Searching for a new boat

[bffatcat]

My 1975 Pearson 26W is in decent condition mechanically. She sails well and is trouble free.
The problem is according to my wife anyway she`s an eyesore cosmetically. I painted the cabin and got new cushions about 2 years ago but after 36 seasons the topsides and deck
and cockpit do not have much finish on them. A complete paint job would cost more than
the boat is worth. Better to sell it and get something new or near new in the same size range.

I was thinking about an Alerion Express but some of the comments from the guys on the board sort of cooled me on it. If I could buy a new Pearson 26W I would. but I cant since they built the last one about 30 years ago.

Im not looking for any centerboards, wing keels, water ballasted boats or ultra light boats. What I am looking for is a fin keel boat, well built in about the same size range I had. Ive been looking but Im not having much luck any suggestions?

 

[David10790]

Try a CS 27 or CS 30

Canadian Sailcraft built a large number of these in the early to mid 80s and there are still lots around, particularly on Lake Ontario. Very solidly built boats and in fresh water they will be in better shape than a similarly aged salt water boat. Probably get a good condition fully equipped CS30 for somewhere in the $30k - $40k range.

We have an Alerion at our club - whole different price range and kind of boat - a very pretty day sailor.

 

[Ross]

Re: Try a CS 27 or CS 30

Cat , weren't you in the coating business years past? The modern paints can lay down a very nice finish and a boat isn't anywhere near as big as a house. Why not get a couple of gallons of paint and some good brushes and paint her yourslf/

 

[Paul356]

I hate to dissuade anyone from buying a new boat, but painting the hull on a 26-footer is probably an 8-12 hour job, and deck something similar, depending on how aggressively you need to attack it. Sand, brush on a good enamel or two-part, tip it with a brush, good results.

 

[bffatcat]

Painting A 26 ft boat

Whats involved. What kind of prep work? according to the local yard im looking at 6 to 7K
but this is a rough estimate they work by the hour.

 

[Ross]

Re: Painting A 26 ft boat

It must be free of wax, all chips and deep scratches filled, Every place that you don't want painted must be taped with masking. The instructions on the paint can must be followed to the letter. You should pick a day when the wind is light and there are not swarms of gnats in the air. bright sunlight will make the paint dry too quickly and you won't get the best finish. The north side of a tall building is nice if you can. Plan your sequence carefully so that you don't paint yourslf into a corner or leave an area unpainted. On my boat I have to paint in two or three stages because I back into wet paint if I try to do it all at one time.

 

[higgs]

You would have to do the work yourself to make it cost effective.

As for a new boat, you don't mention price range.