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ski0boy · 13-02-2011, 09:18

I'm looking for a solid live-aboard cruiser for my wife and I and our dog Booker. We are young and looking for a fun adventure for a few years... cruising, kiteboarding, surfing, and exploring.

I came across this converted steel lifeboat and can not find any information on it... is it safe? Forgiving? Would it survive a extended cruise? Any info would be super helpful. What do you think about the keel? Would it even track under sail?
1944 Welin Davit Boat Co. Ltd. Converted steel lifeboat Sail Boat For

Other boats I am looking at are Rawson, Westsail, and Hardin Sea Wolf, and Dreadnought.

Thanks,
Michael
in Snowy Silverton, CO

**skipmac** · 13-02-2011, 09:36

I would have a few concerns. Off the top of my head and in no particular order.

1. Steel hull of that age I would survey carefully to make sure it has not lost thickness or strength over time. Note that steel boats usually corrode from the inside where water collects and sits over time.

2. If converted from a motor lifeboat, unless keel and ballast were added it might be a bit tender under sail. All would depend on the original design and the method of conversion.

3. Probably not a fast or close winded sailor.

Probably more things to consider but will have to think a bit to see what else might occur to me. Bottom line, unless you are a steel boat expert, no matter what else get a good survey.

Skip

**skipmac** · 13-02-2011, 09:42

Oh yes, to answer some of your original questions.

Yes, probably safe. Lifeboats are designed to be safe, self righting ,etc.

Whether or not it would survive and extended cruise would depend in a large part on the current condition of the boat. That would take an inspection and survey to determine.

Hard to tell from the photos I saw but the keel looks like a long steel plate. If that is the case the boat could be tender but it looked long enough that the boat would likely hold a straight line without too much care.

Prerequisite · 13-02-2011, 10:07

If that style interests you, be sure to take a look at the Fisher motorsailors.

ski0boy · 13-02-2011, 10:24

I love the Fisher 30!... they cost over twice as much

**boatman61** · 13-02-2011, 10:25

If your planning on keeping it in the lakes or inside the ICW she'll do you fine...
Outside/offshore to the Islands I would not touch it with a barge pole without a major upsize of the engine/prop to give more sustained ommff
She may have been a good lifeboat but when your under powered in both motor and sail your going to get into a lot of trouble...
She's a motorsailor in the true sense of the word...
needs both going to get anywhere...
Sorry...!! I didn't like it...

ski0boy · 13-02-2011, 10:53

I want something we can take island hopping and feel relatively safe and comfortable to live on. Maybe this isn't the best answer in finding that...

barnakiel · 13-02-2011, 12:44

A 32 footer is not a big boat for two and a dog. How big is your apartment? Mine was 300 sq ft but I have not met anybody else living my way.

A 1944 vintage converted steel boat may be a good liveaboard if you check her out well and stay at the dock, but if you think of extended cruising you would have to be 100% sure, the design, seaworthiness, built and maintenance were all immaculate.

If the boat is what you like and if the survey turns out positive then it is only up to the planned cruising area. Not all designs are meant for offshore work but nearly anything will do gunk-holing (is that the word?). Pottering.

b.

SaltyMonkey · 13-02-2011, 17:47

I know this boat because I have it on my list. This was built in the 1940's and has been on the market for some time. Apparently, the owners have performed a total rebuild of the hull etc. But realize this boat is unique and may not sell if you decide it sails like a pig. Proceed cautiously, especially at that price. Its an old boat.

1944 Welin Davit Boat Co. Ltd. Converted steel lifeboat Sail Boat For

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...g_id=1456&url=

ncarter · 14-02-2011, 03:15

The vessel has been altered to the point of dockside comfort & coastal sailing at best. As a lifeboat it did not have the hugh pilot house and cabin trunk, let alone all the interior add-ons. I seriously doubt that she would be self-righting...just my opinion...

SaltyMonkey · 14-02-2011, 07:56

and i seriously think she would be rolly polly all over the place, sail only downwind, and probably only make 1 kt of speed at 40 kts of wind....still...she is pretty in so many ways ways.

**boatman61** · 14-02-2011, 08:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaltyMonkey

I know this boat because I have it on my list. This was built in the 1940's and has been on the market for some time. Apparently, the owners have performed a total rebuild of the hull etc. But realize this boat is unique and may not sell if you decide it sails like a pig. Proceed cautiously, especially at that price. Its an old boat.

1944 Welin Davit Boat Co. Ltd. Converted steel lifeboat Sail Boat For

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...g_id=1456&url=

Especially when there's excellent boats like this available for near the same price... I know its on the opposite coast... but you wanted to 'Live Aboard'...