Look to Purchase 1979 Vega

n6ric · Aug 21, 2011

I bought my Vega after it sat for 10 years. It too was covered by a tarp during the early stages, however, the wind and sun destroyed the tarp and it never got replaced. The previous owner had removed the handrails, thinking he would protect the teak, but didn't bother covering the bolt holes. Water seeped in and over the years there was a lot of dry rot. I'm in the process of replacing all the bulkheads. This past weekend I started dealing with the handrail bolt holes and a lot of the plywood sandwich material was rotted out, so I've had to drill out the holes and treat as much of it with penetrating epoxy as possible before refilling the voids with thickened epoxy. (Should be finished with that this weekend.)

Overall, the boat hull is in great shape and once repainted will look like new. By the time I finish I will have a new boat at half the going price, not counting my labor. If you were fortunate enough to have the boat sealed well, and the dry rot is minimal, Your biggest concern will probably be the engine sitting that long not being run. I'm replacing mine so that was not a big concern for me. Also, I tend to be a bit of an extremist and pretty much gutted the boat and am replacing everything because I plan on keeping and sailing the boat the next 20 years at least. (I just turned 60 this week) Many people just fix the major stuff to make sure the boat is sea worthy and deal with the little things as they sail. I chose to do everything up front while I'm still working. That way the boat will be ready for whatever I throw at it when I retire in two and a half years.

You also want to take a close look at your rigging. It will probably need replacing. And, the other big area is the wiring.

The Vega is a very well made boat and from what I hear, sails great. I'm sure it will be a great addition to your family.

Ric
s/v Blue Max
#2692
www.ric-maxfield.net

graceglenda1 · Aug 21, 2011

My Vega was a 1972 that sat in saltwater for 20yrs ... but had a certain level of attention ... albeit largely unused. There will be a number of systems that need to be replaced/updated (ie: water, hoses, dried out caulking, engine concerns, etc) ... however, I\'ve found that the hulls hold up well ... the decks might need alittle attention around fittings and windows. I think I\'d check on:

• Mildew and debris collected in the voids and lockers over the years (ie: mice can be a problem as well as bees, etc.)
• Debris in the ventilation conduits ... both the one in the lazarette/engine compartment ... and the one for the main cabin
• Any problems with main bulkheads ... especially the mast step
• Deck/hull joint (they were bonded well however)
• Crazing or wear in the gelcoat on the deck/cabin tops
• Obviously the engine overall ... and tankage (hopefully now fuel left in it)
• Inspect the mast, boom, and rig ... spreader hounds ... and standing rigging condition

The boat is so forgiving and easy to work on ... it just takes alittle time and effort ... clean er\' up ... get the engine and interior up ... and go sailing while you do all the rest !!! Send some photos ... all the best!
Tom Rose
"Griffin" V1639
Washington State

jbergman888 · Aug 21, 2011

Happy Birthday Ric! You're right behind me.BruceS/v Cygnet #169

Joseph "Bruce" Bergman

To: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
From: n6ric@...
Date: Sun, 21 Aug 2011 16:40:32 +0000
Subject: [AlbinVega] Re: Look to Purchase 1979 Vega

I bought my Vega after it sat for 10 years. It too was covered by a tarp during the early stages, however, the wind and sun destroyed the tarp and it never got replaced. The previous owner had removed the handrails, thinking he would protect the teak, but didn't bother covering the bolt holes. Water seeped in and over the years there was a lot of dry rot. I'm in the process of replacing all the bulkheads. This past weekend I started dealing with the handrail bolt holes and a lot of the plywood sandwich material was rotted out, so I've had to drill out the holes and treat as much of it with penetrating epoxy as possible before refilling the voids with thickened epoxy. (Should be finished with that this weekend.)
Overall, the boat hull is in great shape and once repainted will look like new. By the time I finish I will have a new boat at half the going price, not counting my labor. If you were fortunate enough to have the boat sealed well, and the dry rot is minimal, Your biggest concern will probably be the engine sitting that long not being run. I'm replacing mine so that was not a big concern for me. Also, I tend to be a bit of an extremist and pretty much gutted the boat and am replacing everything because I plan on keeping and sailing the boat the next 20 years at least. (I just turned 60 this week) Many people just fix the major stuff to make sure the boat is sea worthy and deal with the little things as they sail. I chose to do everything up front while I'm still working. That way the boat will be ready for whatever I throw at it when I retire in two and a half years.
You also want to take a close look at your rigging. It will probably need replacing. And, the other big area is the wiring.
The Vega is a very well made boat and from what I hear, sails great. I'm sure it will be a great addition to your family.
Ric

s/v Blue Max

#2692

www.ric-maxfield.net

SVFlyAway · Aug 22, 2011

I agree with what has been said. One thing I'd add, besides checking the
condition of the fuel tank, is the condition of the fuel itself. If it
wasn't treated then there could be algae growth. Also, it could have some
water in it. If you find the fuel is gunky, then it would be wise to have
the fuel tank steam cleaned (or cleaned some other way). Check the fuel in
the line also.

trevy_kins · Aug 22, 2011

IMHO there are very few bargains out there in the boat world. Fixer
uppers cost a lot of money to repair and retrofit. Sails, motors,
dodgers, cushions, rigging, all cost a fortune and you never get back
the sailing time lost while doing it all yourself. There are almost
always one or two good Vega's for sale that have everything already in
working order that may be a little more costly, but the expense is well
worth it.

Trevor (V2915)

stevebirch2002 · Aug 22, 2011

But not as much fun and you certainly know your Vega inside out if you do it yourself.

Cheers

Steve B

schult.cindy · Aug 22, 2011

As a Vega lover in throughs of restoration I have to say I totally agree
with Steve, I have to add,if you are willing and able to do the work
yourself, it is much less expensive than buying a newer or already restored
boat. I have made a bit of money buying, restoring and selling boats and
cars.

Cindy

graceglenda1 · Aug 22, 2011

PS: If you DO have to take the "in keel" tank out, there is a good set of pics on the website for "Tarka the Otter" ... a couple from Canada that totally restored their Vega found languishing in a barn somewhere out in the wheatfields! Link is on the American Vega site.

PSS: Make a list of all the rehab and repair items that are evident ... and then make an estimate of costs (even ballpark) ... adds alittle "reality therapy" to negotiate price on! I was fortunate w/local canvas/sailmaker, consignment stores, and even Vega items found on CList (a next to new mainsail for $200).

r/Tom Rose

n6ric · Aug 22, 2011

I certainly agree with Steve. I've turned down plenty of offers to go sailing because I would rather work on my boat. My time is an investment toward my retirement. Not only do you know every inch of the boat, you earn the bragging rights that go with it. If I had it to do all over again, knowing what I know now, I'd do the same thing. Although, I am longing for the day I put her in the water and get some wind in her sails.

Ric
s/v Blue Max
#2692
www.ric-maxfield.net

trevy_kins · Aug 23, 2011

Used boats mostly sell for considerably less than the money and time the
owner invested in fixing her up (b) there is no end to the
repairs/upgrades for the guy who likes to tinker even on so-called sail
away or turn key boats. Invest a little more initially and save in the
long run and, most importantly, sail more.

Trevor (V2915)

From: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com [mailto:AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Ric
Sent: August 22, 2011 9:52 PM
To: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [AlbinVega] Re: Look to Purchase 1979 Vega

I certainly agree with Steve. I've turned down plenty of offers to go
sailing because I would rather work on my boat. My time is an investment
toward my retirement. Not only do you know every inch of the boat, you
earn the bragging rights that go with it. If I had it to do all over
again, knowing what I know now, I'd do the same thing. Although, I am
longing for the day I put her in the water and get some wind in her
sails.

Ric
s/v Blue Max
#2692
www.ric-maxfield.net

n6ric · Aug 23, 2011

Fortunately, there are all types of boats in all types of conditions to meet each of our needs and wants.

Ric