Hello & happy to join the Cruisers group!

[FXbyLou]

Finally retired and located what I hope will be our "dream" (hopefully not a nitemare) live a board. Although I was born to water on an island in the Yucatan Peninsula and have sailed/motor cruised for over 35 years, this will be my very first blue water boat & I'm (she not so much) exited about the prospect. "Serenity" is a 47' Voyager Vagabond Ketch project boat I can tinker with on my own until my wife fully retires and joins me (maybe) on the open water. I'm going into the project with eyes wide open, understanding it will take a good deal of time, patience, and my allowance she hopefully will keep flowing (for me to stay out of her way!).
I've read some of your posts for years as I prepared for this challenge and am frankly impressed with the outpour of help & courtesy afforded all participants... so I felt compelled to trust your advice & patience with my ignorance of these matters. Suffice it to say I'm starting with a very nice hull and crates/boxes of equipment and hardware from the last owner who gave up. I am resigned to see this through knowing Serenity will need a lot of TLC and patience- of mandatory importance, I will be receiving a fresh marine survey for a fresh start. The 4 cyl. Ford Lehman Diesel, Trans & genset are slated for a fresh overhaul. The teak deck and all topside teak thru-holes will be inspected and expect a minimum of re-caulking and perhaps more. The mast, booms & spreaders will likewise be inspected and a plan set for re-work if necessary. The rigging certaily will be inspected and repairs/replacements addressed. After and only after all this, I will address any beautification of all the amenities below, with the electronices and electrical taking prority down there. An ah yes... the infamous Leaky Teaky problems these are known for... why not - life is too short to worry about the small stuff- right? So there you have it: can I impose on your patience and generous help out there? Greetings to all, Lou.

[Ex-Calif]

Welcome aboard - sounds like a daunting yet rewarding retirement plan.

Good luck with it!

[FXbyLou]

Thank you, looking forward to the adventure!

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Lou.

[Waterway Guide]

Welcome aboard, Lou!

[Jimbo485]

Your first question to the group...

Should you get rid of the teak decks or not?

[FXbyLou]

To all our new found friends out there, we would appreciate all advice regarding honest & fair priced marine services in and around the Annapolis, Md. area-starting with a marina where we might have to lay her up on the hard for the winter season while overhaul work is underway? Bless you all.

[Razoo]

welcome aboard CF.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Good luck.