My first boat

[StevenL]

Hey everyone, I just picked up a 1974 O'day 20. She was unloved by her previous owners sitting under a tree in a back yard for the past 5 years, so I'm giving her the love she needs.

I'm going to be restoring her so I'll be posting the various stages for anyone interested in following along or chiming in with any helpful hints, tips, ideas or really anything at all haha.

I am brand new to sailing haven't even taken my certification courses yet (that's for next summer after the restoration) so I don't have all that much knowledge on hand so by all means any information or tips are helpful

Below are some pictures, the first ones being how she was when I first picked her up then followed by how she cleaned up after a lot of scrubbing today. Today I only worked on the outside, the inside will be posted tomorrow and looks like its going to be interesting to clean, can only imagine what I will find in there haha.

Thanks for reading and I can't wait to see what feedback I get from the community

 

[bellnier]

http://amzn.com/0071477942

 

[Hydro Therapy]

Looks like she cleaning up nicely. Soft scrub works wonders.

I picked up my 22 back in December. I've been working on her ever since. Today I'm shooting new gelcoat on the starboard rub rail area.

She will keep you busy for a while. The reward is worth the work.

 

[woodster]

looks like that boat will clean up nicely...check out Musings with mainsail on how to buff and polish the gel coat .....you will be amazed at the results you can get with some elbow grease and the products he recomends.....good luck....

regards

woody

 

[StevenL]

Thank you everyone for the input! Just about to go start the cabin clean up so I will be posting back with more pictures of that as well

 

[AWalker]

It looks fairly complete. Instead of spending a year restoring it, I think I would stand up the mast, and make sure I had all the rigging. Finish cleaning out the inside, and then go sail it!

 

[Caguama12]

I know what its like to get your first boat and clean her up. Just keep persistent, don't burn yourself out and customize her your way. Keep up the good work.

 

[Brian S]

I say make a list of projects, and then work on only one at a time. That way, you can check them off and feel like you're accomplishing something.

Brian

 

[Rod10027]

Make sure she is solid after the total cleaning... hang the mast check the rigging hardware, get to know the boat inside /out, take her to the water and hang the sails...
you will then know what she needs and most of all... what you need! Learn the rules of the water... be safe and enjoy!

 

[kbrown1593]

I too am working on my recent first boat purchase, a Hunter 22. If you have any ports to reseal be sure to use Marine silicone sealant. I checked with four marine stores in my area and 3 tried to sell me something else. Only one offered to order it.

 

[jeromeddd]

I have restored several sailboats in much the same condition as yours. first thing is a hose and scrub brush, make sure you scrub across the grain on the teak. Then stand your rigging and make sure all is there. sails, etc...
The most important thing you must do.... is sail her.... as you spend time sailing her you will then find ways to make her yours, and rig her for your flavor... this will keep you from back tracking later and undoing things you thought you wanted or needed....

happy trails, and happy sailing....
Jerome

 

[Winkfish]

If you have any ports to reseal be sure to use Marine silicone sealant.

Before you do that, check out Maine Sail's numerous threads about using butyl tape instead.

 

[Buck 100]

It's fun not work

Hi steven. I bought a 1975 25' O'day and it was in worse shape that yours. After two years of work/repair, I was still in love. I found that I loved the up keep as much as the sailing. Have fun my friend.

 

[runcj]

My first boat - I picked up a Montego 19 in 2009. I had it completely redone. Separated the hull from the deck, resealed, painted with two part epoxy, redid the mast, new ports. Here is is 2013 and I still need cushions and my motor's shot but it will be out this fall. Restoration can take a lot of time and money but it's been a professional/amatuer effort and I think it was worth it. I'm retiring next year and it is my retirement toy so everything's converging!

 

[runcj]

ps. the big thing is just make sure it's safe. That's the biggest issue. Make sure things are not rusted and replace if they are. If it looks like a professional is required at least ask them how they'd do it. My boat restorer freely gives out good advice. Remember, sailing it is one thing, pulling out of the drink is another.

Sailboats always leak, maybe not now but at some point so if it's a little leak, don't worry. Finally, check for mushy fiberglass - remember, there's a lot of force on a deck block and you don't want a block zinging past your head if the deck let's it loose. Good luck!

 

[hewebb]

If there is a sailing or yacht club you can join I would recommend it. You will probably get a chance to sail as crew on different boats and talk to others. This will be very helpful when you start to rig yours to your personal preference. Also, there may be someone that is the helpful type that will lend a hand and you can talk through things with before making a decision. Volunteer as crew for the Sunday races-this is a great learning tool.

 

[kloudie1]

Welcome, StevenL.. Good luck on the re-furb.. you're going to have fun!

 

[JaySauls]

My first boat was the exact same boat - 74 20' O'day! Absolutely loved it. Easy to sail/trailer. Was very upset when I had to sell her to pay for college. I agree with using soft scrub and Comet. I just cleaned up a 1970 Macgregor that was in the same basic condition, except mine had moss growing on it! So, yeah, it'll clean up nicely without too much cost.

 

[sailndayz]

Step that mast and get her wet

Step your mast and get her wet! Don't forget the coin while stepping your mast. A small ceremony would be nice too. Congratulations.

 

[west wind]

your 1st boat, my last..

I have just finished my restore on a V25 1979, that sat for 10 years, you will not be disappointed with your labor, I have had an antique wooden vessel (1937 Tahiti Ketch (Voyageur), 30' American 30' Catalina, 27'catalina' But I have always wanted a trailer sailor, which I am proud to own, sailed out San Pedro, So Cal last Sat 8.24.13 for the first time and was thrilled the way my vessel sailed, this will be my last vessel as I am now 72 years young, enjoy your time restoring and sailing, Just saying.
BA