I decided to start with registration, which was relatively easy. The only problem is I decided to register them both in Kentucky (where we currently live), which requires a title for the trailer (have they seen my trailer?). Fortunately Kentucky doesn't require trailers to be registered so I am free to transport it sans-plate. However I will be registering the boat in Ohio next year because that is where I'll be doing most of my sailing.
After registering the boat I headed to Strictly Sail with my best buddy Chris. Fortunately for us they were holding an open house where all purchases were 20% off! (They also had big discounts on boats, but I'm not quite ready for that Mac 26 X/M yet). We picked up varnish, halyard ropes and sail cleaner. Ill get back to these in a few...
Ever since I determined that the trailer bunks needed to be replaced I debated on which way to go. The original bunks were carpeted 2x4"s with the boat resting on the 2" side of the boards. This was causing some harsh pressure points on the hull and I could see the fiberglass beginning to pucker. The first option involved a similar setup using bolster (swivel) brackets and padded 2x4"s, only this time the boat would rest on the 4" part of the boards. The other was a hull-splined, form-fitting bunk technique posted by Shorty Pen. I thought this was a neat idea, and went with this approach. So we took a trip to Home Depot to buy pressure-treated lumber, indoor/outdoor carpet and bolts to fasten to the trailer.
Back at the homestead, we removed the boat from its trailer and laid it upside down in the yard. We balanced and leveled the boat and then placed the board on the hull. For the tracing of the hull shape, I changed my method a bit from Shorty. I saw an episode of Shipshape TV where they traced the curve of a transom using a disk instead of the block that Shorty used. Fortunately I had a 16mm film reel that I used for decorating my office that worked perfectly!After cutting the shape out we padded the curve using foam pipe insulation to give the boat an extra amount of cushion. Then we added the carpet. We fastened it down using indoor/outdoor carpet glue and carpet tacks. We then set it aside to dry. While we had the boat upside down, we decided to wash and wax the bottom as well as patch any cracks or chips in the hull.
While we worked, I decided to go ahead and clean my nasty sails using Starbrite Sail and Canvas Cleaner. The instructions say to mix with water and let soak for 24 hours. Guess we'll see tomorrow...
Now you may think I get royalties from these companies for pluging all of these products, but I don't! I just want to promote those companies that have given me good service and to help anyone who is going through the same process find quality, affordable resources. With that in mind may I recommend The Trailer Parts Superstore. They have everything at a price you can't beat and delivery is superfast! I ordered the new wheels from them and 3 days later I had them at my doorstep!With the sun going down and out muscles sore, Chris and I call it a day and decide to finish the job tomorrow.
The next morning we place the bunk on the trailer, which took some engineering. The trailer that Shorty had for his Holder 12 had its trailer tongue bolted to the underside of the frame, mine fastened to the top. By adding some wood blocks and brackets we were able to fasten it onto the trailer, but I thing we may have to do some additional reinforcing as well as adding some support for the back of the boat. Then with a large about of sweat and muscle we hoisted 300+ lbs of boat back onto the trailer. It sat pretty well, but the trailer tounge is bent slightly and makes the boat appear as if its sitting crooked. If I decide to keep the boat for a long time I may sell this trailer and buy a newer one.
With the boat back on its trailer we cleaned and polished the boat using Bass Pro Boat Wash, Megular's Boat Polish and good ol' 3M Black Streak Remover. While some light orange spots remain from rust stains, most of them and other stains were removed, including some scuffing on the gunwhale where the boat had been stored upside down on its shrouds. I may have to try some rust remover to get the rest of them, but overall I am VERY pleased with how the boat looks.
24 hours later, I remove the sails from their bath, hosed them off and hung them to dry, and wow... That's all I can say... Now, if you don't remember what the sails looked like before, look at my "Boat Survey 1" posting from November 06. The jib is almost good as new! The main, while still stained in some areas, is a VAST improvement. Another Starbrite treatment and those stains might disappear! So if your sails are the slightest bit dirty or stained, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS STUFF!!! I tried scrubbing with soap, lime juice and salt, oxyclean, and NOTHING worked as well! Let this also be a lesson to you: PLEASE TAKE CARE OF YOUR SAILS!!!!
Now it's time for a shower and sleep. Happy sailing!
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