Hello all,
I saw a 1974
Newport 28
for sale recently and called to look at it.
The guy wanted 2,500 for it and I got him down to 2,000, bought it and, am now working to take care of some needed issues.
My wife and I will just be cruising the
PNW and have no intention of taking her around the horn or anything. The intent is to stay crispy and save up until we can buy our "retirement"
boat with cash. It will get us around the sound and allow us to enjoy doing what we love doing.
The
hull and
deck seems to be sound and I looked like an idiot tapping away trying to find a soft spot. I didnt.
Now for the questions.
The inboard
diesel had been torn apart a couple years ago and hadn't been put back together since. They had pulled the
head off and left the cylinder exposed so it has some rust on the wall. I am going to assume it is pitted and probably just pull the entire
engine out freeing up space and weight for me to relocate the
batteries and add a good little
water tank as well as general
storage.
When I pull the
engine I will also pull the shaft and prop which will leave a hole in the stern that will probably effect performance after about 10 mins of sailing.
My intent is to
plug it with a
compression plug and just check it every once in a while to make sure it isnt leaking or has come loose. (the plug I am talking about is a rubber plug sandwiched between two metal washer and expands when you tighten the through bolt) Am I missing anything or is there another way of plugging the hole other than glassing it?
In the rear of the
cockpit there is a panel that pulls out allowing you to mount an
outboard motor. The panel itself is a solid piece that pulls out leaving about six inches of reinforced
fiberglass near the floor of the
cockpit to which the
outboard is attached. Is this normal or did I get someone's "neat idea". I plan on reinforcing it further (the part where the
motor mounts) but, I am asking for opinions on whether or not I should just glass it back in. I know boats have sugar scoop sterns but, the
water is about 8-10 inches below the motor mounting location. I have looked online to see if it came from the factory like this but, I can't seem to get a clear enough pic to confirm/deny. Thoughts?
All in all we are happy with the
purchase (it is only 2k) and are super excited to get back under sail.
[EDIT] I know there are some strong feelings about the Newports and my
research turned up that you either love them or hate them. I am thick skinned either way so if you have any insight or tips please feel free to share.
Please try and refrain from the "they suck and sucks to be you!" comments without backing up why they indeed "suck". Even though it is almost a disposable
boat it is still our boat for the near future.
I hope this finds you all well,
Brainburn