NEWBIE ADVICE

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R

Ron

I'm new at sailing and recently purchased a 19' Oday Mariner. I'm docking it for a reasonable fee rather than transporting it. A few questions: I have a bilge pump set up. That keeps the water from getting deep, but doesn't keep it out. I notice all other sailboats at the docks are made to keep the water out. Is there a feasible way to keep water out when it rains? Just throwing a tarp over doesn't seem very practical. Apparently, this was also a problem for the previous owner(s?). The standing water has caused one (or more) of the wooden supports in the hull (in this a rib?)to rot. Should ths be changed? Is it something that a person handy in woodwork could do? Or is it best left to professionals? I suspect that would cost more that the boat itself.
 
May 18, 2004
386
- - Baltimore
Open cockpit

Since its an open cockpit, the simplest way is to have a tarp over the boom. A little customizing will get the tiedowns effective. Make the cover long enough and you will have material to include flaps at one end or both. If its a mooring, some flaps at the front should be enough. I don't own one but spent many summers in a Rhodes 19 as a seascout, going on 2 week cruises.
 
M

Mike

Water, water

It may not seem practical, but it really is. Not elegant, but certainly a cost-effective (cheap) strategy. It's an open cockpit boat, so the only way to keep water out is to cover the opening. You have a ready-made support already in place: the boom. Bungee cords, tie-downs or anything else you can gin-up will work fine to keep the tarp in place. You see these tarps on the most expensive and elegant daysailors around. you can get a sunbrella tarp custom made to match your rollerfurled jib, or you go the hardware store and buy one of those blue jobs for $5. As far as replacing a rib in the boat goes, I don't think you have given enough info for advice on how big a job it is. If the hull is fiberglass (and I think all Mariners are), then it is doubtful this is a structural element to the boat. I remember one late '60's Mariner I sailed on that had a lot of wood on her; however, it seems to me that those were the cockpit seats, the floor boards and lots of trim. It would be easier to help you out if you had a picture of the problem so we could see the wood in question. Btw, welcome to sailing! The Mariner is a terrific boat. Very forgiving for learners and still fun for experienced sailors. A classic for many good reasons.
 
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Benny

Dont forget to......

paint the bottom with ant-fouling paint. If you have a swing keel you need to paint that too and don't forget the rudder. Sometimes trailerables are not painted as they were not in the water for extended periods of time and since you self profess that you are a newby I just wanted to warn you. If unpainted it will take but two weeks for algae and barnacles to start nesting on the hull.
 
R

Ron

RESPONSE FROM THE NEWBIE

Just wanted to say thanks for the tips. It looks like a tarp is the way to go. I'm sure I'll enjoy the experience. And next time I will include some pictures. Ron
 
May 12, 2004
165
- - Wasagaming, Manitoba
mariner site

Also check out the usmariner.org site and ask the same question regarding the wood frame there. Mariners have this inheirant problem and you wouldn't be the first owner to replace a rotted frame.
 
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