There is a ensenada 20 not to far from me I think I'm intrested in . What kind of things should I look for? How do I tell if a sail is still useful. Thoughts?
So im thinking about taking up sailing sold my powerboat today
- Thread starter WilliamKidd
- Start date
Look at the material, the stitching and then have the seller raise the sail and look at the shape. If it has big belly with the boom parallel to the boat it is likely stretched and blown out. Those are wet boats, check the keel enclosure and if possible ask for a short sail. Pay attention to the keel pivot bolt and see if there is any side to side slap from the keel. Check for excessive water coming in from the keel trunk (enclosure).
Alas I dont believe the seller has ever sailed it . I asked if all the rigging was there and they said . " I think so "
You should put the boat together to see that it is complete before taking delivery. Some parts for that vintage boat will be unavailable. You may be able to do a work around but it could be a major PITA and/or expensive. Looks like a nice little boat. Where do you plan to use it?
Unfortunately there isn't much online as far as rigging information for this boat online. I've gotten more out of two fourms in a day then I have off the entire internet in a month and a half ! Just looking for something more practical then my little game Fisher. And more economical then the glastron 14 'trihull with a 115 merc. I just sold yesterday. Family of 5 3yrs 5yrs 14yrs all boys and of course my Siren. We island camp in a cleaner part of the Hudson River . We almost hit max capacity on the game Fisher . Gets kinda stressful sometimes wakes from the larger boats .
Hello WilliamKidd, Sailing with your family aboard will require a boat at least the size you are considering. Add camping equipment and your total weight will certainly affect the sailing characteristics of a small sailboat. A motor will still be helpful to maneuver on the Hudson River. Consider the condition of the trailer also if there is one. Check the accuracy of the paperwork for the boat and trailer. Check sailboatdata dot com for information on the Ensenada 20. Also any of the "sailboats for sale" sites might have a boat you can use for comparing condition of boat and sails.
It sounds like the boat is not rigged up. You need to put up the mast, make sure all the shrouds and stays are there. Are the rudder gudgeons functional and attached firmly to the transom. I think you would be better off looking at a boat that is ready to go into the water, or better yet, already in the water. Like a power boat, there are a lot of things that make a sailboat a bad deal.