Free Boat

Dan H · Dec 8, 2007

It's a lot of time and money

All you have is a hull and some rigging. That's it.So you are building a sailboat from scratch, minus the hull. If a person wanted to build a sailboat, that is exactly where to start. Find the nicest Morgan 33 you can find and budget double that much money. Figure out exactly, or closely how much time it will take and multiply that times 10. You will be amazed at how close those numbers will be when all said and done. It is very time consuming and expensive to do very good work. Anything less than the very best you can do is unacceptable when your in a hell of a storm holding on for dear life.However, when you’re done, you'll have a beautiful 33’ boat that is brand new, for 1/2 the price of a brand new 33’ boat. You'll know every square inch of her and you'll truly be in love with her.You can sail a chunk of Styrofoam if the condition are right. Just don't head out in less than favorable weather. I would check the main supporting bulkhead first for structural integrity and proper tabbing. If it looks really good, sail it. If it's questionable at all, I wouldn't.I am restoring a C25 sailboat right now. It is getting everything new. New electrical, new gelcoat, new rigging and sails, new bulkheads, new fuel tank, rebuild engine. I have 8k invested already and I'm half way. I'll spend 16k before it's all done. Is it worth it? How much is a new C250? That's the two cents I still have that the boat didn't get....yet!

Ross · Dec 8, 2007

There is a wonderful book "From A Bare Hull"

written by Ferenc Mate`. I can't say too much in recommending this book. If you do a first class job on this boat then you will never need to acquire another. Six boats in 27 years is a lot of changing boats. Itend to find something I like and stick with it. Thus 41 years with the same wife, 36 years in the same house. 15 years with the same car, and 16 years with the same boat.

letterman · Dec 8, 2007

well hell, here goes

Do us a favor. List all the stuff that IS on the boat so we can help you out. So far, from what I read, you have a hull without internal support. (I'd like to know why the bulkheads have been removed). I assume it has a mast since you are thinking of sailing it. I assume it must have workable winches. You say the running rigging is ok, and it has two sails. Ports OK? Can you dive? If yes, then you can scrape off the barnacles.You MUST find out why the water is in the bilge and stop it from coming in.How is the rudder? How is the prop?Drive shaft?Is the galley trashed too? Or non-existant?I believe you can replace the bulkheads in a weekend. Then, once up, you can re-do the interior in sections. You can always find cardboard to make templates out of. We have a guy in my neck of the woods we call Pirate Dave (there has to be 20 Daves, so we nicknamed them all. PD bought this 32' powerboat garbage boat for $300. It ran, but needed some work to the gas motor. It had holes in the topsides in a few spots from rot, and he patched them with Home Depot Plywood and covered it in epoxy. He takes it out ALL THE TIME!!! And he has a whopping $500 in her. And it looks GREAT!So I say to you son...GO FOR IT!!! You need advice...ask us. You need parts...ask us. Heck, I have this wonderful OAK 4 poster bedframe that would make great posts...you can have it!!! (if we can figure out the shipping)They just crushed 7 boats in our marina. I got anchors, bilge pumps, water pumps, life rings, life jackets by the score. Enough line to run from Cleveland to the moon, hinges, teak doors, oak, etc. etc. etc. What I am trying to say is parts IS EVERYWHERE. Just ask....call all your marinas in the area. Look at Camping trailers for parts....Look on Craigslist. Garbage pick! Make friends with as many marina owners as you can. They will GIVE you stuff.Sounds like fun...and work, but it's a great experience....Good luck and best wishes...and kid, don't forget to have a cold one every now and then when things get tough.....I just delivered 5 sailboat stands 200 miles to a midpoint in PA where the new owners, from Philly, met me. He and his wife just bought a new to them Catalina 30 for 11g's. Go ahead, just try to wipe the smiles off their faces....I bet it's the same for you kid.... Go for it!!! Doesn't matter what others say...you know your skills...One last thing. Merry Christmas.

Sanders · Dec 8, 2007

I say go for it

Patrick,From your notes it sounds to me like you know what you are getting into, and are willing and happy to try. Make it safe, and then enjoy.There's nothing as good as messing around with a boat.If it gets to be too much, sell it and find another project.Lots of good used stuff out there, bargains on eBay, dock neighbors willing to lend a hand (or at least advice).I admired a brand new Wylie at a boat show a few years ago. It had almost nothing below decks: a bench to sleep on; a place to put a small camp stove and a niche for a portapotty. It was stripped out for sailing fast, and probably brings the new owner much joy. All that other stuff we enjoy, but don't always need.Have at it, and keep us posted.Sanderss/v Good News

Grizz · Dec 8, 2007

Must have been the words "free boat"...

..."sunk" and "bulkheads removed" that got the pot boiling on this thread. Highly entertaining on a 16+ degree Saturday w/ snow forecast. The topper would be a post from an insurer or surveyor w/ direct knowledge of the carcass...oops...vessel in question. I suppose if you can move the London Bridge to Arizona...Looking forward to seeing the before/after shots, 10 years from now

dale17781 · Dec 8, 2007

Stop and think first

As with most projects it will cost alot more than you think. The first thing I would do is put down a dollar amount that you can spend over the next two or three years. This will not get you to the end of the refit, but will give you a good start. Next, look at what some of the posts have been regarding costs for this project. I have the feeling that the two numbers will not be very close. If this is the case, stop and rethink your plans. My wife and I are on a three year refit of a C-22. It was in great shape when we started, and we have spend a great deal of money so far. I would do it all over again no question asked. We love the boat and will never sell it, but on a boat your size the expense will be huge. If there is any chance you will not see it to the end, do not start the trip. Good luck, and make sure you have alot of blank checks.Dale

vwjon · Dec 8, 2007

Ross

Those are impressive numbers. Good job dude.

Stillraining · Dec 8, 2007

Like a kid at Christmas

Sounds like your minds made up. You have been givin a lot of good advice even in the direction you want it to go and yet you refuse to take it. Go ahead set off well be one less person on the earth taking up space.I have rebuilt 2 basket cases both given to me 1) Took more money then boat was worth when done2) Still had structual problem's even after I was done3) Had to practicaly give them away to get them sold4) Had fun the first time5) New better the second but "I wanted it " wah! wah! I understand the "But its free and I know I can do it " thing, I believe you can do it too. But you will NOT!! have a 15 to 30k value as far as being able to sell it for that when your done if your honest in the disclosurs . It may be worth that to you in your mind and that just fine. If you do this at least be willing to take the sound advice being give to you here thats been pointed in your desired direction, and have the boat towed.

Ross · Dec 8, 2007

Patrick , you have a boat that you can sail,

Don't be put off by what this refit is going to cost if you will keep the boat as your master piece. Sail the smaller boat and take as much time as you need to do a first class job on the Morgan. That time will pass anyway just be persistant. Keep plugging away at the job, cuss it when it frustrates you but persist.

Flash15064 · Dec 8, 2007

Free.............

If.......I just had to have a Morgan OI 33 I would buy this one and fix it up!Otherwise -- I'd rather be sailing.

Rich (P303) · Dec 8, 2007

It will...

be a learning experience!Good luck... send some photos of your progress along the way.

Jim · Dec 8, 2007

A wonderful challenge!

I bought a similar project about four years ago, an S2 - i havent floated her yet;-) plenty of fun and lots of hassles. The 33 out islander is a good coastal cruiser Not one most sailors would want to cross the Atlantic on -but someone has probably done it. If you want to try to sail her in present condition you might want to get some sheets of plywood and some 2x4s and build some temporary reinforcement on the interior. You could just use deck/sheetrock screws through the old tabbing to affix it to the hull. Doesn't have to look pretty just support the hull sides. There is a fair bit of stress on the hull trying to flex especially if you want to sail. I do think hanging a outboard bracket on the stern is a smart idea - be sure to put a strong backing on the inside of the hull there too. I'm envious of you and wish I had more time (and warmer weather). The worst that might happen is you decide to bail out halfway through the project lose some money. You will have gained plenty of experience. What do we pay for education these days? Have fun!

Ctskip · Dec 8, 2007

I like your attitude Sailormanbigd

Doing things you enjoy, as opposed to doing things because you have to ,is a drag. And nobody like to drag. I admire your gusto and ambition. You are located in the right spot to find parts. My advice would be to go slowly and work positively and do it once and do it right the first time. You'll see great progress at first then it'll be harder and harder to see the progress. Only you will be able to see where you came from and where it is, you are going. Ask lots of questions and you'll get answers you never thought of. Pick the best one for you and go for it. All I ask is for pictures. They speak a thousand words. And you don't need no silly $500 camera for them either. Phone pictures work just fine. I say go for it and enjoy the ride. Thats what it's all about anyway. The ride. Keep it up, Ctskip

Jim · Dec 9, 2007

Nothin is free

If a boat is free it is one step above having a date with a chain saw.You'll spend more to rebuild it than buying a boat in poor shape and fixing it up like Ross did.

Landsend · Dec 9, 2007

Sadly, it sounds too far gone...

give it back to the person that gave it to you. They we're to cheap to dispose of it themselves. Start you're personal escape with something better.

Ross · Dec 9, 2007

Jim and Landsend, Make no mistake. When I

was through removing the parts of my boat that needed to be replaced I had a bare hull. I stripped out the cabin furniture the engine and all of its asscoiated pieces, The head went by the boards, the cabin sole was rotted and removed, the main bulkhead was rotted and removed. I raised the companion way 18 inches so the the threshold is above the coamings I built a water tank as a step up for the new companion way height, I cut out half of the cockpit and converted the space to a lazerette that is water tight and separate from the rest of the boat. Those things are just a few of the things I did for the rebuild. This was not a fix it up and go sailing project. This was a build the boat I want from a bare hull.edited for spelling

Jim · Dec 9, 2007

Ross, was the boat sunk before you got it?

did you have to replace the engine? The boat springer were ok too!Ross you did complete an extreme rebuilt project but you didn't bring a sunken boat back from the dead. Ross have you every posted the before and after pictures? I would like to see them.

Tim R. · Dec 9, 2007

Ross

It that some sort of Pine you used? I see knots in the bulkhead.Tim R.

Rich (P303) · Dec 9, 2007

almost...

looks like ash or maple.

Free Boat

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