new member - old sailer

[crazyoldboatguy]

Greetings! First, a confession. I have lurked here for several years reading, absorbing and reading some more. I have reached a point in my sailing life where I am likely to need more and must ask specific questions as a result.

I have been sailing for more than 50 years. I grew sailing with my family. In 1962, my parents bought a Pearson Triton and all 6 of us cruised the Great Lakes on her for many years. In fact, my wife and I raised our son on the same boat - sailing on her to this day.

Many years ago (I will not say how many) I bought a decrepit wooden sailboat - a 47' auxiliary ketch designed and built by John Alden (Hull 777A). Played around with her for years until our son urged me to get serious. He did so because he wanted to learn the skills involved.

I had always wanted to finish her and live aboard upon retirement. That is the current plan/hope. The basic construction issues I have well in hand - I have discovered a craftsman/artist who taught my son and me and will be there thru the reconstruction. It's the systems, rigging, sails, motor, etc. That's where I need the help. So much I have learned just by reading here but will become more involved in the discussions as I seek more specific info. I will try to be more brief than I have been here.

[Beersmith]

welcome! This is a great place to ask questions and learn about how to rebuild your boat. I'm doing the same and have found the information here to be most valuable.

Cheers

[HappyMdRSailor]

Fantastic to have you here at CF with us!

I'm not sure who is going to be more enthusiastic about getting your baby fitted... You or us... Ask away friend!

[s/v Beth]

Greetings and condolences for having an old boat that you want to save. We promise not to send you to the nuthouse, but console you in your illness.
Seems a lot of us have the same disease...☺

[oldragbaggers]

Welcome to the forum!!

[crazyoldboatguy]

Yes, it is a disease - have had it for years. What is particularly gratifying for me is that my wife is supportive and my son is interested. He spent a year working on the boat - living in NE Wisconsin where the boat is. I would drive up on weekends and spend "vacations" up there working on the project. It was the best year of my life. He has moved on to another project - currently in training with the USMC. My wife and I want to finish the boat and move aboard. We have some experience in that area having lived aboard the Triton for short periods. This is a big step for us. Having this resource with all these good folks nearby, as it where, is a huge benefit, IMO. Thanks for the warm greetings!

[krafthaus]

Originally Posted by oldragbaggers

Welcome to the forum!!

+1!

[Red Sky]

Originally Posted by crazyoldboatguy

Yes, it is a disease - have had it for years. What is particularly gratifying for me is that my wife is supportive and my son is interested. He spent a year working on the boat - living in NE Wisconsin where the boat is. I would drive up on weekends and spend "vacations" up there working on the project. It was the best year of my life. He has moved on to another project - currently in training with the USMC. My wife and I want to finish the boat and move aboard. We have some experience in that area having lived aboard the Triton for short periods. This is a big step for us. Having this resource with all these good folks nearby, as it where, is a huge benefit, IMO. Thanks for the warm greetings!

Welcome and give your son a thank you for his service from me.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and Welcome aboard!
Alden was a great designer.

[Adventurebound]

Welcome aboard. One thing you won't learn here is how to spell, 'winch'.

[crazyoldboatguy]

Alden liked his boats stout and fast. Like the old Gloucester fishing schooners he patterned many of his designs after. I just love the old designs - handsome and utilitarian. The ketch rig has been suggested as the best for cruising altho the extra rigging adds to costs. Everything is a compromise, right?

[carstenb]

Drop some pictures on us once in a while so we can see how you're doing.

Remember: when you own a boat - you are never out of work

That goes double (or triple) when it is a wooden boat (sigh)

[captain58sailin]

Welcome to the forum, I too suffer from old boat syndrome. I have the advanced form, which kept me from buying an old wood boat this time, but I have owned several in the past. As far as I know there is no cure. We do offer support here. Also, please tell your son to be careful out there, there be bears in them woods. Do thank him for his service to our country.

[crazyoldboatguy]

Thanks to all for the support. Our Marine is thoroughly enjoying himself (still in training) - working very hard and playing hard, too. His parents are more worried than he is - typical of young folk.

It is a fatal disease and, yes, there is no cure. The project is quiet right now while we figure out how to raise the funds needed to finish her. I have oodles of pictures and may well start a thread to show off what we have done so far. We have also been gathering info on her history and hope to share that as well. A person should do one really crazy and stupid thing in life - I have found my insanity. The Admiral appreciates the project as it means she knows where I am at all times - stuck in a shop without windows and nowhere near any wenches.

Seriously, that my wife is supportive of the restoration and the eventual cruise once the boat is completed has more meaning for me than I can express. I am the lead singer in a blues/rock band (garage type) and she is my official, sanctioned, groupie. To have a groupie AND a wench is a privilege accorded to few people. I am truly blessed.

[captain58sailin]

I envy you, your garage band. I can play, but have been working offshore too much to form any kind of band. Though the taxi driver that brings me from the airport says he plays bass, so maybe we can get something going on my next time off. Congrats on having a band, groupie, and a wench, you are truly blessed.