New-ish owner of '84 Hunter 27

[cara]

Hi all -- We've owned a H 27 for 2 or 3 years and have decided to invest in some upgrades. We're very new to boat ownership so the learning curve is steep. I tend to do all the research (which i love) while my husband focuses on just getting on to the water.

In any case, we had the boat inspected last year. Now I'd like to have the rigging inspection done but I have no idea what to expect in terms of cost, time and possible results. We had some repairs done to the boat in the spring and were incredibly disappointed with how long the marina took to do the work (e.g. replace a couple of thru-hulls, bottom repaint, etc). Anyway, it's my understanding that a rigging inspection should be done every few years (5 or so?) and just thought i would see if anyone had experience with this.

Also, I'd eventually like to get a new gelcoat put on. The top deck and cockpit are very chalky and it seems to me that it could become so worn that it becomes a safety issue. Again, looking for a better sense of what to expect in terms of time, cost involved, etc.

We are working on refinishing the teak in the cabin currently... still trying to decide whether we will oil or varnish. Lots of decisions, but I love it!! Thanks, Cara

 

[Forrest15112]

I can't offer much on the rigging questions, but as far as the chalky deck, follow Maine Sail's guide on this site. I followed exactly as he described, but used a plastic carpet brush with the compound on the non skid. You might be surprised with the results and there's possibly a shiny deck under that chalk. Mine was slightly chalky and came out looking like new and silky smooth to the touch.

 

[seadaddler]

Compounding

Use some compounding on that fiberglass is really all you need either by a pro or you can do it your self and save tons of $$$$$.
I am not in favor of varnish on interior teak and just use a good teak oil cleaner to get it looking good again and once you use varnish it is hard to stop but that is me, so many products that will treat and seal your interior teak.
Ask around for a good rigging inspector or maybe mainsail in your area.
Nick

 

[Nelsonhow]

It depends on how & where you sail & the size of your wallet

I'm not the ends all expert but I think that for a new to you boat invest $200-$300 in a rigging survey. Can't tell what they will find in necessary repairs. If your rig is removed for storage each winter you can learn to inspect it yourself. Look for rust spots or cracks in each swag fitting and turn buckle and run a tissue paper along each cable and fish hook ends (broken strands) will catch the paper and tells you to replace the cable. replace anything that suspect.

If you sail aggressively, in windy areas or do serious off shore you should probably have the rig professionally inspected every 5-7 years or when ever you see a serious problem or have an incident. But I think ever 2 year is overkill unless you have a fat wallet o really like investing in the sustenance of the rigger.

If the rig is not removed each winer then every 5 is probably not a bad idea but pretty generous.

Every few months you should check the deck level cables and fitting for rust cracking and fish hooks. You can usually replace components one at a time with the rig up.

 

[cara]

Thanks, all, for your input. This is really helpful. I think we will definitely do the rigging survey. In terms of interior varnish vs. staining, I'm curious about Seadaddlers comment about once you start varnishing, you can't stop. I was told that for interior teak (which does not get UV damage from sun), we would likely only have to do it once (by once, I mean one round of 4-6 coats, if that makes sense). We just like the look of the lighter golden tones rather than the darker brownish-red)..