Beginner advice

[Rabchef]

Hi all. First post (of many I’m sure)

I have bought a Hurley alacrity 19ft. Collect a week on Saturday.

Im wondering what size of anchor would be advisable for this boat? I’m looking at a few on eBay. I’ll be using the boat in my local bay (Girva) mainly for day fishing trips with a few overnighters planned. The boats needing gutted, painted and inside wood replaced. First off it’ll be a good clean to remove the 2 plus years of grime and algae, deck scrub the deck then get her hull sanded back and a coat or 2 of undercoat then check for any missed bits (I’ve read undercoat will show any patches needing further attention before applying top coat) then get top coaat painted. I’m also wondering how much paint I’ll need to do this? Thinking one or 2 layers undercoat then 2 layers top coat (does this sound right?) Planning to use garage floor paint. Basically this will be a shoestring project where possible due to first boat and limited funds available As I only work 30 hours per week.

I’m sure there will be plenty more questions to be asked but for the mean time this will suffice. Basically I’ll be learning as I go along as I’ve not the first clue about yachts/boats in general.
cheers

 

[VicS]

my 19ft Sea Wych was supplied with a 15lb CQR type anchor and 90ft of ¼" chain

Is garage floor paint suitable for exterior use ?

 

[Rabchef]

my 19ft Sea Wych was supplied with a 15lb CQR type anchor and 90ft of ¼" chain

Is garage floor paint suitable for exterior use ?

Hey!

Thanks for reply. That gives me a starting figure. Yeah it’s a polyurethane paint that’s oil and fuel resistant. I’ve found a few posts of people using it with success. Some people saying that boat paint should be used of course but from what I can gather it’s about 1/4 the price of hull paint for the effectively the same thing With a different label. ?

As I say, funds are limited, so it will do for a season I’m sure. I know there’s people out there just gloss with general house gloss so I’m just going to batter on with it.

 

[garymalmgren]

Hi Rabchef
Before you paint or even buy paint.
Pull her out and power wash and then scrub with diluted brick cleaner and then power wash again.
You could be surprised (or not) on how well she comes up.
You will probably get away with the same approach inside.

gary

 

[jamie N]

Welcome. I reckon that after you've done the "good clean", you'll find yourself with a lot less work as she'll look SOoooo much better.
One word of advice is to ensure that you keep on enjoying it all; some times easier said than done.
I know this.

 

[garymalmgren]

Hi Jamie.
We hit the send button at exactly the same time.
Same idea too.

gary

 

[Stemar]

15lbs/7,5kg sounds about right for an anchor. A Delta would be my choice for the best holding/price ratio, but others will have other ideas, and I'm not going to say they're wrong If you find something else of the right size at the right price, go for it, though I'd avoid a Bruce. If you can, get a genuine make - CQR, Delta or whatever; some of the clones are dire.

I'd go for 6mm chain, not more than 10-15m to keep the weight down, and as much rope as you can get at a sensible price 30m would do, but up to 50 would be better. 10-12mm octoplait would be my choice, as it's less likely to tangle, but if you haven't got an anchor locker, anything apart from that horrible blue polyprop would do. Even that would get you going which you're saving up for some good stuff.

A visit to a boat jumble might prove useful. Also Ebay may have a second hand stuff that would do the job.

When it comes to painting, I'm with Jamie and Gary - give her a good clean and see what you've got. If you've got time, you can paint but, once the weather improves, it's more important to get out on the water.

 

[Tranona]

Agree. Don't bother with paint. It is GRP which does not need painting for protection. Slapping on garage floor paint is a complete waste of time. It will do nothing to preserve the boat and look awful - and it is NOT the same as proper yacht paint, except similar to that used for painting the bilges!

 

[Rabchef]

Hi Rabchef
Before you paint or even buy paint.
Pull her out and power wash and then scrub with diluted brick cleaner and then power wash again.
You could be surprised (or not) on how well she comes up.
You will probably get away with the same approach inside.

gary

Yeah thats defo the first thing getting done to her! Buzzing to get her. Not sure what ive let myself in for but be fun none the less!

 

[Rabchef]

15lbs/7,5kg sounds about right for an anchor. A Delta would be my choice for the best holding/price ratio, but others will have other ideas, and I'm not going to say they're wrong If you find something else of the right size at the right price, go for it, though I'd avoid a Bruce. If you can, get a genuine make - CQR, Delta or whatever; some of the clones are dire.

I'd go for 6mm chain, not more than 10-15m to keep the weight down, and as much rope as you can get at a sensible price 30m would do, but up to 50 would be better. 10-12mm octoplait would be my choice, as it's less likely to tangle, but if you haven't got an anchor locker, anything apart from that horrible blue polyprop would do. Even that would get you going which you're saving up for some good stuff.

A visit to a boat jumble might prove useful. Also Ebay may have a second hand stuff that would do the job.

When it comes to painting, I'm with Jamie and Gary - give her a good clean and see what you've got. If you've got time, you can paint but, once the weather improves, it's more important to get out on the water.

Yeah my mates got me a cqr. Cant mind the weight but he reckons itll do. My dads got me some rope and chain. Im basically clueless so far but got a few friends and family in to boats so ill suss it out as i go along.
The painting is really just for cosmetic reasons more than anything else, abd of course to add my own flair to it.

 

[Rabchef]

Agree. Don't bother with paint. It is GRP which does not need painting for protection. Slapping on garage floor paint is a complete waste of time. It will do nothing to preserve the boat and look awful - and it is NOT the same as proper yacht paint, except similar to that used for painting the bilges!

Got ye! Really the paint was more about cosmetics than anything else. I might be lucky and the gelcoat is decent after a wash. Really thats the first place to start. I dont think itd look that awful painted though. I mean if its prepped well the finish shouldbt be too bad if i prime it as well?? ?

 

[LadyInBed]

I’ll be using the boat in my local bay (Girva) mainly for day fishing trips with a few overnighters planned

Does it have a working engine?

 

[Rabchef]

Does it have a working engine?

No but ive picked up a wee 4hp outboard. My mates using ine on his hurley 20. Says its fine. Initially itll be calm days ill be using it to get experience and used to it. Ill do a day day skipper course (minimum) to learn the basics of using the sails

 

[Tranona]

Painting old GRP boats is the job you do after you have done everything else and are bored. To do it properly even on a small boat like that is a huge amount of work in the right conditions. If you do have a go, pleaee don't use garage floor paint. The proper stuff, undercoat, filler and top coat will cost less than £100 to do the hull. Don't even think about doing the deck as preparation on this is even more work and the angles of the moulding and the bits that are attached make it a nightmare to paint. To do it properly you need to strip everything off and take the windows out.

Just concentrate on getting it seaworthy and learn how to sail it.

 

[Rabchef]

No but ive picked up a wee 4hp outboard. My mates using ine on his hurley 20. Says its fine. Initially itll be calm days ill be using it to get experience and used to it. Ill do a day day skipper course (minimum) to learn the basics of using the sails

The plan will maybe ti go up to 7/8hp

Painting old GRP boats is the job you do after you have done everything else and are bored. To do it properly even on a small boat like that is a huge amount of work in the right conditions. If you do have a go, pleaee don't use garage floor paint. The proper stuff, undercoat, filler and top coat will cost less than £100 to do the hull. Don't even think about doing the deck as preparation on this is even more work and the angles of the moulding and the bits that are attached make it a nightmare to paint. To do it properly you need to strip everything off and take the windows out.

Just concentrate on getting it seaworthy and learn how to sail it.

oh the paint was just for the hull. The only interior painting will be any woodwork ive replaced in the cabin. Deck wont be getting touched. £100 for hull doing properly is fine by me? What supplier do you reccomend? What ecactly would i need to buy to get a boat that size done properly?? Ill add it to my growing list.
I get where you are coming from about get in the water and enjoy it but im really wanting it painted if the hull doesnt wash up like new. So might as well asess what ill need cos its getting done either way. I do 7 days on 7 days off in my job so time isnt too much of an issue. Cant take longer than a week to paint a hull surely??

 

[Rabchef]

Boat & Barge Marine Underwater Hull Paint Chlorinated Rubber - 100's of colours | eBay

Painting old GRP boats is the job you do after you have done everything else and are bored. To do it properly even on a small boat like that is a huge amount of work in the right conditions. If you do have a go, pleaee don't use garage floor paint. The proper stuff, undercoat, filler and top coat will cost less than £100 to do the hull. Don't even think about doing the deck as preparation on this is even more work and the angles of the moulding and the bits that are attached make it a nightmare to paint. To do it properly you need to strip everything off and take the windows out.

Just concentrate on getting it seaworthy and learn how to sail it.

 

[garymalmgren]

Hi Rabchef
Looking for an anchor and rode is a good safety move to start.

But Ladyinbed's question , Does it have a working engine? is really, really important.

Working means 100% reliable.
Not a cheapy that starts occasionally.

The plan will maybe ti go up to 7/8hp

4/ 5 HP would be fine.

gary

 

[Rabchef]

Hi Rabchef
Looking for an anchor and rode is a good safety move to start.

But Ladyinbed's question , Does it have a working engine? is really, really important.

Working means 100% reliable.
Not a cheapy that starts occasionally.

gary

Yes ive now got an anchor.
The engine im picking up is a fully stripped, cleaned and refurbished (all seals etc replaced) long shaft 4hp outboard...

 

[William_H]

As said go for 6 metres of chain and the rest in rope for anchor. Actual anchor size might be dictated by stowage available. if you have an anchor locker go for biggest that will fit in. If not you might have to just put the anchor and chain and rope into a bag. So this total weight will be a limiting factor. Cut a hole in the bottom of the bag and have the inboard end of the rope protruding. Then feed the rope in randomly layered then the chain on top fo that with anchor at the opening. So in use you first fix the inboard end of the rope to something solid. feed the anchor then chain then rope out into the water. Use a deck cleat to tie off the rope at the suitable amount for the depth. You will need a fairlead on the gunwhale at the bow to lead the anchor rope out to the water without chafe.
If you have an anchor well then make a fixing for the inboard end of the rope in the bottom. A saddle bolted down. Then feed the rope in followed by chain and anchor on top. All set for deployment.
As said don't go for major painting and refurbishment. Just do the minimum to get you going then get some experience. I hope you love it.
ol'will

 

[Rabchef]

Y

As said go for 6 metres of chain and the rest in rope for anchor. Actual anchor size might be dictated by stowage available. if you have an anchor locker go for biggest that will fit in. If not you might have to just put the anchor and chain and rope into a bag. So this total weight will be a limiting factor. Cut a hole in the bottom of the bag and have the inboard end of the rope protruding. Then feed the rope in randomly layered then the chain on top fo that with anchor at the opening. So in use you first fix the inboard end of the rope to something solid. feed the anchor then chain then rope out into the water. Use a deck cleat to tie off the rope at the suitable amount for the depth. You will need a fairlead on the gunwhale at the bow to lead the anchor rope out to the water without chafe.
If you have an anchor well then make a fixing for the inboard end of the rope in the bottom. A saddle bolted down. Then feed the rope in followed by chain and anchor on top. All set for deployment.
As said don't go for major painting and refurbishment. Just do the minimum to get you going then get some experience. I hope you love it.
ol'will

yeah i was reading up and saw chain should be lenth of boat. My mates acquired me a 10 or 15kg CQR for free. My dads got a rope and chain. Unsure of dimensions but ill find out and if not suitable ill look forone that is. As much as its on a shoestring budget im happy to fork out for an anchor. I want to wake up relatively close to where i fell asleep on over nighters ?