Some of you die hard tinkerers are going to hate this... But you know it is
true.
The problem with rebuilding old "project" sailboats is that you assume your
time is free and you can replace worn out parts with cheap new ones. Soon you
discover that there is no free ride.. The parts are cast from gold, the
fglass costs a fortune, the ribwork has turned to crud and must be replaced.
and you bank account is unable to handle the severe financial drain. Plus,
your continuous irritation drives your partner berserk..
If you succeed in rebuilding the vessel you have the satisfaction of having a
rebuilt "project" boat with little market value. If you had taken that money
you poured into your "project vessel" you could have afforded a new vessel
twice the size. And the time could of been used in taking care of your
honey.. Or traveling.. Or even sailing your new vessel.
Been there, done that, surrender.
Nevermore, Qouth the raven..
Used in good shape - Yes!
Used in sorry shape - NO WAY! Project boat - NO WAY EVER!
Best
SF
BTW: There are quite a few unfinished sailboat "projects" in market down here
where the dude surrendered after sinking deeply into debt..
In a message dated 10/26/99 10:49:22 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
lpsteffen@yahoo.com writes:
<< Subj: Potter 24 looks like a . . . .
Date: 10/26/99 10:49:22 AM Pacific Daylight Time
From: lpsteffen@yahoo.com (larry steffen)
To: wwpotter@tscnet.com
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
West Wight Potter Website at URL
http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
What does a Potter 24 look like? Check out the
Thunderbird which started as a racing class boat in
Puget Sound and has since been built in plywood around
the world and in many backyards! Hard chine with a
tall rig, it is very fast and has served as the basis
of PHRF ratings for many years. They are still
available for around $500.00 or less at harbor
auctions, and may be excellent projects, if dry rot
has not set in between the glass and wood surfaces in
too many places and sails and standing rigging are
good.
There is still an active racing fleet in Puget Sound
and east San Fran. Bay had some that were being
collected and restored for inter-yacht club Commodore
challanges a few years back.
The Thunderbird is the essence of hard chine sailing
and to bury the rail in a chop on one is devine. The
prettiest one I sailed on was framed and trimmed in
Phillipine mahogony and teak - a pampered beauty owned
by a Russian friend and fellow club member at Port San
Luis, CA. 'Twas a real beauty!
Just some thoughts . . . . .
Larry@Monterey Bay, CA
YUUKI HMS 18 #35
>>