Looking at a Stella 26 - What do I need to look for?

[DangerousPirate]

I only owned GRP boats so far and I am not sure if wooden boats are harder to maintain or more "dangerous" to own (as the wood can rot away and other nightmares like that).

So I haven't quite made up my mind yet and would like to visit her. Shes quite far away soit would be handy if I knew which weak spots to look for.

Thanks in advance

 

[Caraway]

Cracked ribs.

 

[Refueler]

Stella's are nice boats but are getting on in years now. They can still show a few modern boats a pace or two !

If it was me ....

I would not buy unless I could check her OUT of water. Why ?

Having sailed Hilyards and later my own wood boat - the common factor as they age is rot. Underwater areas such as where keels bolt on, Stella is a full on Iron Long Keel ... rudders / stern shafts etc. Anywhere where the wood has been drilled and item fitted.
She is also Clinker so careful eye on the strakes and they being true to form.

Seller will not like this - but it is common to take a sharp point and check the wood for soft / rotted areas .... its also good idea to look very closely as to whether anyone else before you has 'poked' holes in her !

As to rest - engine etc. - that's basically standard stuff.

 

[Tranona]

Daydreambeliever is the Stella expert here having owned more than one and rebuilt one.

No doubt he will enthuse about its sailing and racing qualities, but the simple answer is they are not boats for the "ordinary" boater. Best raced in class with the odd spartan cruise, but like many classic wooden boats they own you rather than you owning them. Can be bought fairly cheaply, but the purchase cost is just the entry fee to a lifetime of work and money required to keep and use in a way they deserve.

So, look elsewhere and if the style excites you a GRP Contessa 26 is similar and usually similar money, although still requires more commitment to get the best out of them than your Pageant.

 

[Daydream believer]

Tranona sums it up nicely. One should not consider a Stella unless one has considerable joinery skills & can store the boat & has facilities for working on it. There is a good chance that there will be lots of rot & the fastenings will probably probably be sick. The wood will be rotten around them & it will be impossible to re tighten them..Decks are covered in canvas & this may be damaged allowing water into the ply below. The decks are held with galvanised nails which will probably be corroded. The chainplates will possibly be poorly attached. There may also be rot under the deck by the transom knees to look for as the canvas is often broken here.. Broken ribs are easy to repair once access is obtained. The original Stuart turner or larger Seafarer engines will probably have been replaced so one may be lucky & have a decent 10HP engine.
Unless substantial work has already been completed on the hull by skilled people I would be inclined to walk away.
However, It is a great project if you have 3.5 years & every weekend to spare for a complete full rebuild . Plus £15K +- assuming the engine is OK
Tranona has mentioned the Contessa. There are others & the Invicta comes to mind if one is available

What number Stella are you looking at?

 

[DangerousPirate]

I don't feel ready for a wooden boat, they're probably very nice to own for someone with more time and interest for the upkeep. I might let this one slip then.

Thank you for your advice.

 

[Dan Tribe]

We had a Stella as a family member for 20 years, sold her 20 years ago and still miss her. True classics, nothing quite like them. Fond memories of good fleet racing and holiday cruises with 2 young kids.
We recently saw our old boat at Pin Mill, looking better than new.
As others have said they aren't just a commodity that you own, you are merely custodians.

 

[Praxinoscope]

I agree with Tranona and Daydream Believer, wooden boats require a lot of maintenance, time and money, both the Contessa 26 and the Invicta 26 would probably suit you better and have similar lines. There are times when I still miss my old Invicta26 despite its cramped accomodation, and there are still good examples for sale.