New to Group

P

pfmarrack

.
Oct 30, 2019
106
Hi, I wanted to introduce myself, as I'm new to the group. I'm in the
process of acquiring a Vega. Going for a good look see this week and
hope to take her out this weekend. I was hoping on receiving some
information on the blessings and shortcomings of this boat. From what
I seen so far this is an ideal first boat. It's been sitting for the
pass a couple of years and I'm sure it will need a bottom job. It is
in the water. On a cursory walk through it had very little water in
the bilge. What other issues should I look for? Is there much
difference between years other than the engine?

Thanks
PaulM
 
W

wxt8981

.
Oct 31, 2019
562
Hi Paul;

I've owned my Vega 29 years- I had many opportunities to buy another boat,
but I didn't! She's a good boat, well built, and she sails well. Ohh..
and pleeeeeease;
a Vega is a "She"!!!! (and not an 'it')

Wilhelm, V-257

pfmarrack wrote:
 
D

dewiniaid

.
Oct 23, 2002
25
Hi Paul,
I bought my vega Fortunes Lady in Oct. Been a great first boat for me, but
more work than I thought at first. Only a few issues to really watch for on
vegas (of course mine had a few more.)

Saturated Deck/Deck compression-not real common but walk around feeling for
any soft spots on the deck (topside) this is usually from deck fittings
being added in places that have the foam core without properly drilling out
the foam and epoxying around the fitting. The foam is designed not to let
water seep too far but nonetheless. Also check the vertical mast supports
inside the bolts at the base have in some cases sheared off and the supports
punch through the cabin sole. (usually overtightened rigging) Many vega
owners have beefed up these supports to give them a bigger footprint and put
in stonger bolts.

Rubber seals around windows-older ones dryrot and leak, constuction is very
similiar to old VW bug windshield (H shape that can in nasty weather be
stove in)

Osmotic Blistering-can occur but is apparently REALLY rare on vegas.
O'course you can't check this if she is in the water.

Issues I had on mine a
dry rotted window seals I stopped the leaks with polysulfide caulk ( and
plan to buy the
aluminum frames from VAGB (watching the exchange rate like a hawk)
replacement rubbers
are also available.
bilge pump installed in battery compartment ie. top of bilge :)
missing inboard (have 8hp Honda Fourstroke)
missing head
missing stove
stbd vertical support bolt is bent but still there (touch wood)
all dc wiring in conduits but cut and feels like glued in place
(could have shot someone when I realised this.)
my cleats and chocks were slightly loose
which allowed a little more stress on the mount points.

Good luck with her,
James Ward
Fortunes Lady V1469
Portsmouth/Norfolk, VA, USA

Can anyone think of things I missed?
 
H

hielke007

.
Dec 31, 2003
86
* Can anyone think of things I missed?

Certainly LOL

One of the things that could need checking is the state of the rudder. Both
the internal parts (de-lamination of the polyester work vs. the stainless
steel tabs on the shaft) as also the external head on top of the shaft
(linking pin and brass block; cracks are not uncommon)

The list seems to be endless indeed but there are no un-logical, really bad
things and every bit can be cured with the parts that are widely available
and advise found in the group!

Best regards,
Hielke
V1033 Drivfjäder, Woubrugge Holland
 
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