Early Days

[NYCSavage]

There is a slight possibility that I can take ownership of a MacWester 26 for a nominal fee

I need to get the boat from down south up on a 270 mile journey to my local Marina. The boat has no engine so will need to be transported.

She still has her prop and shaft, rigging and sails and has been transported before so apparently this can be done easily.

I would like to refit her interior with new wood, beds, furnishings etc and obviously she needs a new engine.

What type of costs would this involve? Just asking for a ball park figure. I know there is 1,000,000 variables that I could choose, but if I could get a figure in my mind to work to, this would make things a lot easier.

Just imagine she is sea-ready (I know she floats with no leaks)

I am new to this, will be a first time owner, I expect it to be a hard slog, but I am ready for the challenge. If I managed to get a degree with my problems, then I can do this lol

Thank you for all your help

[Pete7]

Transport

You are probably looking at £1.50p per miles if its a trailer and tow vehicle, or more if it's an HGV. There are a number of specialist movers who advertise in the back of Practical Boat Owner which would be worth e mailing. There are also some who advertise on e bay. Ideally you need someone who has an empty return load which will be cheaper all round.

Engine

I suspect you on a budget on this so plan on £1k for engine and gearbox plus stuff like new exhaust hose. E bay and Boats and Outboards will be the two likely sites to find what you are looking for and probably about 20 hp. Unfortunately your timing is terrible, Spring has broken and the world will now go mad for anything boaty so prices very high as is demand. However, do keep an eye out. Also start getting familiar with the local free adds, because there is a much smaller circulation therefore fewer buyers to compete against. It just takes time searching them all. Free Ads, Gumtree etal.

Interior Don't, leave it alone if you can or the time it will take will run out of control and you will never finish it. You need an early success like launching in a years time ready to go or it will never happne. So get the Mrs to knock up some new curtains and berth covers if necessary but stop from trying to do too much. Go sailing instead.

Mooring Do you have somewhere secure to store it whilst it is being worked on?

Rigging Plan on £1k for all running and standing rigging if you take down and put back up the mast yourself with friends.

Pete

[Pete7]

Join the owners club, you will need their advice.

Macwester Owners Association - Harbour

Pete

[NYCSavage]

Thanks Pete, I believe the rigging is all in place, and I see your point about the interior, so will see what the boss says!

The mooring looks like it will be in my local marina which is about £2,500 a year (serviced) for her size.

I was going to wait to get her before I joined the club, I dont want to join and then find out it will cost me £20,000 to get her sea-worthy lol

[NYCSavage]

Also, would it be a good idea to have her converted from a tiller to a wheel whilst fitting the engine?

[sarafina]

Usually on a boat that size a wheel will take up far too much space in the cockpit. A tiller is simpler and on a boat that size you don't really need the mechanical leverage afforded by a wheel ; -)

[Pete7]

I would join the association the minute you decide to go ahead with this yacht. Won't be much, the Moody Owners Association is £20 a year for example. Good price on the mooring, we can't afford a serviced pontoon mooring down here

You won't have the space for tiller on 26ft, keep it tiller as Sara suggests, it will be fine. A new pedestal and wheel is £2000 btw We are in the wrong job, we should be fitter turners making steering wheels and pedestals.

Since you don't know the age of the rigging, I would replace it.

Pete