My first boat

[justsomeguy]

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

Interesting, how you ran those jib sheets.

 

[Dexter]

Re: your 1st boat, my last..

My first sailboat is also a 1974 O'day 20. Mine had spent four years uncovered under an oak tree. Another oak had fallen across the bow doing some minor damage. We have had a ball with this boat.

 

[Tabi II]

Love our new-to-us Oday 25!

We upgraded this year from a Catalina 22 to ODay 25. Our new-to-us ODay had been sitting several years was in need of deferred maintenance. We spent a month cleaning up the inside and outside and making sure it was water tight (new cabin windows and resealed deck hardware) then spent the summer weekend camping/sailing on the boat and doing more maintenance evenings at the moorage. While moored we had the trailer repainted and new fenders and tires put on. I recovered the cushions and installed new hull liner. All true labors of love.

Sadly, we had to pull out of our lake moorage a month ago since we have very low water levels this year in Oregon (no rain!). We can usually keep it in until October, so we are making plans to trailer the boat to the San Juan islands in Washington this fall for a week of sailing. :dance:

This was our best summer ever! Love, love, love our new-to-us Oday!

 

[StevenL]

Thank you so much everyone! Its so nice knowing there is so much support in this community especially for an inexperienced person like myself. I would love to be able to drop her in the water but I still don't have any certification and as I live in NY on long island I believe it is now required, she also doesn't have any sails, I picked her up for 300 dollars including the trailer ( the previous owner had no interest in boats he happened to inherit her) so I was perfectly okay with a few things missing haha. So due to money restrictions I don't see me being able to afford the sails and the course before the cold weather hits and I also wanted to inspect better for soft spots since I'm not too sure what to be really looking for, I know it sounds self explanitory but I don't know what tell tales to look for specifically other then a squishy floor (if anyone has any pointers on this that would be great). I'm going out right now to finish clearing out the years of dirt and spiders (gross) that have been residing in the cabin for the past few years haha. Pictures will be posted soon and then I will see if i can step the mast and check to the best of my abilities the condition of the rigging I'll post pictures of that as well. thanks again for everyone's input and I hope it keeps up!

 

[Tabi II]

Yes, Butyl tape is my great! Used it to rebed all the deck hardware. Installed new cabin windows with window sealant from Rudy at D&R Marine. Did not realize how crappy and old our windows were until replaced with new tinted ones. Well worth the $$'s. We also replaced the teak toes rails and cabin way slides with plastic deck wood we milled (They were broken, worn out and we wanted less maintenance and more sailing time). Plan on keeping the handrails and cabin way boards teak, as these will not be much maintenance.

Our Catalina 22 taught us to sail and our O'Day 25 taught us how to bring a boat "back to life". After cleaning, your boat looks like it is well on it's way!

 

[HoadleyBob]

Congratulatons on your good luck to choose an O'Day 20 as your first boat! I decided to take up sailing last year in my 74th year , took a basic sailing course then lucked into an O'Day 20 that has become my constant companion. I sailed her on 30 days last year and am approaching that again this year after completing courses in navigation, VHS, and offshore cruising. I now have 2, 5 day cruises in larger boats and loving it but the O'Day is my foundation. She is solid, dry, sails well in any winds and you will learn to sail in a way that will transfer to larger boats with ease. My boat looks exactly like yours except for the forward vent which I believe is not original.
Get her sailing as quick as you can and the rest will come to you as you use it. I was fortunate to have a neighbour who was an expert in rigging who showed me how to set up the rigging and tune it for optimal sailing and this has stood me in good stead ever since.

 

[gpd955]

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

Steven

How close are you to NJ? I'll take you out a few times, this way your desire to sail can be satisfied and you'll remain inspired! It'll give you a little working knowledge before you take the class so it's not as overwhelming.

 

[Daydreamer]

Congratulations on your new boat / project. You will surely have lots of fun. I have
Here in CA they don't require personal certification, except to charter, however safety and boating / sailing courses are available through the Coast Guard and Power Squadron, and are less expensive than ASA courses.

Check Ebay and local sail lofts for a deal on good used sails.

Got mine cleaned up and sailing asap. Had a friend show me the ropes (pun intended) and now get out with the wife every chance we get. I keep her at the local lake during summer and try to accomplish some improvement during winter. Hope to paint topsides this year.

Fair Winds

 

[pamac12]

unloved boat

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

She will clean up beautifully, I used Dishwasher detergent and then waxed and hand buffed, it will be as new. Check lines, halyards, replace if necessary and if there is a centerboard check the fastenings before putting in the water. Check the mast, is it all there? Check the sails, try them against the mast to be sure they are the sails that actually belong on your boat. You many be able to find original plans and instructions online. Have fun!

 

[Maynestay]

A little bit of lovin' goes a long long way

Looks like the hook has really caught you and now you can enjoy "standing in the shower tearing up $1000 bills" like the rest of us.

Just tried something called "KIWIGRIP" on our Catalina 27 topside. It requires a lot of patience to tape and apply but seems to do a great job restoring tired decks. You might want to check it out. Since your new "love" is on dry ground it should make the job easier. www.kiwigrip.com ...

Good luck and happy scrubbing!!! JohnG

 

[StevenL]

Steven

How close are you to NJ? I'll take you out a few times, this way your desire to sail can be satisfied and you'll remain inspired! It'll give you a little working knowledge before you take the class so it's not as overwhelming.

That would be absolutely amazing haha, I'm not too far from Jersey, my uncle lives in Barnegat which takes me about 2 hours give or take with the traffic getting out of NY and I used to commute to and from seaside heights when I was helping rebuild after sandy this year (I'm a novice carpenter). That would truly be an experience being that I have never been on anything other than fishing boats and the speed boat my dad(who I'm restoring the boat with) used to take me out on. Thank you so much for your generosity, If our schedules for the near future work with one anothers I would love to take you up on your offer!

 

[finding41]

I dragged home a MacGregr 26D that had sat on the trailer half in the water for 8 years. It had moss growing on the top and a nice hole in the bottom from ice expanding.
It cleaned up nicely with a good power washer and scrub brush.
I found that CLR mixed with warm water in the garden sprayer works well for getting "stuff" off. Make sure you use gloves and safety glasses lots of ventilation. Then scrub with the brush and rinse with the power washer. (Don't let CLR sit on anything... it is a acid.)
From your pictures it looks good so far.

 

[tegwilym]

Looks like fun! Check the deck for soft spots where water may have leaked into the core. That was a major problem that I found on my Catalina 22 when I bought it. Sailed it all summer the year I got it, then spent the whole winter restoring the deck and a lot of other things. It's been a lot of fun and very rewarding project. Check out my web page for ideas and inspiration!


Delphinus web page

Tom
"Delphinus" #880
1971 C-22

 

[MrBill_FLL]

I would see if you can find any leaks in the cabin before its gets too cold.

raising the mast, and inspecting the wires (stays), etc. to see what you need.

The little things do add up. & ebay is great source for stuff you need.

 

[StevenL]

Thank you everyone with the more recent posts! I'm loving the support of this community its making me even more motivated to get on the water, here are some before and after pictures of the interior after round one of interior clean up and one of the outside of the cabin after some more scrubbing, tomorrow it will get a good scrub with some of the products that were suggested along with a third bow to stern scrubbing and power wash stay tuned for more for the next few days!

 

[JonnyQuest]

Thank you everyone with the more recent posts! I'm loving the support of this community its making me even more motivated to get on the water, here are some before and after pictures of the interior after round one of interior clean up and one of the outside of the cabin after some more scrubbing, tomorrow it will get a good scrub with some of the products that were suggested along with a third bow to stern scrubbing and power wash stay tuned for more for the next few days!

Say! that hull shined up nicely! :dance:

Welcome to SBO Steven.

 

[sanibelsue]

I just bought an ODAY II 1976 model. Havent had a boat of my own for 15 or 20 years and that was a SUNFISH, Loved the Sunfish but wanted something a little bigger so a couple of other people could go along (and help step the mast, dont think I can do that alone ) ANYWAY, I am going to have some clean up to do on her as well. cant wait to get started and to get her wet! I was told by the previous owner that the keel board is very difficut to lower and raise. But that the boat shop told him that was normal....any thoughts on that? I am in the process now of removing the old cracked dried out red pin stripe with a 3m eraser wheel , then going to use Marine compound over the rest to remove oxidation. will try to include some photos!!!

 

[Nelsonhow]

Been there done that! Beware if your boat was uncovered in a col climate. If ice forms in the bilge or cockpit it can cause real damage that may not be obvious at first carefully check for and soft spots info none are found go forward with it. Make a list by importance then intersperse a few not to expensive feel good projects just to keep you interested. Try to splash next year so you don't get frustrated with it all. Rember the porpoise is to SAIL!

 

[Picflight]

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!

How did you separate the deck from the hull?
Will the OP need to do that if a leak us discovered in the deck/hull seal, is this the rub rail region?

 

[mdcoats]

My Boat

Hi, I have been sailing for 50 years, but I too picked up an O'Day earlier this year in similar condition, an O'Day 23, the smallest sailboat I ever owned and now my pride and joy.

I had to install all new electrical & plumbing systems and new standing rigging. The sails and interior were in pretty good condition for a 1980 boat.

Along the way I have ran into a lot of very good hardware supply outfits and very reasonable prices. At least 1/2 of West Marine and even a lot cheaper than Defender. If you are looking for this kind of gear, let me know and I will direct you to web sites.

Good Luck in your new venture.

Mike C.
email mdcoats@mojaveflightsystems.com

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