South African Phoenix 11.3

[Powerelectronicsguy]

Please help me. As a new member, this is my first post.

I found a “Phoenix 11.3” (ghost ship?) moored near my slip in Jacksonville FL. Her faded transom signage says “Finesse” Liverpool, England and she’s in terrible shape. I am planning to buy her as a backyard restoration project. Years ago, she supposedly was sailed to Jacksonville from England just before her skipper died. Another owner bought her from the estate, replaced the headsail/furler, and sailed to the Bahamas and back one time. She’s been moored here ever since. The current owner acquired her on a trade and says she was built somewhere in South Africa several years ago. She apparently has a full keel and a center cockpit. In the forward cabin with considerable varnishwork, there is a head in the forepeek, a shower/sink with sliding doors immediately aft, a salon with port and starboard settees amidships, a galley to port of the companionway ladder and a chart table to starboard of it with a tunnel (helmsman berth?) immediately aft of the chart table bench to an aft cabin fitted for stores. Some type of 50hp 4-cylinder GMC/British diesel with a British transmission is evidently affixed under the cockpit sole.
Does anyone know about this vessel’s history? Has anyone ever heard of Phoenix Sailing Yachts in South Africa? Does anyone have a Phoenix 37 center cocpit cutter with a furled jibsail, hanked-on staysail, mainsail, and full keel outfitted like this one? Thank you for any reply or consideration.

 

[31seahorse]

Ambition to be admired! Best Wishes on your search. I imagine you used an internet search for the company. Have you checked sailboatdata for that type of boat? RE: the CD 22.........My Oh My what a beautiful boat!

 

[Powerelectronicsguy]

Thank you for replying. Had it not been for my CD22 (s/v Cockleshell), I would have never found s/v Finesse. Sailboatdata.com is the first place I surfed - dead end. Today, I will ask the owner if I can review whatever paperwork he has and also take photographs so I can post them to all the sites and wait for a reply. What do you think a partially derelict 37 foot full keel hull is worth these days?

 

[31seahorse]

What do you think a partially derelict 37 foot full keel hull is worth these days?

I am sorry to say this, but I have been in the same predicament several times during my years spent sailing. The boat that is "tugging at your heartstrings" may be, realistically, worth nothing. The desire to rescue a "near derelict" boat is an easy trap to fall into. As many on this site will attest there are too many usable boats for sale to make a basket case worth your time and money just because you are convinced: "It is a shame to see that beautiful boat rot". Several thousand dollars will be spent getting the boat hauled out and the mast unstepped. Double that figure to do the reverse process if you ever complete the work. Engine? Rigging? Interior? Thru hull fittings? Electronics? Oh, Heavens, my head spins to even consider that project.
Add pictures, though, so we all can see the DITR * (Diamond in the Rough)

 

[Powerelectronicsguy]

You may be correct. Jacksonville is a haven for unloved boats, most of which have been abandoned for the very reasons you state. When I shared my intentions with him, the marine unit sheriff was pleased and excited that I asked him to locate/contact the owner for me. He actually thanked me for helping to clean up the river. Nevertheless, I will try to do the honest math and look for a way to prove you wrong. Yesterday, a nearby yard owner quoted his crane at about $450 (only way to unstep the mast on a boat that size) and $10/ft for haulout. So placing her on a cost free flatbed trailer ready for transport would be over $820 and counting. Although my friend owns the flatbed trailer and truck for his large dozer, getting her to my backyard and blocked under my doublewide carport is another unknown expense I will research. Today it’s looking pretty grim --- it all might just be another lesson in frustration over pipedreams and impossibilities….

 

[woodster]

i am just now winding down on a refit/restore project...i really have enjoyed do this.....but would i do this again....no way Jose.....it has taken me 5 years to get to this stage and i have learned a lot.....and my life is running short (read 68 years old ) and its time to use it and learn how to sail and travel on it...and i will be a happy camper when that part begins...lots of places to go and people to meet along with the going from point A to point B...don't know how old you are but give it some serious thought if you are totally green go sailing with some people and learn how bad you want to do this ....as i end my rebuilding stage it is bittersweet for me because i like fixing things but also like using the fruits of my labor...good luck on your choice....

 

[DAVA390]

I would think that using lowboy trailor to get that boat in your carport would be as tough indeed. More likely a hydraulic pads (movable struts) trailor would be required.

 

[sailnoproblem]

I guess it depends on how far gone she is. When I purchased my project for $1,500 it was mostly cosmetic.
I was able to do all the work myself, with help from my Sons. It took a year and a half to finish her (not that she will ever be finished).
The main cost was the yard storage as I was able to do all the work there. I also rebuilt the inboard (Atomic 4) I was a motor head in my younger days.
I can be honest and tell you it was a great experience, and the sailing is a great reward. But the bottom line is cost, and how much time you are willing to invest.
Take your time and try to figure it out. You might have to go with your wallet instead of your heart.