My uncle once told me that a boat is a whole in the water in which you throw money. I wish I had listened. He told me of his adventure in purchasing his first boat. He went to a broker in Destin, Florida looking for a boat to sail along the coast. The broker's approach to determining the right boat was rather unique. He asked Tom to hand him a $100 bill. Tom handed the broker $100 and the broker tore it into tiny pieces. The broker then asked, "how does that make you feel?" The routine went on a few more times but Tom never told me his exact reply. However, he was sailing a new Hinkley 60 a week later. As I sit here sipping my drink and wondering how much more money I am going to throw away on my C-22 project boat, I am curious as to other people's horror stories. I picked up a hurricane damaged C-22 for $900. Not badly damaged, but it needed a little work. I have repaired a hole under the starboard winch. Faired several gouges above the waterline. Sanded, scraped, peeled, grinded and every other word to describe the removal of old bottom paint. Sealed, coated, faired, sealed, sealed, sealed, and sealed the bottom again. Now it is ready for bottom paint. Topsides are next. Then the rigging must be replaced. I still need to find a main because the one that was sold with the boat came off of a San Juan 24. Go figure!? Does it end? Is there light at the end of the tunnel?
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Justin - O'day Owners' Web
Sail it
Matt - Owning a boat is a trying thing. There are days when the costs involved are staggering. You need to ask yourself if the therapy or emotional release, or whatever you get from sailing is worth it. I am 26, with a partime job, a full time student, with a 25 foot boat that is driving me to bankruptcy. But when I stand at the tiller, with the wind drawing in the sails, and the boat moves with the chop, nothing in the world can bother me. Is it worth it? It is to me. If I were you - I'd get the boat to where you can go for a day sail. I don't mean necessarily leaving it in the water. Replace the rig, use your beat up sail, and sail the boat. You'll know instantly if its for you. It is for me, that I can tell you. If this is your first boat, you have no idea what a treat you are in for. I wish I could go back to the first time I left the dock in my own boat. After 20 years of sailing other people's boat, some small, some large, some spectacular, I left the public pier in Portland, ME aboard my Laser. I was king of the world. I could go anywhere. That sail lasted a total of five minutes before I pulled it out and went back to fixing the damaged mast step, but it was worth it. I still get that feeling every time I board my boat. Is there light? That depends how you look at it. Eventually the expedatures will slow down. The boat will never be done, but you'll be able to spread out the things that need doing. But once you sail her, I bet you'll have all the light you need. I'll stop being cheesy now, and go back to dreaming about next week, when my boat is in the water, and life is good again. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
Matt - Owning a boat is a trying thing. There are days when the costs involved are staggering. You need to ask yourself if the therapy or emotional release, or whatever you get from sailing is worth it. I am 26, with a partime job, a full time student, with a 25 foot boat that is driving me to bankruptcy. But when I stand at the tiller, with the wind drawing in the sails, and the boat moves with the chop, nothing in the world can bother me. Is it worth it? It is to me. If I were you - I'd get the boat to where you can go for a day sail. I don't mean necessarily leaving it in the water. Replace the rig, use your beat up sail, and sail the boat. You'll know instantly if its for you. It is for me, that I can tell you. If this is your first boat, you have no idea what a treat you are in for. I wish I could go back to the first time I left the dock in my own boat. After 20 years of sailing other people's boat, some small, some large, some spectacular, I left the public pier in Portland, ME aboard my Laser. I was king of the world. I could go anywhere. That sail lasted a total of five minutes before I pulled it out and went back to fixing the damaged mast step, but it was worth it. I still get that feeling every time I board my boat. Is there light? That depends how you look at it. Eventually the expedatures will slow down. The boat will never be done, but you'll be able to spread out the things that need doing. But once you sail her, I bet you'll have all the light you need. I'll stop being cheesy now, and go back to dreaming about next week, when my boat is in the water, and life is good again. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
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Ray Bowles
Justin, Very very well said, Matt..
try what Justin said and if that is not possible then try hanging out at the dock and catch a ride. Most people would love to take you out. See how it feels, ask questions and just experence the ride. I think that might anwser your question one way or the other. Lastly, you might drop the time frame or change it to fit your finances and time. I wish you luck Ray
try what Justin said and if that is not possible then try hanging out at the dock and catch a ride. Most people would love to take you out. See how it feels, ask questions and just experence the ride. I think that might anwser your question one way or the other. Lastly, you might drop the time frame or change it to fit your finances and time. I wish you luck Ray
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Nick
Glazed Eyeballs . . .
Matt, I'm a pretty smart guy. In fact, I'm so smart I realized early on the one thing you learn, is that you never learn. Sure, I read all the books. I knew what to look for, soft decks, bad spar brackets, soggy bulkheads. I knew the importance of getting a survey. I studied and dreamed and saves my pennies for two years. My eyeballs took on a permanent glaze from squinting at too many issues of the Boat Trader. And then I found her. My inspection plus the negotiations went exactly like this. "Well, whatathink?" "Er, I'll take it." I didn't even wiggle a shroud and I owned her. That first night aboard was a wonder as I explored and did all the things I should have done before I handed over the wad of cash. But, I couldn't get over it. That hatch was mine. The Atomic Four was mine. That alcohol stove was mine. I salivated over the fact I even owned a real marine toilet. If she went to the bottom tomorrow, that was fine. I was the skipper of my own little ship . . . my own little world. I stood on the bow against the pulpit (another thing I now owned). I laid on the deck and stared up at my mast. I tried out all the berths and all was indeed well aboard the "Julia Bell." Fast forward a year and many hours of fixing this and tinkering with that, but it's always been more love than hurt, and I think she likes the fact I saved her from the Cub Scouts. And she sails like a Queen (even with a jack ass at the helm) but she's teaching me slowly and I don't care if she's a hole to throw money at, she's mine, and I'm hers. And that's how it is with boats and the sea. Nick "Julia Bell" #86
Matt, I'm a pretty smart guy. In fact, I'm so smart I realized early on the one thing you learn, is that you never learn. Sure, I read all the books. I knew what to look for, soft decks, bad spar brackets, soggy bulkheads. I knew the importance of getting a survey. I studied and dreamed and saves my pennies for two years. My eyeballs took on a permanent glaze from squinting at too many issues of the Boat Trader. And then I found her. My inspection plus the negotiations went exactly like this. "Well, whatathink?" "Er, I'll take it." I didn't even wiggle a shroud and I owned her. That first night aboard was a wonder as I explored and did all the things I should have done before I handed over the wad of cash. But, I couldn't get over it. That hatch was mine. The Atomic Four was mine. That alcohol stove was mine. I salivated over the fact I even owned a real marine toilet. If she went to the bottom tomorrow, that was fine. I was the skipper of my own little ship . . . my own little world. I stood on the bow against the pulpit (another thing I now owned). I laid on the deck and stared up at my mast. I tried out all the berths and all was indeed well aboard the "Julia Bell." Fast forward a year and many hours of fixing this and tinkering with that, but it's always been more love than hurt, and I think she likes the fact I saved her from the Cub Scouts. And she sails like a Queen (even with a jack ass at the helm) but she's teaching me slowly and I don't care if she's a hole to throw money at, she's mine, and I'm hers. And that's how it is with boats and the sea. Nick "Julia Bell" #86
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Steve O.
money pit
Even a brand-new boat is high-maintenance: washing, waxing, etc. but that ain't the point. I enjoy working on my boat. It's cathartic--that's a fancy word that means it's cheaper than a therapist. And the better I take care of her, the better she takes care of me. If I didn't enjoy working on her, I would have to write (more) checks to the boatyard. If I don't want to write (more) checks to the boatyard, I would have to sell her, and I ain't about to do that. So I sail when the wind blows, and work on her when it doesn't--either way beats a day at the office!
Even a brand-new boat is high-maintenance: washing, waxing, etc. but that ain't the point. I enjoy working on my boat. It's cathartic--that's a fancy word that means it's cheaper than a therapist. And the better I take care of her, the better she takes care of me. If I didn't enjoy working on her, I would have to write (more) checks to the boatyard. If I don't want to write (more) checks to the boatyard, I would have to sell her, and I ain't about to do that. So I sail when the wind blows, and work on her when it doesn't--either way beats a day at the office!
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Paul Mieszczenski
Not once you've been bitten
Matt, I have over 15,000 miles of ocean racing experience; all on boats that I couldn't hope to be able to afford even if I won the lottery. All of the great experiences that I have had and the wonderful people that I sailed with are dearly treasured memories but nothing comes close to the feeling of the first time that you raise sail on the boat that is yours. The pleasure increases exponentially by the amount of work you did yourself. Trust me, the light gets brighter and then you buy a bigger boat. Bitten by the yatching bug and infected for life. PM
Matt, I have over 15,000 miles of ocean racing experience; all on boats that I couldn't hope to be able to afford even if I won the lottery. All of the great experiences that I have had and the wonderful people that I sailed with are dearly treasured memories but nothing comes close to the feeling of the first time that you raise sail on the boat that is yours. The pleasure increases exponentially by the amount of work you did yourself. Trust me, the light gets brighter and then you buy a bigger boat. Bitten by the yatching bug and infected for life. PM
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john renfro
glory
hi matt, you are investing in somthing to have for the next ten years. get it in the water soon, you will be filled with excitment, and, to paraphrase nick, as you stand on her deck, your chest will swell with pride, and you will say " this is my own boat ". get it wet soon john
hi matt, you are investing in somthing to have for the next ten years. get it in the water soon, you will be filled with excitment, and, to paraphrase nick, as you stand on her deck, your chest will swell with pride, and you will say " this is my own boat ". get it wet soon john
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LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners
Sorry to break the news
But it's never over. There is light but it's never over. My horror story: I just wanted to install a new compass and ended up completely refitting my boat. Paint from top to bottom, etc etc etc. UGH! But now I have a beautiful beautiful boat! Remember the quote from Wind in the Willows: There is nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." LaDonna
But it's never over. There is light but it's never over. My horror story: I just wanted to install a new compass and ended up completely refitting my boat. Paint from top to bottom, etc etc etc. UGH! But now I have a beautiful beautiful boat! Remember the quote from Wind in the Willows: There is nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." LaDonna
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Brian Jarchow
One more year...
Like Justin, I am a college student, but I guess with a little less money. I'll be graduating in August and am really looking forward to purchasing my first boat. After reading what everybody posted here, especially Nick, I will probably buy a boat in October and see how hypothermic I get sailing through a Puget Sound winter! Brian
Like Justin, I am a college student, but I guess with a little less money. I'll be graduating in August and am really looking forward to purchasing my first boat. After reading what everybody posted here, especially Nick, I will probably buy a boat in October and see how hypothermic I get sailing through a Puget Sound winter! Brian
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Paul Akers
Horror Stories?
Well, Matt, no one has written a horror story. That's because most sailors understand the glories of owning a boat and cherishing the pride and relaxation that they offer. In the few posts below this one, I have never read such eloquent expressions before on this web site. There are truly some great writers that visit here. And you, Matt, have roused their interest. You have touched the soft nerve of most of us when you ask us how we feel about sailing. It may be a brand new factory boat or a long-term project boat, but calling one your own is the proudest feeling you can have besides admiring your own family.
Well, Matt, no one has written a horror story. That's because most sailors understand the glories of owning a boat and cherishing the pride and relaxation that they offer. In the few posts below this one, I have never read such eloquent expressions before on this web site. There are truly some great writers that visit here. And you, Matt, have roused their interest. You have touched the soft nerve of most of us when you ask us how we feel about sailing. It may be a brand new factory boat or a long-term project boat, but calling one your own is the proudest feeling you can have besides admiring your own family.
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Larry Watkins
Horror stories redux
Matt; Surely you've heard the one about the two best days of a sailor's life? Those may be great, but it's the ones in between that will make a lasting impression. The first time you overnight on the boat will be like the first time for many things; you'll never forget it, and if you come back for more, you are truly hooked. Larry
Matt; Surely you've heard the one about the two best days of a sailor's life? Those may be great, but it's the ones in between that will make a lasting impression. The first time you overnight on the boat will be like the first time for many things; you'll never forget it, and if you come back for more, you are truly hooked. Larry
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R.W.Landau
Speachless
Matt, Justin,Ray, Nick, and the rest have hit the fine points. One warning, watch out it doesn't consume you, as it has everyone else. There is a San Juan that sails in our area that is quite a fast boat. Don't rule out that sail. It may be cut better than a factory sail. May your first everything on your boat be memorable. r.w.landau
Matt, Justin,Ray, Nick, and the rest have hit the fine points. One warning, watch out it doesn't consume you, as it has everyone else. There is a San Juan that sails in our area that is quite a fast boat. Don't rule out that sail. It may be cut better than a factory sail. May your first everything on your boat be memorable. r.w.landau
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john
priorities
Matt, If you are the kind of guy that has to have everything perfect,every piece of stained hardware renewed, and every weathered piece of teak replaced, then indeed kiss all your spare change goodbye! If the hull is sound, spend 40 bucks and slap a coat of anti-fouling paint on it and put it in the water. Is the rigging unsafe or just old? My O'Day 22 is 23 years old, and I think the standing rigging is origional, and the running rigging is certainly many years old. I don't read the magazines to see what I can't live without, and concentrate on the basics.I use a little of my tax return each year for "treats".I am still sailing without a depth sounder; maybe next year.The difference between what you need and what you want can mean the difference between being out having fun in your boat, or sitting on land with a drink in your hand moaning because you don't have radar!
Matt, If you are the kind of guy that has to have everything perfect,every piece of stained hardware renewed, and every weathered piece of teak replaced, then indeed kiss all your spare change goodbye! If the hull is sound, spend 40 bucks and slap a coat of anti-fouling paint on it and put it in the water. Is the rigging unsafe or just old? My O'Day 22 is 23 years old, and I think the standing rigging is origional, and the running rigging is certainly many years old. I don't read the magazines to see what I can't live without, and concentrate on the basics.I use a little of my tax return each year for "treats".I am still sailing without a depth sounder; maybe next year.The difference between what you need and what you want can mean the difference between being out having fun in your boat, or sitting on land with a drink in your hand moaning because you don't have radar!
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Bob Cardoza
Your SJ24 sail
How much do you want for the SJ24 Sail? Is the sail in good shape? I have a Sj and could use a spare.
How much do you want for the SJ24 Sail? Is the sail in good shape? I have a Sj and could use a spare.
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Alan
It's the simple things....
in life. I am fortunate to have my office 10 minutes from my boat. Comes lunchtime I bolt to the boat, relax, have my lunch in the cockpit and take in the sights for the hour! I feel re-energized for the afternoon when I return( sometimes a difficult thing to do).
in life. I am fortunate to have my office 10 minutes from my boat. Comes lunchtime I bolt to the boat, relax, have my lunch in the cockpit and take in the sights for the hour! I feel re-energized for the afternoon when I return( sometimes a difficult thing to do).
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ted
answer to your problem
buy an airplane, ive owned 6 in all, after writing maint checks for them, my boat maintenance costs are small in comparison. makes me appriciate my boat even more.
buy an airplane, ive owned 6 in all, after writing maint checks for them, my boat maintenance costs are small in comparison. makes me appriciate my boat even more.
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Matt
I can't believe the response to this post. Thanks
for all of the encouraging words. Now I am in the mood to finish. As a matter of fact, I just picked up the rest of the stuff to complete the project and hopefully soon she will be water-ready. I feel re-energized, Matt
for all of the encouraging words. Now I am in the mood to finish. As a matter of fact, I just picked up the rest of the stuff to complete the project and hopefully soon she will be water-ready. I feel re-energized, Matt
Ain't nobody here but us chickens
The people with the horror stories (i.e. the whiners) sold their boats and went home a LONG time ago. The rest of us learned pretty quickly that boat maintenance is simply the price we pay for the gratification of sailing. We also understand that we can't realistically do everything the boat demands all at once. We just figure out what is most important and do that first. That way, we can keep sailing until we can fix everything else. So, my boat will never win best in show, the wood trim is faded, she has a few dings and scratches in the topsides and she could do with a depthsounder, a new compass and some sails. I've learned firsthand where the phrase "swear like a sailor" came from and I've spent some money over the years. But...my boat is secure, clean and dry below, sails like a witch, puts a huge grin on my face every time I take her out sailing and has always brought me home safely. I'd say that's a pretty good deal. Peter H23 "Raven"
The people with the horror stories (i.e. the whiners) sold their boats and went home a LONG time ago. The rest of us learned pretty quickly that boat maintenance is simply the price we pay for the gratification of sailing. We also understand that we can't realistically do everything the boat demands all at once. We just figure out what is most important and do that first. That way, we can keep sailing until we can fix everything else. So, my boat will never win best in show, the wood trim is faded, she has a few dings and scratches in the topsides and she could do with a depthsounder, a new compass and some sails. I've learned firsthand where the phrase "swear like a sailor" came from and I've spent some money over the years. But...my boat is secure, clean and dry below, sails like a witch, puts a huge grin on my face every time I take her out sailing and has always brought me home safely. I'd say that's a pretty good deal. Peter H23 "Raven"
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Rich Wallace
No Horror Stories
I believe that most sailors would be unhappy if they had a boat that was completely repaired, repainted, and overhauled. With only an occasional exception, most sailors get as much satisfaction out of working on the boat as they do from sailing. It is questionable whether it is cheaper than therapy, but it is a lot more entertaining. The single most important task you have is to make sure the craft is safe. That does not mean new, but it does mean that you need to go over the boat and make sure that all of the potential safety issues have been addressed. Things like double clamping the bilge line at both ends, having the proper safety gear aboard, and insuring that fuel lines are double clamped and not cracked or leaking are the important things. Bright, shiny teak is nice but it is of no value attached to a boat at the bottom of the lake. Once you have gone over the boat's systems, you will enjoy sailing with the confidence to know you have a solid craft below you. Finally, some wag defined BOAT as Break Out Another Thousand. That is probably not quite true with a 22 foot boat, but you don't have to get much larger before it is all too true. Go sail!!!!!!
I believe that most sailors would be unhappy if they had a boat that was completely repaired, repainted, and overhauled. With only an occasional exception, most sailors get as much satisfaction out of working on the boat as they do from sailing. It is questionable whether it is cheaper than therapy, but it is a lot more entertaining. The single most important task you have is to make sure the craft is safe. That does not mean new, but it does mean that you need to go over the boat and make sure that all of the potential safety issues have been addressed. Things like double clamping the bilge line at both ends, having the proper safety gear aboard, and insuring that fuel lines are double clamped and not cracked or leaking are the important things. Bright, shiny teak is nice but it is of no value attached to a boat at the bottom of the lake. Once you have gone over the boat's systems, you will enjoy sailing with the confidence to know you have a solid craft below you. Finally, some wag defined BOAT as Break Out Another Thousand. That is probably not quite true with a 22 foot boat, but you don't have to get much larger before it is all too true. Go sail!!!!!!
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Rob Rich
Knowing.....
I strongly concurr with Rich Wallace... By working on your boat, and doing the work yourself, you will come to an understanding of your "other woman." If you accidently scrape her coming in to the dock, you know she'll be alright because you just put on that coat of epoxy paint. If not, you can haul her and do it yourself. When you turn the engine over, you know she'll start because you just tuned her up, changed her oil, and checked all the wiring to make sure it was up to standards (as well as starting her a million times before while repeating "I can't beleive she is mine.. I can't believe she is mine...). Over time, you will acquire a unique and intimate knowledge of her that will not only make you more knowledgeable, but a better, more competant and safer sailor. And when that everfaithful motor fails you at the last minute, you will know enough to comfortably raise your sails, or drop your storm anchor that you scrimped for in December. Take this peice of humble advice from a guy who was in your shoes only 10 months ago. I've got tons to learn, but I enjoy the process. With every project you will come to know and love her more, and eventually wonder what you did with your time in BB (Before Boat). And don't sweat the first time out - if you are nervous it only means that you are being challenged, and that the best lies ahead. Best Regards, Rob Rich
I strongly concurr with Rich Wallace... By working on your boat, and doing the work yourself, you will come to an understanding of your "other woman." If you accidently scrape her coming in to the dock, you know she'll be alright because you just put on that coat of epoxy paint. If not, you can haul her and do it yourself. When you turn the engine over, you know she'll start because you just tuned her up, changed her oil, and checked all the wiring to make sure it was up to standards (as well as starting her a million times before while repeating "I can't beleive she is mine.. I can't believe she is mine...). Over time, you will acquire a unique and intimate knowledge of her that will not only make you more knowledgeable, but a better, more competant and safer sailor. And when that everfaithful motor fails you at the last minute, you will know enough to comfortably raise your sails, or drop your storm anchor that you scrimped for in December. Take this peice of humble advice from a guy who was in your shoes only 10 months ago. I've got tons to learn, but I enjoy the process. With every project you will come to know and love her more, and eventually wonder what you did with your time in BB (Before Boat). And don't sweat the first time out - if you are nervous it only means that you are being challenged, and that the best lies ahead. Best Regards, Rob Rich
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