best to fit her for us, and seeing that slowly become a reality, is extremely satisfying.

We have a similar idea to our boat as you seem to have; spend some years refitting and sailing. So, key to that process is being able to sail. All the work done during the off-season would not be nearly as great if we couldn't sail during the season. So, IMHO, the best approach is to get a boat that is essentially sail-ready (maybe just needs some paint), then have the work done when you're not sailing. If you get a "project" boat, you may end up wondering why you bought her. Especially remembering what boat actually means, "Break Out Another Thousand." You want some sailing to offset that saying.

For 15K, you should be able to get a Vega in fairly good condition. You might try looking on the West coast, closer to where you're located. This is a great group, so posting of your interest (and the occasional reminder for us people with half-heimers) should net you some leads. Also, if you have the time, it might be worth it to purchase a trailer (or have one made) and drive to get the boat yourself. It all depends on where you intend to store the boat and the cost for shipping. In any case, shipping will be less expensive from the West coast. On the West coast, you should ask of the owner or someone will sail the boat up to you for the cost of airfare home. You might actually get some takers.

Well, I've written more than I intended. My apologies for being so verbose. Best of luck and if I see a Vega for sail in the great lakes region, I'll let you know.

Jack
Bella - V2620
 
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