New Blog for Ode To Joy Refit

Jul 26, 2010
14
Greetings Challengees

I have gotten some good help from this board (and from everyone else I have spoken with) since starting a big refit of my dried out and disassembled Challenger last fall. Working title fr boat is Ode to Joy, (former Godspeed, of Annapolis). I know everyone on this board understands the inherent worth of the quest, and wants to see another Challenger afloat. My New Year's initiative is a log (sounds more nautical than blog ) to update my informal advisors, especially the Boyd family who entrusted me with the rebuild of their baby. Hopefully, she will sail back to Annapolis to take them and their grandkids sailing. Here is a link if you want to see how it is going. I am also seeking field trips to sleeping Challengers in NY area for ideas/guidance this winter.

http://odetojoyyawl.blogspot.com

The remaining winter and spring months are my big chance to get this boat back to the water this year. I am going to rev up my communication, and continue to hit my To Do list every day. The remaining work is more technical (less sanding and epoxy, my only real skill base) and I think I will need more community, more tech help to both stretch my shrinking bucks and to get it right the first time. Let me know if yoo have some good info, or just encouragement. Some big items that remain:

select/install new roller furling headsail system (who has got a lead on good discount on this pricy item?)
repair big crack in oak rudder (hopefully without removing it)
close up cockpit sole, finish cockpit rebuild (almost done).
refab missing galley counters, and misc. cabin interior parts
rebuild interior cabin and reassemble (gorgeous) puzzle of diassembled teak/holly flooring
rebuild v-berth supports, frames, and forward cabin shelves
rig and step new mizzen mast
refit main mast (halyards, winch, sheaves, lights)
build and install propane box for aft deck
new cabin windows
new led light fixtures
buy / install starter electronics.
find some decent sails for main? What about new running rigging? Second anchor? We'll see how much $ remain in Spring.

Piece of cake, gotta go, need to fire up the propane and mount some deck hardware.
 

TomY

Alden Forum Moderator
Jun 22, 2004
2,768
Alden 38' Challenger yawl Rockport Harbor
This is an exciting event! The blog is terrific, I'll be following. The work you've done supports your optimism, it's top notch, you'll get it done and launched, I'm convinced.

Great to have this documented for others to follow now and in the future.

I'll be checking in regularly and hope I can help. Where are you on the Hudson exactly again(sorry if it's been posted).

Thanks for posting this Hudson(is it Joe?)
 

jsmall

.
Mar 25, 2005
41
Dufour 31 Seaford VA.
I noticed in your blog you were wondering about mizzen mast fittings. My mast is down. If you need any photos let me know.
Jimmy Small
 

TomY

Alden Forum Moderator
Jun 22, 2004
2,768
Alden 38' Challenger yawl Rockport Harbor
Hey Joe! Hope all goes well. I'm unable to post a comment on your blog. What's going on with the boat?