Widgeon Purchase/Advice

Status
Not open for further replies.
Aug 8, 2006
15
NULL NULL Massachusetts
Hi, I am going to look at a 1983 Widgeon this weekend, as a possible buyer. Any suggestions of things I should look for/? Also, this boat does not have a motor mount, and I think I might want one (and a motor) eventually. Any suggestions as to what type of mount, an appropriate source, and precisely where to mount it? Thanks in advance Mark
 
S

steven

re:

Hi, I own a widgeon purchased new in 1974 and used exclusively on a rocky NH lake. We had a lot of cracking in the fiberglass under the boat around the centerboard trunk. It leaked quite badly until my dad figured out a way to repair it. As I remember it involved elbow grease, sanding, epoxy and fiberglass cloth. Otherwise in regular use every summer with all orinal equipment. I am also the third owner of a 1976 widgeon that was sailed only from a mooring on a Vermont lake and stored winters in a barn. It's in good condition with all original equipment. The sails on both boats have been in once for repairs. Seams and batten pockets and such. I know nothing about motors or mounts for these boats. I paid 750 for the '76 with a ( badly rusted )trailer that I eventually replaced with a kit from harbor freight. The boat alone typically goes for 500-1000 depending on condition. I don't think I'd buy any boat needing major repair or missing major parts ( like masts or sails ) because you should be able to buy a ready to sail boat for under 1000. -- steven
 
Aug 8, 2006
15
NULL NULL Massachusetts
Widgeon advice

Thanks for the advice, Steven. The owner told me that there had been some crazing/cracking around the CB trunk, and that it had been professionally repaired. I view the boat for the first time tomorrow, so I will certainly check that thoroughly. The boat is complete (mast, sails, trailer) and seems to be priced well within your estimate of approximate value. Thanks again. Mark
 
N

nancy

me too

i also looked at a widgeon this wkend. boat seems to be in good shape with a new trailer. The sails will probably need to be replaced though. I am going to take it for a sail this week. The asking price is $1500 which I find a bit steep. Also, the selller has no idea of the year. Any advice on pricing any way to find outr the year???
 
S

Sam

Motor Mount for Widgeon

I have a Widgeon, purchased 1968. Its been in many of the upstate new york lakes. Shipped to the Gulf coast in 1981 after 18 years with General Electric in Schenectady, NY and the boat came with us in a mayflower vanlines, fitting I guess.. Sailed lakes of Texas as a trailored unit unit the kids were grown, including several trips to galveston, Tx to run with the dophins along the coast. I purchased a 46 lb thrust Mito Kuta electric with a transon clamp a few years ago and gave up my paddles. I still have the orginal sails, but I am on my second trailer. Puff is know docked (or trailered) at Lake Travis on the upper Colorado River. The Mito Kota is good for docking or if the winds from the gulf are down its doubles as a trolling motor...
 
S

Sam

purchase of Widgeon

Here in central texas, I do not see alot of Odays but If It is a new one, I can testify that I paided $750 for a Widgeon, boat and trailer in Schenectady, NY in 1968. I still have it. The only wear I have observed is the Texas and Gulfcoast Sun have taken a toll on the seating which was wooden.. I have oiled, treated varished etc. but alas, its finally cracked beyound repair. I would like to know if anyone has a source for Widgeon seating or a suggestion to treat the surface with for one more season..?? Thanks in advance.
 
Aug 8, 2006
15
NULL NULL Massachusetts
Thanks, All

I looked at the boat yesterday. I loved the boat, hated the trailer. The sails, mast and boom look brand new. The crazing around the CB trunk is just gelcoat. I put a lot of pressure on the area around the trunk, and there was no flexing I could feel. I believe it is just cosmetic. The current owner has owned the boat for 20 years, and told me it has been in the water maybe 10 of those 20 years (they live on a lake). Never been in saltwater since they've owned it. The bottom needs painting, as well. Because the boat was never trailed anywhere, and just stored on the trailer in their yard, the trailer has deteriorated quite a bit. I will need to replace much of the trailer above the wheels to make it safe for trailering. One thing I found confusing is that there is a single rope (a loop I presume) for raising lowering the centerboard. The rope exits two holes in the forward part of the CB trunk. I assume it is just a "pull one way to lower, pull the other to raise"? Because it appears to be a loop, I'm not sure how I would replace the rope. Does anyone have a Widgeon with this CB system, and if so, have you removed/replaced this rope? Any advice on how to do it would be appreciated. Most of the documentation I've found on line is for earlier versions with a lever. Asking price for the boat/trailer is $800. Mark
 
Status
Not open for further replies.