First time out

[drake]

I have sourced a 1940 27' whaler for a ridiculously low sum of money (probably reflects the likely cost of restoration) and the boat wil be burnt if someone (me) doesn't take it on. As you might expect although I've sailed this type of boat many times I have never worked on one and don't know enough to identify likely shortcomings or problems serious enough to indicate the boat is beyond saving - in truth I should never have looked at the boat but now I have its rapidly becoming a mission to save her (is this what old boats do to you)
Can anyone give me some sort of guidance - there are a couple of cracked ribs - some plaking appears a little loose (its been out of water for several years and overall the condition appears neglected and dry, but with possibilities.

 

[Kristal]

Yes, that is what they do to you. I haven't been in the game myself very long, but once you've taken that disastrous first look, few escape unscathed...

The important thing is to know what you're getting into, of course, being totally honest with yourself (something that I'm quite bad at), especially regarding the cost. You need to be sure that, once you have taken the decision to save her, she'll be a boat that will suit you once she's all better. And, of course, a survey is vital, even if you think the surveyor will just laugh at you - their subsequent report becomes your benchmark for the work that needs doing. It's especially vital for those of us (myself included) who really wouldn't be able to spot a really serious issue by ourselves.

Other immediate considerations are where to keep her whilst the restoration is going ahead, who is going to do it, and how many thousands you can spare. It's pretty scary, but if you've got the bug, and you're giving it serious consideration, then give it a bit more - daunting it will be, but if after consideration you are determined to go ahead, it will also be enormously rewarding!

Best of luck, and keep your eye on this forum - the way that knowledge gets into you by osmosis is remarkable!!

/<

 

[Mirelle]

Luckily you know these boats. I think there is one test that you can apply. Walk carefully round her, and ask yourself "Does she look right?" "Has she retained her original shape, overall? Is the sheerline still "right" and does the cross section look "right", both overall and in way of the cracked ribs?

If the answers are "yes", she can be brought back without much trouble.

Whalers were common boats, built to a standard Navy specification, and well maintained whilst in the Navy. You will know which metal fittings, if any, are missing and you have a very good chance of turning them up at boat jumbles or secondhand gear shops.