Is this a terrible idea

Hayden Watson · May 16, 2022

If it is just the hull, deck, keel and rudder and it has no structural damage but none of the other stuff, I will likely cost more to bring it back than you will be able to sell it for.

mikeracca · May 16, 2022

Yes this is a terrible idea… trying to sail your boat in dirt will not work well... Try water next time!

but in all seriousness, it will depend on what’s needed and what’s broken. But I’m with you, I love to tinker.

NYSail · May 16, 2022

Figure out what make, look at the other side.

dlochner · May 17, 2022

Hard to estimate the costs without more information. Either the prior owner was very poor at docking and anchoring or this is a storm damaged boat.

How extensive is the damage? How are you going to get it out of there? I would be suspect of hull damage, holes or delamination, as well as rudder post damage.

jssailem · May 17, 2022

Your $5k number or less might make it serviceable. You’ll have to get it out of the woods and define what is missing before you can do any more than guess.

Probably more sweat than cash if it is not grossly damaged on the hidden side.

Fiberglass and resin can patch a lot of holes. Paint like makeup can disguise many blemishes.

Give it a go. If no more than cleaning up the lake debris it will be a positive adventure.

Len Ingalls · May 17, 2022

For comparison : Sailboat Listings sailboats for sale by owner.

sailme88 · May 17, 2022

Don't assume that it's there for the taking....find the owner and make a deal...

Scott T-Bird · May 17, 2022

Most likely you can buy a similar boat that you can sail immediately for far less than the cost of parts to make this one ready to sail. The parts could cost $5,000 or less if you are creative in sourcing. The cost could easily exceed $25,000, depending on how much you want to put into it and if you shop the major marine outlets. As a project in creativity for the kids, why not just get started and see where she takes you? You'll know when you're spending too much.

Davidasailor26 · May 17, 2022

There was a thread a little while back of a guy’s boat having washed up someplace in the southeast after a hurricane. Just getting the boat back to water seemed a pretty serious undertaking. Add to that all of the work this one would take to restore, and I’m sure there are faster and cheaper ways to get sailing. If you’re looking for a project for fun go for it, but if you’re looking at it to make money or get out on the water I’d look elsewhere.

31seahorse · May 17, 2022

Seems to be somewhat like "Road Kill". Once you pick it up you "own" it or at least need to deal with it.

(1) The picture shows some registration numbers on the bow. Start there to identify the make and the owner by contacting the local marine/boat authorities and the state commission by which it was registered. (2) Keel bolts appear to be visible. Not a good sign, but there is some scrap value there. (3) With the keel and rudder removed it might make a good yard ornament or sandbox for children to play in. (Check local ordinances first.) (4) Consider what other people have said in their comments. (5) It is not "finders keepers". Use caution.

Joe · May 17, 2022

No...... forget it. Or....Yes.... it's a terrible idea. Why do you think it's sitting there.... You have no idea what it needs....and neither does anyone here because you've only showed us a picture of the bottom and no idea of its condition as is. The reason it's sitting there is that it's probably already been stripped for parts and the hull is destined for the dump. However, you could make a demo day project. sledge hammer, sawzall, axe..... maybe charge folks to take a whack....

If you're craving a project and you have 5k to spend on it..... this ain't it. If you're desiring a sailboat however, and you have 5 k , take Scott T-bird advice and find one that already has the parts and equipment, then spend your project time on cleaning, upgrading, and improving ....oh and save a little for sailing lessons.

D Swanson · May 17, 2022

For about 5K you would do better to find something that is already floating and sailable. Even then, there will be plenty to satisfy your desires to have a project, but when you are not getting your hands dirty on repair and rehab, you can still enjoy time on the water (preferrably under sail). I give you credit for the insprired thought. I have poked around many a derelict sailboat only to ascertain the real and insumountable task of rehabilitating an abused, abandoned and un-loved vessel. I also have a lot of skills and I am not afraid to tackle a lot of unknowns (projects with no previous experience), but my first priority is to enjoy the sailboat for what it is, a boat - on the water, under sail. Chances are this boat is landfill and that someone already gave up on this "project". Upon closer inpection of the photo is *looks* like something is funky with the keel - as mentioned in a previous post - is not a good sign (but it is hard to be sure from the photo).
IF the keel is OK and has not been subject to damage from a hard grounding, improper storage, etc... then to answer your question (numbers are in boat bucks; 1 boat buck = $1000):

Used mast/boom and new standing rigging 2-4.
Sails - main and head sail(s) (used: 1-2 / new: 2-4) Add 1-2 for roll furler.
Running rigging (halyards, sheets, sail controls) .5-.7.
Auxillery power (engine): used 8-10Hp OB 1-1.5, new: 3-5.
Electronics (battery, wiring, radio, depth meter, knot meter): 1-1.5.

This is just off the top of my head and are rough, low-ball estimates at best. Padded a bit, brings it up to about 10K+
Add to that your labor and other stuff like cleaning supplies, paint, epoxy, etc...
Chances are there are structural issues related to the keel/hull joint and if that is the case it will be way more costly to repair than it's worth. Recovering parts and scrap will get you some experience with boat construction and costs related to this type of project and could provide a down payment on a more seaworthy craft.
Good luck. And if you do go for it, take lots of pictures and please report back with updates.
Cheers.

dlochner · May 17, 2022

The most expensive boat you can buy is a free one.

kloudie1 · May 17, 2022

First thing I noticed are the water marks on the hull indicating that it has been submerged on the low side for a while. Anythinmg made of wood inside the hull is ruined, but the parts you can't see inside the stringers and internal reinforcements are probably gone as well..
Scotty Byrd I think has it correct.

Crazy Dave Condon · May 17, 2022

First identify the boat and owner. Many have noticed issues but until the unknowns are known, stay away

JBP-PA · May 17, 2022

That's not the kind of condition you should consider buying all the stuff to restore it and expect to go sailing soon. It's the kind of boat you have to be frugal, resourceful, and patient to find materials for free or nearly free. It's the kind of project you do because you like working on boats, not because you want a sailboat.
Some ideas are: find someone with a bigger boat who is buying new sails and throwing out their old ones, cut and resew them to fit; find other abandoned boats for parts. You won't get a like-new boat, but you might have a lot of fun.

DArcy · May 17, 2022

Here is an example of a better (but still deceptively expensive) idea, have a look around to see if there is one in your neighborhood

Kijiji - Buy, Sell & Save with Canada's #1 Local Classifieds

Visit Kijiji Classifieds to buy, sell, or trade almost anything! New and used items, cars, real estate, jobs, services, vacation rentals and more virtually anywhere.

www.kijiji.ca

Is this a terrible idea

.

.

.

.

.

.

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.