42' Spencer - possible livaboard/project boat?

[BigNickMontana]

I had a board member throw this boat at me a 1966 Spencer 42' It is a sloop rigged full keel boat with a hard dodger, I like a lot of things about it.



Here are my thoughts and concerns with this boat.

1. The super 60's aqua marine blue gel-coat, the reason being it has a non skid surface molded in, so if I want to paint over it, it means that surface is likely to chip and peel exposing the aqua marine.
   
   In order to rectify this I could simply sand all of it smooth, paint the boat then apply non skid where it used to be.
   
   This is a process I am very unfamiliar with so if anyone has any thoughts there I would love to hear them.
   
   Another thought was to pop a mold off of the current non skid, sand it down, and form a new gel-coat surface in that mold an then epoxy it to the deck.
2. I am concerned about the wooden mast, I know sailing ships have run with them for millennia, but assuming this is a hollow cored mast that has lived its life in the Pacific North West, there have been more than plenty of opportunities for it to fill up with water on the inside and rot, Which is of great concern to me especially considering I would want to do a lot of blue water cruising on this boat.
   
   So I could be faced with replacing the mast with an aluminum one and all of the rigging. Not that it would be a bad thing but it would be $$$$$$
3. The electrical system is old, very old and from what I can see in the pictures I would feel more comfortable replacing the entire thing. Which I can do because I used to rebuild radar systems for the Navy so I am well versed in wiring.

Those are what I see as detractors.



As for the positives with this boat, I love the layout. I can see myself spending a lot of years on this boat and being very comfortable. The interior is showing its age in a couple of places, but there is nothing I could not deal with.







The yacht also has 2 ice boxes and a refrigerator under the chart table, I was thinking add a chiller plate to the ice boxes and id have 2 freezers, and a refer, which if I was making long passages would be awesome.







There is also storage everywhere. And the cabinets appear to be well constructed, a far cry from so much of the pass produced crap that you seem to find in so many boats. The quality of the materials on the interior seems to be first rate.



The last thing on my list that I am not sure how I feel about it is the hard dodger.





For a lot of things, I am sure it is great, it gives you a solid wind break, it gives you a shelter over the companionway, but I also feel as though it will hamper forward visibility a it, and I am worried that on a blue water voyage that at night it could make it difficult to see other vessels especially in bad weather.

So those are my thoughts on this boat, I would love to hear what those of you with more experience than I have to say about it.

[Cheechako]

Boy, I'm surprised that 42 interior looks so much like the Spencer 35 I just helped sell. I didn't know that. Slight difference in the galley. What did the extra 7 ft gain I wonder? must be up forward.
Yes, aluminum mast etc should be done. What year and make is the engine? My guess is it is way overpriced. Most long term owners do that until reality sets in. I wouldn't worry about the blue gel coat personally.... it would be way down the list...

[JPA Cate]

Nick,

I'd second Cheekako on the non-skid. There is rubbery, water based non-skid available in a variety of colors, that is fierce non-skid so you don't slip, and lasts well. Here in Oz, we bought some under the name: acrylmeric sport cote. It is used for showers in gyms, and public ablution blocks. Love it. I'm sure something similar would be available in the US, it is quite reasonably priced.

Other thoughts....you're right about the re-rig and the re-wire. May also be some plumbing challenges. Definitely a project.

Your money will go farther if you look in the 30-34 ft size range.

Ann

[Don C L]

Of course Newhaul can clarify what has been done as far as mast and rigging. I thought I read somewhere it had been redone recently which would probably mean the rigging was replaced too. I know, I'd prefer an aluminum mast, but if it is good condition, that would not necessarily be a deal breaker for me. And you are not leaving right away for a big trip are you? Since I have replaced the rigging on my boat myself, I don't see that as a big deal except of course for expense of rigging. As far as the hard dodger, I see that as a huge plus! In cold weather, rain, you'll really aprreciate it. I don't see it causing any real problems with visibility at night or any other times. And btw I have never seen windshield wipers on a sailboat hard dodger! Nice! Though I don't know that engine, I like the sound of 50hp for chugging around Puget Sound. I don't see the gel-coat as a big problem as others have mentioned. I think the boat is definitely showing potential, but hold on till you get a close look yourself and a survey. Be sure to find a surveyor who knows the older boats, wood masts etc. I'm sure someone on here could lead you to a good one in the Seattle area.

[newhaul]

OK guys here goes a few of your concerns the mast and boom are solid and well founded the stainless rigging was redone in 08 the wiring was all redone in 06 by a marine electrician and the first owner of this boat. The engine is a 48 HP yanmar new in 04 with currently 844.9 hours. The last survey was in January of last year by Latham and associates there were no issues. Also the boat is actually rather underpriced. This is hull #7 hull #1 is for sale in port orchard for 89 k and this one is in better condition.

[newhaul]

Oh by the way them wipers are manual ones. But yes they work great. The dodger is great in the rain. Becides where else would I mount the solar panels

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate

Nick,

I'd second Cheekako on the non-skid. There is rubbery, water based non-skid available in a variety of colors, that is fierce non-skid so you don't slip, and lasts well. Here in Oz, we bought some under the name: acrylmeric sport cote. It is used for showers in gyms, and public ablution blocks. Love it. I'm sure something similar would be available in the US, it is quite reasonably priced.

Other thoughts....you're right about the re-rig and the re-wire. May also be some plumbing challenges. Definitely a project.

Your money will go farther if you look in the 30-34 ft size range.

Ann

Ann I am the retired shipwright that has kept this boat up for the last couple years. I know this sounds like boasting but I would almost put this spencer up against mainsails boat toe to toe. BTW I just changed the zincs on the degaussing system yesterday and had the diver do the prop zinc last week.

[BigNickMontana]

Originally Posted by Don C L

Of course Newhaul can clarify what has been done as far as mast and rigging. I thought I read somewhere it had been redone recently which would probably mean the rigging was replaced too. I know, I'd prefer an aluminum mast, but if it is good condition, that would not necessarily be a deal breaker for me. And you are not leaving right away for a big trip are you? Since I have replaced the rigging on my boat myself, I don't see that as a big deal except of course for expense of rigging. As far as the hard dodger, I see that as a huge plus! In cold weather, rain, you'll really aprreciate it. I don't see it causing any real problems with visibility at night or any other times. And btw I have never seen windshield wipers on a sailboat hard dodger! Nice! Though I don't know that engine, I like the sound of 50hp for chugging around Puget Sound. I don't see the gel-coat as a big problem as others have mentioned. I think the boat is definitely showing potential, but hold on till you get a close look yourself and a survey. Be sure to find a surveyor who knows the older boats, wood masts etc. I'm sure someone on here could lead you to a good one in the Seattle area.

All very valid points, and now knowing the rigging was all replaced in 08, that makes me feel a lot better about it.

One trip I really want to do is the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor will be this year, I would like to sail out to Hawaii for that.

I certainly agree with you on the potential of this boat, I love the layout, I think with a bit of work and a few mods I have in mind this could be the boat I keep for years and years and years.

[newhaul]

Nick I would love to crew for that sail to see the Arizona hickham and the submariners memorial. BTW this boat has been to Hawaii 3 times . I know the grandson of the original owner and my dad is the 4th owner.

[BigNickMontana]

Originally Posted by newhaul

Nick I would love to crew for that sail to see the Arizona hickham and the submariners memorial. BTW this boat has been to Hawaii 3 times . I know the grandson of the original owner and my dad is the 4th owner.

I think it would be one hell of an adventure, and something not a lot of people could say they have done.

Actually I think it might be a great documentary and if done right could be a way of showing younger people why the sacrifices and history of WWII were so important, I mean everyone knows Hitler/Nazi's=bad but how few understand the link between them and socialism!

Done right and put on YouTube, I think it could reach a lot of younger people.

[neilpride]

Boat name La Ruina, translated , The ruin... go figurate... lol

[BigNickMontana]

Originally Posted by neilpride

Boat name La Ruina, translated , The ruin... go figurate... lol

Yeah, honestly I'm not big on the name.

I was thinking of renaming her Josy Whales.

When I was a kid I always wanted a renegade speed boat, I was going to name it "High Planes Drifter" so I figured Josy Whales would be fitting for a blue water cruising boat.

Not sure on that though.

[vjm]

Originally Posted by BigNickMontana

All very valid points, and now knowing the rigging was all replaced in 08, that makes me feel a lot better about it.

One trip I really want to do is the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor will be this year, I would like to sail out to Hawaii for that.

I certainly agree with you on the potential of this boat, I love the layout, I think with a bit of work and a few mods I have in mind this could be the boat I keep for years and years and years.

I would suggest a little research into how often standing rigging needs to be replaced. Obviously depends on many factors but 8-10 years is commonly sited as appropriate. So, you may be doing that a lot sooner than you think. It does merit some study, because you have to consider size of boat, use, stress on rigging, visible condition, etc.

[Cheechako]

If you are seriously considering the trip to hawaii, plan on removing the wooden mast and dong an intense inspection on it first.... of course a "new to you" boat will require many other things looked at /done also.

[topmast]

No comments on re/re rigging etc, but that hard doger is a real bonus for west coast sailing. Like it. More pretty with a wood trim and brow to accent .Real strong hand grip needed here. The interior could sparkle with a fresh teak oiling. Easy sail to Honalee from here.