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

[Bigtree]

Hello! My neighbors have been getting me into boating over the course of the past 5 years. Until now I have been slowly working on a 1953 Chinook, a wooden powerboat that they sold me a few years ago.

Now that project is off to the side because they found and gave me a 1979 American Mariner 26' sailboat. I am excited but have no clue what to do! So far I can see I need to do some fiberglass repairs where the Stanchions are located. There is also a tiny bit of water in the bottom of the hull mixed with pieces of brush and leaves. I think this is because it came with the hatch broken. I have since repaired the hatch. However, there are little areas here and there (stanchions, etc.) where little drops of water are coming in. The boat seems solid but is more or less empty inside and out. My neighbors have 50 years experience and say this is a solid boat. I just don't know what to do!

The plan is to equip this with the bare minimum to get it in the water for starters. I am putting the money together to buy an engine (brand new 10 horse Tohatsu). I need to get the front and rear lights wired (wires are there but the components are gone). I am also working on getting my Wash. State boaters license (lol).

I am a single Dad with twin 8 year olds. I know this is a long shot but I am determined to do this so that they can have the experience. There are no other options! Currently the boat is sitting in my backyard and I keep crawling in there only to crawl back out not knowing what in the world to do! I have to change that so please, any suggestions would be helpful!

Regards,

Bigtree

[RGN]

Some picture would help. We like pictures

[Bigtree]

P.S.--Money is very tight and even though this probably goes without saying, I am not handy at all lol

[mlydon]

Run, do not walk, to Amazon, and order This Old Boat, Second Edition: Completely Revised and Expanded by Don Casey.

It will tell you EVERYTHING you need to know about fixing up your boat. -

Another great resource for tips & techniques is marinehowto.com.

Both authors are active here on cruisers forum

Matt

[Bigtree]

Thanks RGN! I will submit some pics asap.

[Lake-Effect]

Originally Posted by Bigtree

Hello! My neighbors have been getting me into boating over the course of the past 5 years. Until now I have been slowly working on a 1953 Chinook, a wooden powerboat that they sold me a few years ago.

Now that project is off to the side because they found and gave me a 1979 American Mariner 26' sailboat.

You're a braver man than I am for working on a wooden boat. I long ago determined that life is too short for normal people to own wooden boats. Also, boats are for boating; the working-on is a side benefit (or unavoidable downside, depending on your attitude)



So in your shoes I would try to figure out what's the least you can do to the Mariner to start sailing ASAP - like two months MAX. Once you're sailing:

1. You will be having fun
2. The maintenance priorities will become apparent, and you can use windless or off-season days to work on them.

Also, because you are still unsure of how to work on it, impress upon your neighbours that they have an obligation to guide and assist you, since it's their fault . Also, as you get to meet people while sailing, you will find other mentors and resources. And, of course, here.

[Bigtree]

I am at work right now and will post pics later at home. Thanks for your replies folks!

[Bigtree]

[Bigtree]

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...attach/jpg.gif

[Bigtree]

Yay I was able to post a few pics above

[Bigtree]

Thank you Lake-Effect, this is exactly what I was thinking I should be doing!

[RGN]

That is hardly awful, or at least it seems that way, I see a hull mounted chain plates that is good! I should have mentioned we need deck and rig pictures, tell us about the sails too.

[Bigtree]

Thanks RGN! Anyone else who would like to see pics of specific areas please say the word!

[Bigtree]

Here are a few pics. I am working through some technical issues

[Bigtree]

As you can see the front rail is broken. I know of a parts boat nearby that has a good one. Also, the duct tape on the rear has been removed since the pic was taken.