Ok here goes

[hummingbirdbassist]

I am new to forum and to boating also! With that being said
I have really taking a liking to a 73 Irwin 28.5. Is there any way or any where I can find a owners manual? When looking at the motor I see there is probably an
Inch of water , should there be water in there on floor around motor, don't know much but in walking the deck it feels solid under my feet, will need sailing classes, how to set up sails, learn the lingo etc, got tired of being a bystander and now I want in!!!!! Any help, manuals, suggestive reading, sail classes referrals I would appreciate!

 

[wetass]

Hi WillC,

Congratulations on getting into sailing. I would get a surveyor to look it over - Tell them how you intend to use it, what your expectations for the boat are, what your capable of doing yourself, etc and be honest with them. If you find a good one, they will pay for themselves a dozen times over. Even someone who has been sailing all of their life can get caught up in buying a boat they shouldn't have because they fall in love with it and stop being objective - they overlook obvious defects that they would easily pick out on someone else's boat. If you can find a trusted surveyor, they can sometimes talk you out of it - Sometimes ;-)

Even if you have already bought it - they can help prioritize repairs, tell you what to worry about and what not to sweat - Its money very well repaid - Just find a good one.

 

[hummingbirdbassist]

Thanks wetass

I got a one year old survey when boat was on the hard. He talks about the head intake
Appears to be good , but recommends replacing thru hull( got to figure that one out) centerboard equipment seems to be good. Gel coat is in good condition all around,chainplates are good but could use rebedding( got to figure that one out too) stated in order to sail the boat away are,
Replace upper starboard shroud
Replace both batteries ( I want to install a inverter also
Rebid and refasten 2 nd port lifeline stantions
Replace ground tackle
Tighten all lifeline stations n pulpit/ pushpit base setscrews
Brace cabin sole( how do u do that)
But overall in good shape and I want to go for it

 

[wetass]

Sailing classes are a great way to start - I learned from just doing as a kid and it took me years to learn on my own what others have learned much quicker from taking a good class. Dingy sailing skills transfer to larger boats - You should be able to find something in your area.

Sounds like you will be doing a bit of work yourself - There are some good books out there:

General boat maintenance and improvements - This old boat by Don Casey - http://www.amazon.com/This-Old-Boat-Don-Casey/dp/0071579931

Electrical - Boat owners electrical handbook by Wing - http://www.amazon.com/Boatowners-Illustrated-Electrical-Handbook-Charlie/dp/0071446443

Structural - Elements of boat strength by Gerr - http://www.amazon.com/Elements-Boat-Strength-Builders-Designers/dp/0070231591

Fiberglass repair - The fiberglass boat repair manual by Vaitses http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fiberglass-boat-repair-manual-allan-vaitses/1102880417

Fiberglass repair, general (with epoxy) by West Systems - http://www.westsystem.com/ss/how-to-publications

Surveying fiberglass sailboats by Mustin: http://www.amazon.com/Surveying-Fiberglass-Sailboats-Step-Step/dp/0070442487

Mechanical - Boat mechanical systems handbook by Gerr - http://www.amazon.com/Boat-Mechanical-Systems-Handbook-Recognize/dp/0071444564

Mechanical and Electrical - Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual by Calder - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/00..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0R257319JCKQBE27E24X


And there are many more, but if I was starting out, I would likely start with these. Also, there are some good tutorials by Maine sail and others (Stu, etc) on electrical and thru hulls on this forum:

Thru hulls: http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/replacing_thruhulls and http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/backing_blocks

Batteries and electrical (by Stu and Maine Sail): http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5977.0.html

Search the forum and you should find answers to most of your questions - I know I generally do.

 

[wetass]

Found one more essential on the shelf: Diesel engine maintenance by Calder - http://ebookee.org/Nigel-Calder-Mar...enance-Troubleshooting-and-Repair_509796.html

 

[hummingbirdbassist]

Thank you

First off the name wetass is killer!!!! Lol I will be making a fair offer on boat
Today and will let you know just how " motivated" the seller really is. Then I will get some books, get some classes and get to work, good thing is with purchase boat slip is paid until April, as aim sure I can get these things done myself of professional by then!
Question: does anyone sail during winter months?

 

[clay8079]

Re: Thank you

Great boat . Ive got the same 28.5...love it good luck , Clay