Just Bought a Tayana 37 ! Now What ?

[SKG56]

Originally Posted by Sweetiepie

It is actually real now, and we are really excited, but this boat needs a lot of work to getting how we want it. Between all new instrumentation, sails that need work, a furling main that needs to come off the mast, new bimini...etc. etc. There is no hot water heater or heating stove on the boat either. What to do first? Help! And thanks to everyone for the wonderful advice, and help so far.

Congrats, now here is where the fun really begins. If it needs a lot of help you've certainly got your work cut out for you, but you can do it. Find and talk to as many T37 owners as you can. Bob Perry hangs out on this forum some too. It's been said by a lot of people that should know, that there are more T37's cruising the worlds oceans than any other sailboat, don't know if that's true, but she's outstanding, very fine. Was # 1 on my short list, just a little out of reach. Good Luck.

[SkiprJohn]

Congratulations. That's a great boat. If you are a liveaboard then make the boat comfortable enough to stay overnight. Sit below for a few hours and look around and start the list. Once you've got that list made then take her for a short motor and sail with the point being of completing another list. Seacocks and wiring are pretty much the first things I'd be looking at just to be on the safe side.
I think the previous posters have given you lots of good ideas but don't become overwhelmed.
Oh, and make certain you separate the things on your list that are "needs" vs "wants."
kind regards,

[callmecrazy]

it is somewhat important to be comfortable on your boat, but on a boat that size, I doubt you'll have many issues right away.

It's taken me atleast 6 months of living aboard to figure out what I really want. I had a bunch of ideas when I first got it, and implemented a lot of them. But, lately I find myself changing everything once again now that we've become more acquainted

Now, 8 months later since moving aboard, I wish I had started with the seaworthy stuff. If I had, I would be able to do some cruising this summer and work on the comfort stuff and cruising gear later. Now I'm 'stuck' with a comfortable boat that can only sail locally until I update the rigging (working on it!), install a new depth sounder, haul-out and replace the thru-hulls...etc..etc..

Shoulda done all that on the first haul out and during the first 6 months. Lessons learned.

[JoeDiver]

Originally Posted by SkiprJohn

Oh, and make certain you separate the things on your list that are "needs" vs "wants."

Originally Posted by callmecrazy

I had a bunch of ideas when I first got it, and implemented a lot of them. But, lately I find myself changing everything once again now that we've become more acquainted

Boy no doubt about that. My first list for my boat sure had alot of "wants" on it....that rather quickly got dropped as I started fixing up the boat and sailing her.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by Sweetiepie

It is actually real now, and we are really excited, but this boat needs a lot of work to getting how we want it. Between all new instrumentation, sails that need work, a furling main that needs to come off the mast, new bimini...etc. etc. There is no hot water heater or heating stove on the boat either. What to do first? Help! And thanks to everyone for the wonderful advice, and help so far.

Congrats on the new project. You didn't say what your plans are with the boat, so its hard comment on what should be next. Here's a blog from some good friends of ours that I helped them buy their T37 last year in La Paz. They did new chain plates and standing rigging. Engine servicing (injectors, pumps) and re-getting all the systems running. Bought the boat in Jan. Left in May for the S. Pacific. Are in New Zealand now. They still have a large list of to-do items and a lot of leaks to fix, but are enjoying the cruising on a budget.
http://svmadrona.blogspot.com

[Therapy]

Congratulations.

Wireless1 took a lot of wind out of your sails I know but he/she is not wrong.

Sorry.

[Gelfling]

Gratz!

As far as 'what you need to do' is really quite relative. A good hull....rudder...and sails is all you need to 'sail' her. As far as making her 'yours', well I have found that there is a 'cheap' way (not advised), an 'economical' way, and an 'expensive' way. I usually shoot for the 'economical' way but sometimes find I actually found the 'expensive' way. It is all a live and learn kinda thing. I have found that working on my boat is about as zen as sailing her. Hopefully you will find the same satisfaction!

[Geoduck]

Hell, if you don't like working on your boat - why own one? Just rent somebody else's headache if all you want to do is sail - I have a funny feeling it's alot cheaper that way!!! Most people sail 2-3 months out of the year. The rest of the time it sits at the slip being worked on or going to hell costing a small fortune! I think a boat owns you - you dont own it!LOL

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by Wireless1

Great advice so far and congratulations on your new Tayana!! One of the best cruisers out there!!

However, and really not to pour cold water on your elation, I think there is something WAY more important to look at when you first take possession of a new boat. (a new boat to you), and that is safety. I've been in sailing since 1974 and had more than a few boats...and here's what I suggest right off the bat. It's not the fun stuff at all....but it's the important stuff that will ultimately bring safety to you and your family. As an example here's stuff I found on my newly purchased 1983 Freedom 32. (gettin' too old to sail the bigger stuff solo...)

A couple of months ago I bought a 1983 Freedom 32 that was a wonderful deal price wise. It passed survey with the typical 'everything is okay' but you need to update your fire extinguishers and flares type thing. So I took possession and then and only then does the process of learning what you really bought set in. I immediately started doing a complete and detailed inspection of the boat myself. Here's a list of just a FEW things I found that could have ended up very badly if I had ignored them, or if I had let my marine surveyor lull me into a sense of safety.

1.) The Propane solenoid was wired with no fuse or circuit breaker. The hot wire went directly to the solenoid from the main 12 volt buss and they used a panel switch in the return ground lead to activate the solenoid. ...nice, twenty feet of hot single jacket wire with no fuse/breaker protection.

2.) The gear shift cable clevis connector on the engine's transmission shift arm was held on by two or three threads, and when I went to replace the shifter Morse cable the clevis fell off in my hand. (also the throttle cable had two G clamps on it because of throttle creep and the previous owners didn't know there was a friction adjuster bolt inside the Edson pedestal) Replaced that cable too because it was ruined by the G clamps...

3) A 12 volt positive buss bar with NO fuse or circuit breakers and ALL and all the crimps were done with a knife type crimper that crushes the crimps to make a connection. (replaced the bad crimps doing them with a gas-tight die crimping tool)

4.) And the most fun one... the ground lead on the solar panel regulator battery output pulled out of it's crimp connector as I was running my new flux-gate compass wire, and came in direct contact with the positive lead right next to it! With a bright flash of flaming arc it welded itself instantly to the positive lead and then the cables began smoking. NO fuse. NO circuit breaker...and I had to hurry like mad to pull the welded lead off the positive terminal.... If that had happened with nobody aboard that could have been a really nice fire right there.

5) The wheel steering cables on the Edson pedistal were SO loose on the rudder quadrant that I could pull them off the quadrant by hand! NO kidding. Upon trying to tighten them I discovered they were too long and I could not take up all the slack. So... a couple of bulldog clamps on the cable ends and all is well now.

6) The rudder shaft packing gland had seawater weeping out of it. Why? Because someone thought that the rudder flax could be laid into the rudder stuffing box with a half inch of GAP between the ends of the flax packing!
I replaced the flax packing with TWO rows of flax intentionally a half inch too long, and the ends cut at a 45 degree scarf so as the flax wears the scarf takes up the difference. NO leak now...

7) I found a proper Groco seacock thru-hull with a hose that disappeared into 'who knows where', and when traced down that hose I found it had a stainless bolt shoved in the end of it with a hose clamp around it. AND, the seacock was in the open position! At least one would think they could have safety wired (monel wire) the seacock in the closed position....geez....

I repeat; NONE of these things were found by the surveyor because they just can't take the time to delve that deeply into the inner workings of the systems.

So... in a nutshell, when you ask what's next? I'd say put the fun stuff of for a couple of days and really dig down into the boat. Go through EVERYTHING that controls the boat and runs systems with a fine toothed comb; shift/throttle cables/connections, fuel filters, water pump impellers, ALL engine hoses and clamps, head joker valves, vented loops, thru hulls and hoses, through hull/seacock valves, worn hoses, (above AND below waterline...propane hoses too---look for chafe), panel wiring, circuit breakers and/or fuses on the BIG battery cables and main power feeds, the windlass wiring, engine panel wiring, and anything that can sink your boat, or burn it to the waterline. (do NOT be afraid to really give ALL your important crimp connections a good tug to make sure they are tight. If they are not you need to know about that NOW)

After you've done all that stuff you can get to the fun stuff because you'll know you can sleep at night, but for now you can learn a lot of stuff about what you just bought with a couple of days of serious on your knees, head in the bilges inspection.

Hope this gives some help....

Great post! While the issues with your Tayana may not be the same, you need to develop an inquisitive eye when you are working on the boat. You will find a lot of mysteries.... and some are important. Use the boat some and then prioritize your list.
If I ever hire a surveyor again, I will first ask him how many hours he will spend, and then I will direct him to look for the type of items listed above. I dont need him to tell me the flares and fire extinguishers are out of date!!
Oh.. and ... buy stock in varnish and brush companies!

[Capt.Don]

Dito on what Wireless1 said. So far, I've spent a year (1-2 days per week) of working through the major systems, starting with batteries, electrical, propane, water. head/holding tank..... Recently tackled the fuel, oil and coolant.

I've made a few mistakes and learned from all of them. It is interesting that even though the systems may seem complicated at first, don't be afraid to take on a project. I'm finding that things are pretty logical/intuitive. With the help of this forum, product information/manuals,.... most things can be repaired or easily replaced

The best thing I did was to chase down every wire, prepare a wiring diagram and in the process, reworked the start/house battery configuration. Found several corroded wires and a few loose connectors too. The stupidest thing I did was to open a bleed valve on the hot-water tank, thinking it was a shutoff valve, only to find the coolant in the bilge. I'm still chasing what I think is excessive water in the bilge and I have the never-ending issue with autoheml! In going through this, I'm pretty confident that I can manage the boat and resolve whatever new surprise(s) await.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by Geoduck

Hell, if you don't like working on your boat - why own one? Just rent somebody else's headache if all you want to do is sail - I have a funny feeling it's alot cheaper that way!!! Most people sail 2-3 months out of the year. The rest of the time it sits at the slip being worked on or going to hell costing a small fortune! I think a boat owns you - you dont own it!LOL

Ha... could this have something to do with it??? "custom teak ketch 48' "

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by Sweetiepie

It is actually real now, and we are really excited, but this boat needs a lot of work to getting how we want it. Between all new instrumentation, sails that need work, a furling main that needs to come off the mast, new bimini...etc. etc. There is no hot water heater or heating stove on the boat either. What to do first? Help! And thanks to everyone for the wonderful advice, and help so far.

Did you get an out of the water survey? If so, is ot still out of the water? I found with mine, the first thing I did was to replace anything old or questionable below the waterline. The key here is to keep the water on the outside of the boat...

[familycruisers]

Originally Posted by Wireless1

Great advice so far and congratulations on your new Tayana!! One of the best cruisers out there!!

However, and really not to pour cold water on your elation, I think there is something WAY more important to look at when you first take possession of a new boat. (a new boat to you), and that is safety. I've been in sailing since 1974 and had more than a few boats...and here's what I suggest right off the bat. It's not the fun stuff at all....but it's the important stuff that will ultimately bring safety to you and your family. As an example here's stuff I found on my newly purchased 1983 Freedom 32. (gettin' too old to sail the bigger stuff solo...)

A couple of months ago I bought a 1983 Freedom 32 that was a wonderful deal price wise. It passed survey with the typical 'everything is okay' but you need to update your fire extinguishers and flares type thing. So I took possession and then and only then does the process of learning what you really bought set in. I immediately started doing a complete and detailed inspection of the boat myself. Here's a list of just a FEW things I found that could have ended up very badly if I had ignored them, or if I had let my marine surveyor lull me into a sense of safety.

1.) The Propane solenoid was wired with no fuse or circuit breaker. The hot wire went directly to the solenoid from the main 12 volt buss and they used a panel switch in the return ground lead to activate the solenoid. ...nice, twenty feet of hot single jacket wire with no fuse/breaker protection.

2.) The gear shift cable clevis connector on the engine's transmission shift arm was held on by two or three threads, and when I went to replace the shifter Morse cable the clevis fell off in my hand. (also the throttle cable had two G clamps on it because of throttle creep and the previous owners didn't know there was a friction adjuster bolt inside the Edson pedestal) Replaced that cable too because it was ruined by the G clamps...

3) A 12 volt positive buss bar with NO fuse or circuit breakers and ALL and all the crimps were done with a knife type crimper that crushes the crimps to make a connection. (replaced the bad crimps doing them with a gas-tight die crimping tool)

4.) And the most fun one... the ground lead on the solar panel regulator battery output pulled out of it's crimp connector as I was running my new flux-gate compass wire, and came in direct contact with the positive lead right next to it! With a bright flash of flaming arc it welded itself instantly to the positive lead and then the cables began smoking. NO fuse. NO circuit breaker...and I had to hurry like mad to pull the welded lead off the positive terminal.... If that had happened with nobody aboard that could have been a really nice fire right there.

5) The wheel steering cables on the Edson pedistal were SO loose on the rudder quadrant that I could pull them off the quadrant by hand! NO kidding. Upon trying to tighten them I discovered they were too long and I could not take up all the slack. So... a couple of bulldog clamps on the cable ends and all is well now.

6) The rudder shaft packing gland had seawater weeping out of it. Why? Because someone thought that the rudder flax could be laid into the rudder stuffing box with a half inch of GAP between the ends of the flax packing!
I replaced the flax packing with TWO rows of flax intentionally a half inch too long, and the ends cut at a 45 degree scarf so as the flax wears the scarf takes up the difference. NO leak now...

7) I found a proper Groco seacock thru-hull with a hose that disappeared into 'who knows where', and when traced down that hose I found it had a stainless bolt shoved in the end of it with a hose clamp around it. AND, the seacock was in the open position! At least one would think they could have safety wired (monel wire) the seacock in the closed position....geez....

I repeat; NONE of these things were found by the surveyor because they just can't take the time to delve that deeply into the inner workings of the systems.

So... in a nutshell, when you ask what's next? I'd say put the fun stuff of for a couple of days and really dig down into the boat. Go through EVERYTHING that controls the boat and runs systems with a fine toothed comb; shift/throttle cables/connections, fuel filters, water pump impellers, ALL engine hoses and clamps, head joker valves, vented loops, thru hulls and hoses, through hull/seacock valves, worn hoses, (above AND below waterline...propane hoses too---look for chafe), panel wiring, circuit breakers and/or fuses on the BIG battery cables and main power feeds, the windlass wiring, engine panel wiring, and anything that can sink your boat, or burn it to the waterline. (do NOT be afraid to really give ALL your important crimp connections a good tug to make sure they are tight. If they are not you need to know about that NOW)

After you've done all that stuff you can get to the fun stuff because you'll know you can sleep at night, but for now you can learn a lot of stuff about what you just bought with a couple of days of serious on your knees, head in the bilges inspection.

Hope this gives some help....

Wow dude, just wow! Especially the seacock to nowhere! Id be having aloooooooooong conversation with your surveyor. Including a discussion on my refund! Just sayin'...Ok, back to the thread, already im progress.

[familycruisers]

First, congrats man!
Finished the thread now and got to say just about everyone is right!lmao
I just bought mine and sailed her home Dec31. Been working on her ever since! Lots of surprises found, most easily fixed, some have been a PITA.
I'd say concentrate on the below water line.
Seacocks (CAN SINK THE BOAT)
Stuffing box tubing (CAN SINK THE BOAT)
Stuffing shaft seal (can leak )
Then go to all the stuff everyone's mentioned. All systems will have to be gone over, prioritize to your needs and go at your pace.
Have fun !

[Hud3]

Sweetiepie,

Be sure to check out Charlie Cobra's thread...

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...fit-78683.html

You might pick up some pointers.