Just thought I would share this with the group and perhaps provide some inspriation for those folks who are also working on their dream.
I aquired this 1978 O'Day 25 from a boatyard for free that someone had abandoned. The boat was trashed and the companionway had been left open for long enough to catch 2 feet of rain water and crud in the cabin that required 2 weeks of cleaning. The only good part about that was knowing that since the water couldn't escape, the hull was watertight! I was able to contact a previous owner and get a new title issued so I officially owned the boat. Once the boat was bilged and cleaned I realized what a great treasure I had found. I spent 2 years rebuilding all the systems and fixing much of the boat, rigging, woodwork, electrical and collecting all the necessary equipment. My costs were roughly $3k for the boat (used 9.9 engine, inflatable and motor, GPS, electrical supplies, misc hardware, etc.) and about 150 hours of time, which in the end, was a worthwhile experience.
Last week I launched the boat and according to the last registration it hadn't touched water since 1987. I have been very impressed with the boat so far and it sails great and all systems are in check, which was a huge confidence boost.
Here is a photo album of the project, I still have to make the interior cushions and varnish interior woodwork, but I'm psyched to be living a dream of mine and sailing on my own cruising boat. To all those who are also fixing boats, don't give up - it's worth it in the end!
http://s130.photobucket.com/albums/p244/garranp/ODay 25/
I aquired this 1978 O'Day 25 from a boatyard for free that someone had abandoned. The boat was trashed and the companionway had been left open for long enough to catch 2 feet of rain water and crud in the cabin that required 2 weeks of cleaning. The only good part about that was knowing that since the water couldn't escape, the hull was watertight! I was able to contact a previous owner and get a new title issued so I officially owned the boat. Once the boat was bilged and cleaned I realized what a great treasure I had found. I spent 2 years rebuilding all the systems and fixing much of the boat, rigging, woodwork, electrical and collecting all the necessary equipment. My costs were roughly $3k for the boat (used 9.9 engine, inflatable and motor, GPS, electrical supplies, misc hardware, etc.) and about 150 hours of time, which in the end, was a worthwhile experience.
Last week I launched the boat and according to the last registration it hadn't touched water since 1987. I have been very impressed with the boat so far and it sails great and all systems are in check, which was a huge confidence boost.
Here is a photo album of the project, I still have to make the interior cushions and varnish interior woodwork, but I'm psyched to be living a dream of mine and sailing on my own cruising boat. To all those who are also fixing boats, don't give up - it's worth it in the end!
http://s130.photobucket.com/albums/p244/garranp/ODay 25/
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