Where to work on my boat?

[Cheechako]

Congrats! Sail your boat some and the most important things will surface. In a month you'll be able to prioritize things easily. Have fun.
The old water tubing is mostly always a little brown inside. It's clear tubing so the light allows things to grow. It's probably fine for a while. I know one person who says algae is a sign of good water. Beware if there is none! Always a good ideas to do the tank flush when you get a new boat anyway.

[redsky49]

If you haven't already done so, a couple hours time from a qualified marine surveyor would likely be well worth the cost.

Knowing that this would be just a condition survey and owner recommendations (i.e., no written report) he likely would charge you very reasonably - couple hundred dollars maybe? If you are new to boating and sailboats, this might be the very best first move. It would help you to prioritize your efforts, and expenses.

As others have said, once you have determined its seaworthiness, go sailing for a while. Maybe even just sail with the mainsail for a bit, then go to a working jib.

Have fun!

[jeepbluetj]

Where are you located? The yard in Dana Point will let you DIY some stuff (not paint, IIRC) The yard in Oxnard will also. If you're down behind the orange curtain, Oxnard is quite a trip too.

Since we're headed into winter I'd be tempted to do the bottom in the spring - less stuff grows as the temp goes down. Keep paying for the bottom cleaner - they'll tell you when it's do or die on the paint, and they'll keep an eye on the zincs.

I'm in Dana, so if you're local let me know.

[JPA Cate]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

Usually, you are under pressure to get the job done when bottom painting. Sometimes you just have to go at it dawn to dusk to save money. and you need a yard that will let you do it. OTOH, dont panic if it needs bottom paint, or you have blisters to fix, it can wait until you find a situation where you can do it. Is Ensenada an option? Guaymas is along way from LA!
As far as topsides paint goes.. use your boat some... it's a big job and evn the paint is expensive. make sure everything else is in great shape before you worry about aesthetics. All boats need something, your may have a long list of "must do's" by the time you get to know it....
Hope you find a spot you can work on your boat down there... it may be a tough area to do that in....

Unless the topsides have been painted before and you already have a mess on your hands, I'd suggest you use a product like PolyGlo or TSRW to polymerise the gelcoat. It comes out looking quite acceptable, is not near as expensive as paint, and can easily be redone next haulout time while something else is drying or setting up.

FWIW.

Ann