Hello everyone I’m new to the forum! I just bought my first sailboat and I’m going to begin fixing it up for my first voyage on the Great Lakes. I have no idea what make or model it actually is. It has I’m pretty sure a fin keel that is made of concrete. Everything is made of old teak like the rudder and tiller. It’s definitely an old fibreglass boat. I haven’t personally measured it yet but I’m pretty sure it’s 26 feet. I will attempt to attach pictures I took and will get better ones tomorrow in the light. Any information anyone has on this boat would be greatly appreciated. -Steve
Mystery boat*
- Thread starter Spinnacher
- Start date
Welcome aboard. At first glance I want to say a 26' Pearson. But that is just a SWAG.
Stand at the stern of the boat with the transom facing you. There should be a HIN (Hull Identification Number) located in the upper right side of the transom (outboard side). If you can find it, it will be useful in IDing the boat.
Stand at the stern of the boat with the transom facing you. There should be a HIN (Hull Identification Number) located in the upper right side of the transom (outboard side). If you can find it, it will be useful in IDing the boat.
Here’s a better picture I didn’t know I had lol not sure it’s a Pearson. What year you think. It seems really old definitely early 70s. The interior is gutted so I don’t even know the original layout.
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It is not a Pearson.
Back in the 70s there were a number of builders who sold unfinished hulls and deck for owner completion. I suspect it is one of those models. The full keel and reverse transom are clues to its age, which is probably late 60s early 80s. A clue to the home completion is the cement keel. A lot of boats used cement and steel as internal ballast, but I've never seen or heard of a concrete external keel except on ferro-cement boats.
The ports look like they have been replaced with a more contemporary design.
Back in the 70s there were a number of builders who sold unfinished hulls and deck for owner completion. I suspect it is one of those models. The full keel and reverse transom are clues to its age, which is probably late 60s early 80s. A clue to the home completion is the cement keel. A lot of boats used cement and steel as internal ballast, but I've never seen or heard of a concrete external keel except on ferro-cement boats.
The ports look like they have been replaced with a more contemporary design.
Very interesting perspective. Makes a lot of sense. I have no title to answer your question. This is just a mystery boat for sure and that’s interesting that the concrete keel is unique and it looks like this boat could take some rough seas for sure.
I don't know how it works in Canada but in the U.S. you would not be able to get the boat registered and legal to sail without a title to prove the boat is yours.
If the hull was built after 1972 there should be a HIN on the upper starboard transom. It will start with a 3 letter code and then a bunch of numbers and letters. If there is a HIN, the first 3 letters are a builders code. Search for HIN Decoding and you will find several references.
The requirement for state titles varies by state. As late as 1981 NY did not title boats, all they required was a transferrable registration. Since then boats need to have a title or USCG Documentation.
The requirement for state titles varies by state. As late as 1981 NY did not title boats, all they required was a transferrable registration. Since then boats need to have a title or USCG Documentation.
In Canada pleasurecraft don’t need to be registered unless you want to insure them and prove your ownership which is handy when going to other countries. Wonder if I could hold Canadian citizenship and sail to the U.s without registering it. I only plan on sailing the Great Lakes with it for now. Also here in Canada I believe you can register a boat without the title which is handy because this can happen with old boats.
If you travel internationally, you will need proof of ownership for the boat.
In Canada, I believe the is a registration and a license (?) one is provincial and the other federal. In the US there is registration by state (almost always required) and USCG documentation (optional and boat size dependent). Canada's system is similar but with different names.
In Canada, I believe the is a registration and a license (?) one is provincial and the other federal. In the US there is registration by state (almost always required) and USCG documentation (optional and boat size dependent). Canada's system is similar but with different names.
I believe you have a point with the homemade style of this boat. What’s interesting as well is the trailer itself is even homemade. It’s constructed from steel beams and has no suspension just solid axles welded directly to the solid steel frame. It’s really cool looking compared to most trailers. Comes complete with lights lol
There is no HIN or anything written on the transom just an old registration number on the bow port side and even the ol girls name is faded with only an S remaining.
No license to sail. Registration is typical but is more required for a boat that is being hauled around. From what I understand for any pleasure craft it isn’t actually required. Think of it as a big canoe with sails. Why would you register a canoe. There is no engine or anything to power this boat so top speeds are minimal as well doesn’t really pose a huge hazard other than the sailor not giving right of way. I’m sure all of this is up for debate but I’m not an expert on the subject just looking at the laws in place.
If you should cross the border CBP on both sides will want to know the vessel's registration number. You'll also find your cruising grounds limited if you rely only on sail power. Some harbors and marinas will not be accessible without auxiliary power. If you plan to take the boat out of the Great Lakes on her own bottom, you will need auxiliary power.
I looked up the Columbia 26 earlier this morning thinking it was similar, almost an exact match. Than there’s the keel. The keel and rudder design on this boat is so unique to all the other boats I’ve looked at. Take a look..
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I found a picture of what my boats rudder and keel kind of look like. The transom is perfectly inline and flat with the rudder and lays flat against the keel.
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Which Boats Require a Licence?
www.boat-ed.com
this should help guide your licensing and registration issues. The good advice you have received includes the need to consider auxiliary power and I suspect a 9.9 hp outboard will only get you in trouble in a moderate breeze, therefore requiring a license and boat operator card. Looks like a great vessel for the lakes, hope you enjoy her and be safe.