I have a 1965 Rhodes 19 (centerboard). It's been on a trailer in a garage and hasn't been sailed in almost 15 years. Is it still seaworhty and what should I have checked out before I try to sail it again? I know it needs new sails. Any advice or resources would be much appreciated.
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Rhodes
Betsy - As far a Rhodes go, that an nice old one. As far as boats it who knows. Fibreglass is essentially eternal but wood and the assorted fittings are not. As long as the hull isn't broken or too easily flexed by pushing on the bottom, it is probably ok. Check out the stringers and the deck supports. There's wood in there and it good be rotted. Its not hard to fix though. Check out www.westsystem.com for information. I would replace the standing rigging as a matter of course. Its cheap insurance against loosing the mast. Your running rigging has probably seen better days so I would consider replacing it. You can do it one line at a time if you prefer. I would replace the halyards through b/c its hard to sail without something to hold the sails up.
Justin - O'day Owners' Web
Betsy - As far a Rhodes go, that an nice old one. As far as boats it who knows. Fibreglass is essentially eternal but wood and the assorted fittings are not. As long as the hull isn't broken or too easily flexed by pushing on the bottom, it is probably ok. Check out the stringers and the deck supports. There's wood in there and it good be rotted. Its not hard to fix though. Check out www.westsystem.com for information. I would replace the standing rigging as a matter of course. Its cheap insurance against loosing the mast. Your running rigging has probably seen better days so I would consider replacing it. You can do it one line at a time if you prefer. I would replace the halyards through b/c its hard to sail without something to hold the sails up.
Justin - O'day Owners' Web- Status