Project boats

[Bruce Rowe]

Looking at a '88 26.5 that has been sitting in a freshwater slip for the last seven years. Zebra mussels only for the last two. Leaky chainplates, windows, hatch. Interior musty/moldy, floor hatches to bilge warped, running rigging shot, OB questionable, outside teak about worthless, muddy sails, graphics bad. Has trailer: cradle on very simple two axle trailer with four cracked tires.
Can this boat be saved? Worth it? What would you give for it?

 

[Lee Coller]

You'd have to pay me to take that off your hands.

 

[Steve Dion]

.... you are going to PAY for this?

 

[peptobysmol]

I'd charge about 2,000 And the use of a Chainsaw. Of course, with rights to salvage what may have any value on it. You buy this and you'll So :naughty: or you'll at the problems you'll encounter and save yourself some :cussing:

 

[jblersch]

I once restored a 1971 Aquarius 23 that sounds about like what you describe with a lot of water damage; it took me 2 years to get it back to good condition again. The one difference is that the boat was free and it only cost me time and what I put into it.

 

[Drew13440]

This thing will cost thousands, plus a new set of tires!

 

[Bruce Rowe]

This boat was pulled, power washed and set on its trailer. Most of the pond scum came off revealing quite a bit of bottom paint left, but with several colonies of zeebs attached here and there, mostly around the rudder. No blisters showing.

 

[DianaOfBurlington]

Brucer, that boat sounds like little Diana (1974 H25 hull 27) when I picked her up for yard fee in 2002. As of right now she is still the reigning queen of multi-year major restoration projects. If I had been richer I would have done the same work, only faster and sooner; but I don't regret a thing and can honestly say this boat is in FAR better shape than it was when new. And it's nicer looking, and it's an entirely known entity (no secrets here; I know this boat better than I knew my ex-wife!).

Anything can be fixed if you want to do it. Where there's a will there's a way; and hang the cost. I've still spent less on this boat than I would have had it been in as-new condition when I bought it... and it's just about all-new again.

 

[peptobysmol]

Hey Brucer,
Do you have a sailboat right now? I was probably a little too hasty in my response. IF you can do most of the work OR money is no object you could have a nice boat out of that 26.5. Problem is that you could be sailing a decent boat (for what you'll eventually put into it) instead of a long term restoration. That is provided you don't pay anything or next to nothing for the boat. Its nice that the bottom has no blisters.
Good luck and if you get it post some pics

 

[Bruce Rowe]

I have an '83 S2 7.3 with an inboard two cycle saildrive. It was also a neglected boat out of the yard. Now, looking for another project with a little more room and speed. This Hunter might fill the bill if the owner will part with it. I've noticed from other posts that nearly every repair issue has some sort of solution, often several. So maybe with help from the forum, it won't be so daunting.

 

[jblersch]

Brucer,
After having gone through the process, I do have to agree with Peptobysmol's comment above that I'm sure you could get a similar boat in good shape for less money. However, if you really are looking for a project boat and time and money is not really an issue, (and the hull integrity is not compromised) then I'd do it. I had a blast restoring my A23, even though it was a lot of work and took much longer than I thought. My dad had a Hunter 26.5 from 1990 for quite a number of years - it sailed great. I

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[soling42]

Most people here have heard of the infamous Boat Babe and her husband Brian over on >off topic> sails call lounge. Well their pristine 25.5 was a total derelict. As Brian told me it was grown solid to bay bottom with barnacles, still tied to its dock when he got it for $1K in tarpon springs. I have admired his restoration and detail ever since. No it wasn't the cheapest way but he has a head for detail and the ability(or friends when needed) to tweak it into something really fantastic.

No it's not for the dreamer who has never sailed or lacks the know how but it can be done. That said, should it be done......think long and hard before committing a derelict hull to become your responsibility. I don't know about your state but Fl law is merciless if your boat is abandoned or just goes ashore or worse, sinks somewhere. Endless yard fees and/or docks costs can be a killer too.

Your worst day can become an ongoing financial nightmare. Don't even ask about the process if the EPA/state realizes you had oil/fuel on board when it goes down/ashore. Insurance for older boats is tricky as well as costly along with dock fees. Choose carefully and be fully informed.

Not saying yea/nay just saying, be aware of all the responsibilities involved. Good luck, Mike and Kelli

 

[Bruce Rowe]

Here are some pics of 'project boat'.

 

[John Boelte]

I've heard wonderful things about the 26.5. We just launched ours yesterday. We paid $3K. Ours isn't that bad, but there are several issues that will need to be addressed. I'm very pleased with the boat and am looking forward to sailing her. As posted above, if you've got the time and money, go for it!