So here we go. I need all the sane sailors (if there is such a thing) particularly those sailing wood boats to help me out here. This past weekend I looked at a pilot sloop, (I assume it's a pilot sloop based on the design but it could be one of the many variations of a pilot sloop and I've seen, and there are many). I've been looking for a project, as if three Sunfish, a Hobie Cat, Thistle, Snark and McGregor V222 aren't enough. My partner and I are looking to partially retire in the next 5 to 10 years and do a little cruising. It's our dream, and as with most dreams, an occasional reality check is necessary.
We always loved the classic pilot sloops but never considered one because, well... their wood. LOL - at least the ones we consider appealing. We live in a 120-year-old wooden house and love it, so it stands to reason our sailboat taste would be similar, classic.
Now before the naysayers start to chime in, let me be clear. I'm looking to talk to sailors who have actually owned or still own a wooden boat. I love this site and have always valued the information I get from it and the people who provide it. That being said... if you've "heard" or "someone told you," with respect please don't comment. Or at the least keep it positive, if you do. Many times I see folks here "punching above their weight class. I'm an experienced sailor and have successfully completed a number of restorations, just not a wood one.
Her deck has been glassed over and there doesn't appear to be any water coming from the top side. She appears to be oak and the seams seem more or less tight, though the bilge is pumping out water occasionally and there is a couple of inches of water in the bilge itself, though it doesn't reach the sole.
The current owner (the marina manager) has no idea what she is. She was given to him in lieu of slip fees (sad). He said the old man spent his inheritance building her (best guess she was built in the '80s). She appears to be quit overbuild, heavy and solid at least above the waterline.
The interior is pretty bare, though that's kind of what we are looking for, as we could finish to our liking.
Again, there is no water coming from the ports or above from what I can see and there is a new or nearly new Beta Marine 35 diesel engine with low hours.
The main is nearly new with a new cover. It appears to be missing its headsails though they are looking for them now.
There is no head, but it's plumbed for the galley sink so there is a holding tank somewhere. ALL THAT BEING SAID - the price is right. We have the desire and don't need a lot of encouragement to pull the trigger. It would be a multi-year project, but something we could use as a "lake cabin" while we work on her. It seems to me the old woodies are a little more forgiving when "building out the interior. In other words, many of the same techniques used with tradition "home wood construction" would apply. "So we want the companion stairs here, just build them there the way we want."
"Want a shower stall here - box it, plumb in and tile it." If we want a wood burner... put it in.
Long story short - we are sailors, we are very handy and we love wood boats. So, what am I missing? My stepson is a diver. We plan to dive and have a look at the hull where she sits. Though I'm not sure what we could determine while she is in the water. I can at least look for rot below the line and determine her draft and hull shape. I know she has a canoe stern but am uncertain of her hull shape and of course condition.
Here are my questions:
1) Based on what you can see here and my description if anyone can tell me more about her design I would be grateful.
2) I believe she could be a capable cruiser - and even perhaps blue water capable. Thoughts?
3) I've been told not to pull her until I'm ready (completely ready) to get busy - the limited research I've done says once she's out - she will dry out and that's worse than rot. Thoughts?
I've been told wooden boats require a special kind of madness. I must be mad... because I'm pretty close to pulling the trigger.
Todd
We always loved the classic pilot sloops but never considered one because, well... their wood. LOL - at least the ones we consider appealing. We live in a 120-year-old wooden house and love it, so it stands to reason our sailboat taste would be similar, classic.
Now before the naysayers start to chime in, let me be clear. I'm looking to talk to sailors who have actually owned or still own a wooden boat. I love this site and have always valued the information I get from it and the people who provide it. That being said... if you've "heard" or "someone told you," with respect please don't comment. Or at the least keep it positive, if you do. Many times I see folks here "punching above their weight class. I'm an experienced sailor and have successfully completed a number of restorations, just not a wood one.
Her deck has been glassed over and there doesn't appear to be any water coming from the top side. She appears to be oak and the seams seem more or less tight, though the bilge is pumping out water occasionally and there is a couple of inches of water in the bilge itself, though it doesn't reach the sole.
The current owner (the marina manager) has no idea what she is. She was given to him in lieu of slip fees (sad). He said the old man spent his inheritance building her (best guess she was built in the '80s). She appears to be quit overbuild, heavy and solid at least above the waterline.
The interior is pretty bare, though that's kind of what we are looking for, as we could finish to our liking.
Again, there is no water coming from the ports or above from what I can see and there is a new or nearly new Beta Marine 35 diesel engine with low hours.
The main is nearly new with a new cover. It appears to be missing its headsails though they are looking for them now.
There is no head, but it's plumbed for the galley sink so there is a holding tank somewhere. ALL THAT BEING SAID - the price is right. We have the desire and don't need a lot of encouragement to pull the trigger. It would be a multi-year project, but something we could use as a "lake cabin" while we work on her. It seems to me the old woodies are a little more forgiving when "building out the interior. In other words, many of the same techniques used with tradition "home wood construction" would apply. "So we want the companion stairs here, just build them there the way we want."
"Want a shower stall here - box it, plumb in and tile it." If we want a wood burner... put it in.
Long story short - we are sailors, we are very handy and we love wood boats. So, what am I missing? My stepson is a diver. We plan to dive and have a look at the hull where she sits. Though I'm not sure what we could determine while she is in the water. I can at least look for rot below the line and determine her draft and hull shape. I know she has a canoe stern but am uncertain of her hull shape and of course condition.
Here are my questions:
1) Based on what you can see here and my description if anyone can tell me more about her design I would be grateful.
2) I believe she could be a capable cruiser - and even perhaps blue water capable. Thoughts?
3) I've been told not to pull her until I'm ready (completely ready) to get busy - the limited research I've done says once she's out - she will dry out and that's worse than rot. Thoughts?
I've been told wooden boats require a special kind of madness. I must be mad... because I'm pretty close to pulling the trigger.
Todd
