Just bought a used Cal-31. Boat has not been used lately. What should I do first to bring boat back to greatness?
The first thing I would do is to make sure all of the rigging parts are there and that it goes together. Because eventually you'll launch it and someone will put the mast up and if all the parts aren't there you're stuck. By parts I mean shrouds, whatever type of connector there is to the mast (Ball Fitting...), turnbuckles, tangs for the chainplates, Gooseneck and associated clevis pins, Outhaul wire or line with shackle and clevis pin, vang with connectors, Forestay with or without furler, backstay with or without adjustable component, spreaders and mast spreader mounts and shroud to spreader assembly. While you're checking for completeness look for wires with broken strands, rusty swages, worn or bend clevis pins, Clevis pin receptors with have an out of round shape.
Make sure thru hulls are either closed or able to be closed before launch. (Engine cooling water has to be open to start the engine.)
As for the engine, new oil, new oil filter, new fuel and new battery. See if it starts.
Then, go for a sail.
End the sails on and get out thereJust bought a used Cal-31. Boat has not been used lately. What should I do first to bring boat back to greatness?
My wife will tell you that "professionals" will spend less of your money than her husband does.husband was in charge of all those issues in the prior sailboats we owned many years ago but I guess I will have to find some professionals to advise me now.
Well, I too got my new to me Cal-31 from an estate sale and the boat has not been used and some time but it seems to be in pretty good shape. I am working with a great mechanic to upgrade the engine and the sails are still ok but I still have to have a professional look at the rigging. Also how do I sign up for the FB Cal-31 group?