Help! I have been given a sailboat and don't know what to do

[JPA Cate]

Just my opinion, but since salt water getting belowdecks is such a pain, , I think the stanchions should be rebedded before going for a sail. It is the work of one day, with the kids to help (someone has to hold the nuts). It will take a tube of sealant and a bunch of rags or paper towels, and some masking tape and turps. And then the cushions will be dry to sit on.

Ann

[Pcpete]

Good call on getting the kids involved Ann. Iiwm, I’d use 4200 to rebed any fasteners. I’ve also found that those Clorox Wipes are really good for cleaning up most caulks.

[Nibor]

Well I do not know if he ordered it but I did . LOL

[MartinR]

I would try to find a second hand 6 hp outboard. Preferably 2 stroke. Old outboards are reliable enough, the cost is just a fraction of a new. And here is the good news, if it should fail you have a backup already on board: sails.