Boat Survey 1

This weekend marks the first time I've seen my boat since she was given to me. She is currently sitting in a storage barn near Georgetown, OH (approx 1 hour from where I live). Her hull is in great shape, but as you might expect for a boat that hasn't been sailed in 10 years she's a bit dirty. Nothing a litle rubbing compound and elbow grease wouldn't fix (you know I've never understood that phrase?). Unfortunately I was so excited to see her that I forgot to take any pictures of her hull.

Her trailer currently sits in two pieces: The axle, wheels and bunks and the tounge. The pieces are attached via U-Bolts which were completely rusted. My uncle cut the bolts using a saw with the intention of buying new u-bolts and putting it back together. He got halfway there (buying new u-bolts a few weeks before). Not a big deal. One of the tires is dryrotted, but my uncle was able to secure a new wheel and tire. Check. However, one of the bearings is about to go and should either be repacked or replaced. Since the boat hasn't moved since the 80s I vote new bearings all the way around. I also need to add a wiring kit from Wally-World to complete the deal. Otherwise trailer is in great shape.

Her rigging seems to be fine. May need new shrouds. There's also a few stains on the mast and boom, but should clean right off. Will definitely need some new lines for the running rigging.

Our plan is to try and move her on either the 25 (weekend after Thanksgiving) or December 1st. In the meantime I thought it best to take her sails home and see what I was in for.

Yikes! Look at that nasty sail bag!!! We're going to try and let it soak in a bath of hot water and Oxyclean... otherwise it looks as if I'll be adding a new sailbag to my shopping list.

As with may boats left to sit, her bag was thrown into the storage compartment in the bow. Inside, her jib! I was frightened to death to see what waited inside...
Hmmm.. not nearly as bad as I thought! A few dirt spots, but surprisingly no mildew! No tears, no holes. Sail looks good for its age. Now...onto the mainsail...

Unfortunately, the main has lived for the past several years wrapped tightly around the boom. Hmmm... looks like the main didn't fair as well. Large dirt spots which may be stained. The top batten is broken and will need to be replaced. The orange stripe at the top of the port side has been bleached by the sun :-( However, still no mildew and no tears! We may be able to live with these sails at least a couple of seasons if not longer. For now both sails will be placed indoors and await springtime when I can wash them and hang them off their mast to dry.

While I was at it I grabbed the tiller and rudder. Definitely in need of some sandpaper and polyurethane. Kirsten has volunteered to make this her winter project!

Next weekend is the Strictly Sail Annual Garage Sale. I'm going to try and do some shopping there and at least get a new sailbag! I am also going to spend this week trying to figure out exactly where to put the boat for the winter. I want to have her closer so I can work on her on weekends.

-Joe out.