Free Boat update

[sailormanbigd]

Well, I just finished filling out the Coast Guard paperwork for changing owners on the "free boat. I have to make copies and attach a check for $92 and mail it off9 my stamps are 42 cent ones so i hope i can get 2cent ones? Anyway, the PO has been very helful in getting it registered-it was my fault it took so long-lost the previous paperwork. I have not been working on it because i wasn't sure it would ever be mine.
So now, in 2 weeks the fun will begin. 1: build the bulkheads and glass in place. 2: lay floor grid-glass in place. 3: repair steering hydraulic ram-it leaks and don't hold any pressure (directions to repair would be welcomed). finish removing old volvo 23hp engine. clean and paint engine bed and compartment. 4: install new(used) engine volvo2003 with reverse gear. Half to get it running and procure engine mounts 5: glass hull/deck joint 6: remove old steel gas tank-clean,repair,paint-if in decent shape?
Then i should have a sound hull with supporting structure and wheel steering. I will use the boat in this condition and slowly replace interior refinements as the time/money allows. what do y'all think? Is it dooable, wanna help? Its now the "summer season" above 90 degrees F. Its hard to concentrate on the structural items because i want her to look good now. But paint and new rub rail will have to wait. I am excited to get started. I will keep y'all update as I go along. I'm sure i will have lots of questions and need some moral support along the way. Patrick ps: the boat is a Morgan 33 outisland i raised from the deep(at the dock) and sailed from Davis Island to Port Richey (90NM) last year.

 

[jackhartjr]

Hi guy, trust me when I say...we are all excited about your project!
Please keep us informed as you move along with it.
Jack

 

[sailormanbigd]

Thanks Jack. I can use all the encouragement i can get. It is my dream boat. I could never afford to just pick one out and go buy it for $20k or more. But, i got it free, and can afford to spend alittle here and there until it is nice, "custom" comes to mind. So, maybe I will have a usable 33ft big boat for very little money-hopefully. Thanks again. I will try to post pics along the way. patrick

 

[Pops]

That blow-up dog is not keeping the seagulls off your dock. You need to fix that broken board, it's not keeping them off the dock either.

 

[mcaswell]

Well, yer first problem is that some knucklehead installed the engine sideways.

--Michael

 

[sailormanbigd]

Blow Up Dog!

Thats the real deal, and wat a salty dog she is! Her name be Ariel, mermaid princess. The dock boards have been repaired. The owner of the dock did a cheapy and used pine boards. I have replaced about 12-15 so far. Cheap dock rent if you ask me. The pic of the engine is in the driveway/carport. Sorry I did'nt turn it, could,nt see its position in the browse pics page.

 

[Rick Webb]

Don't Forget to Register it with the State as well

We are all enjoying hearing about your progress and looking forward to it's completion. You do know it never ends though right?

 

[sailormanbigd]

never ends

I am glad someone is enjoying my efforts/plans. But I have to inform you it does end. When your sailing, repairing, fixing, rigging, crewing is no longer effective. I only hope that my end will be with me found below, in some far away anchorage with a good book and an empty flask of grog in my fist.

 

[sailormanbigd]

but for now BEAT TO QUARTERS>yo scurvy dogs.

 

[BobM]

Wow...lots of work ahead of you. I'm sure you'll enjoy ever minute of it. I'd give priority to a beer fridge...you are going to need one! A few dockyard matey's nigh saved my life a few times last year with the prompt application of a few cold beers when I was redoing everything from the tranny on back in July. On second thought...you may want to give priority to setting up a cheap air conditioner somehow. Perhaps you can just skip the fridge and duct tape beer cans to the front each morning LOL.

 

[Bad Obsession]

I enjoy projects on my boat.....but that big of a project would seem pretty daunting to me. Good luck and keep us posted. I would keep a photo record of the transformation and that will really be impressive someday. It will make the boat worth much more in your heart when it is done.

 

[sailormanbigd]

I like the beer fridge. I have to be careful with what i keep down below at the present time due to grinding dust-EVERYWHERE! I have already lost a battery charger to either dust or corrosion. Daunting, yes I agree, but I think about the transformation most of my free moments. Thinking about using twin mattresses for bunk cushions? Thinking about hard top dogger and bimini with canvass and vinyl side windows-roll up? Nice big chart table, lots of book shelves and tons of storage. Still undecided with what systems i will install. Want to keep it simple but nice. Air is one thought, diesel gen another, self sufficient is my goal. Comfort and the neccessary amenities to provide it. I like solar and wind power but man its exspensive. patrick-thanks for the replies!

 

[sailormanbigd]

have'nt heard from Ross or saildog?

i guess alot of people look but can't/won't comment. Ross i would have exspected you to shime in and give some advice. I like your rub rail idea but can't find it in the archives.

 

[Ron20324]

I believe ROSS is on the water for a couple weeks.

 

[sailingdog]

Been down at the marina, and thanks to Verizon, no WiFi yet this season... They were supposed to install the new DSL line two weeks ago....still nothing.. As for the hull-deck join...do you have photos??? if it is the turned out lip type, take it apart, re-bed it with 5200, put a rub rail on the outside and glass over the inside...and it won't be a leak problem in the future.