Pearson Wanderer - work in progress

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Apr 19, 1999
1,670
Pearson Wanderer Titusville, Florida
Bill, your cabin sole article was quite helpful. Mine is due for replacement too. Just finished rudder repair (glass and epoxy) new cutless bearing, new prop, faired and painted bottom and rewired bilge pump. Oh, and replaced the centerboard pendant which broke while the boat was hanging in the Travelift right before being splashed.
 
Jun 1, 2010
21
Pearson Wanderer 30 Queens Creek, Hudgins, VA
I've done a lot more work on my boat since I posted that. I completely tore down the engine, down to every last nut and bolt, stripped, cleaned and repainted all the castings and parts, had the head and block surface ground and new valve seats cut, installed new rings, all new bearings and gaskets everywhere and reassembled the whole engine. Just a couple weeks ago, I had it hoisted back up into the boat. Last weekend I bolted it to the engine beds and hooked up the prop shaft coupler and started re-connecting hoses and stuff. I hope to have the engine fully installed and running by the end of August.

I also epoxied and glassed in new floor timbers and painted the entire bilge area with three coats of Bilgekote. I have re-bedded a couple leaking port lights and installed a new solar-powered Nicro day/night vent fan.

Still lots to do...
 
Apr 19, 1999
1,670
Pearson Wanderer Titusville, Florida
I didn't have a chance to look at all the work you've done, but I did see the engine rebuild. It's very impressive. I also like how you kept things simple and functional, even if the end result isn't always in keeping with "nautical tradition". I think practicality and ease of maintenance are far more important than appearance for its own sake.

My boat still needs a lot more work, but I'm trying to do it in a way that won't prevent me from sailing. Summer is the off-season in Florida so the next phase of major work is planned for next year. I was lucky to find a Wanderer with a strong FWC A4, so the engine removal/overhaul can wait till then.

In between sailing, I plan to tackle other things that need attention, like the electrical charging and distribution systems (both DC and AC), plumbing, belowdecks ventilation, interior woodwork, head, self-steering, deck hardware, dodger, reefing system and ground tackle; not necessarily in that order and not necessarily by next year.

Good luck with your ongoing efforts and I hope you get back in the water on schedule as planned.

Best regards
 
Aug 17, 2011
1
pearson wanderer Fairhaven
Its a labor of love to keep these old classics going. Have spent 16 years making upgrades and modifications to our 1967 Wanderer. (hull #77) I am very interested in your cabin sole project but we finally bit the bullit and replaced the A-4 with a beta Marine diesel. One of the best things we ever did, the other being adding an opening hatch in the main cabin.
 
Apr 19, 1999
1,670
Pearson Wanderer Titusville, Florida
Wanderer77, I thought about an opening hatch on the main cabin but I couldn't figure out where to put it so it will clear the boom vang. Where did you put yours?
 
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