Howard and I have restored two down-at-heel boats. 23 years ago, our Vega, and
two years ago, our most recent boat, a 1977 Mercator 30. Both times it cost
more than we thought it might, but having handled every nut, bolt, wire, tube,
etc, we know both boats inside and out. One of the best parts of working on an
old boat is the people you meet. Every time we'd hit a wall invariably someone
would say, "well you should talk to so-and-so, and we would. So many generous
people gave us the benefit of their knowledge and expertise, became great
cheerleaders for our projects, and good friends too. If you have a bit of the handyman in you, a willingness to learn, a bit of
patience, and a place to work on the boat that won't cost an arm and a leg if
the restoration takes longer than you imagine--which it will, then go for it.
Sheila________________________________
From: Ric n6ric@...
To:
AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Mon, November 22, 2010 7:43:21 PM
Subject: [AlbinVega] Re: Vega Wanted
Peter,
I agree totally. And, the things you learn. I've at least doubled my knowledge
about all the inner working of sailboats between all the reading and actually
doing the work. I'll know every inch of the boat when I'm done and you don't
get that when you buy a finished product. Sure, I'll miss a couple of seasons
before it's ready to sail, but that's what friends with boats are for. It will
be finished before I retire and that's when I will really take advantage of it.
Fair winds,
Ric
s/v Blue Max
#2692