Ballast help needed

[BSV2]

I have a CT 41 which I intend to restore. She was a seized vessel and the Coast Guard did a number on her. I can not visually see if the lead ballast is still there. Could it be that is is encapsulated as part of the keel? Please help.

Lou

[David M]

What do mean by did a number on her? What specifically?

Is your boat hauled out?

[BSV2]

Hi David, I sent a response from my phone, however I am not sure it went through.

She was a drug boat and was seized by the Coast Guard in Florida around 1980. In an attempt to look in every nook and craney for contraband, they hauled out everything and cut into the bulkheads and damaged the cabin portals and hatches.

I have her on a trailer near my home, and now I am finally getting off of my butt, and want to get her restored. At least to the point of getting her into the water by the end of summer. I am worried that the ballast, which I have read is most likely lead, had been removed. This means a whole lot of issues. Would you know of how the ballast was built in, or placed in her. My hopes are, that a lead beam was placed into the keel and glassed in. (best case)

Any help is appreciated,

Lou

[David M]

Can you get architectural plans from the manufacturer? This would describe the keels specs, at least better than what you have now which is no information.

I would hire a boat surveyor to come take a look at the boat. He could give you a much better description of the state of your boat in his report as well as being able to answer your questions.

I would not sink a dime into the boat until you have this report so you know whether or not it is worth it. Making a boat seaworthy can become a very expensive process.

[Nicholson58]

1978 CT 41 Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

Here is one on Yachtworld. I suspect you will spend more than this to restore a basket case if that is what it is - even if the CG gives it to you for a dollar. Sort of depends on how badly damaged it is and how poorly it may have been stored.

[BSV2]

I have seen this vessel and it is quite nice. However, I wasn't planning on spending 90K for a vessel. Perhaps I am just trying too hard to salvage her. I will re-evaluate and form a new plan of attack. My only other option is sell her part by part, including the low-boy trailer she is on. I hate that idea.

Thanks for your help,

Lou

[BSV2]

David, I have a complete survey on the boat. It cost me $900. I have read it over again and nothing is said about the ballast. I have emailed him and asked him to look over his notes.

Lou

[Nicholson58]

I would be surprised to find the ballast compromised. Your survey would surely note that. It has a long, keel (full) with encapsulated ballast. Ballast may not be lead in these boats. They are not great performers but are known as safe and comfortable with a lot of storage and good engine access. The insides are usually loaded with teak and other wood. In good condition, the ambiance is quite nice. If you decide to go at this, post photos. You will find more advice than you can use.

We salvaged our 1984 Camper-Nicholson from the edge following hurricane Ivan. It is often more work than you expect. Make sure the hull laminations and cores are dry.

Here is a general guide.
CT-41 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com

Here is a link to an old thread here on CF.
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...41-a-2257.html

Link on SAILNET
41 - My Product Gallery

[nimblemotors]

Simple enough to just weigh it.

If the ballast is missing, a great opportunity to replace it with batteries.

[atoll]

Originally Posted by Nicholson58

I would be surprised to find the ballast compromised. Your survey would surely note that. It has a long, keel (full) with encapsulated ballast. Ballast may not be lead in these boats. They are not great performers but are known as safe and comfortable with a lot of storage and good engine access. The insides are usually loaded with teak and other wood. In good condition, the ambiance is quite nice. If you decide to go at this, post photos. You will find more advice than you can use.

We salvaged our 1984 Camper-Nicholson from the edge following hurricane Ivan. It is often more work than you expect. Make sure the hull laminations and cores are dry.

Here is a general guide.
CT-41 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com

Here is a link to an old thread here on CF.
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...41-a-2257.html

Link on SAILNET
41 - My Product Gallery

+2 encapsulated ballast.

what you need to inspect closely for is holes that might have been drilled into the keel and rudder where sniffer probes have been inserted,these will need filling if there are any.

also if you find a stash they missed .......................

[BSV2]

Thank you for the advice and links. It is good to know that they are encapsulated. There are no breaches in the keel, either interior or exterior. You are correct about all of the teak. She is loaded! Doors, framework, decks.

The hull is sound and I believe I will post some pictures. I spoke with a man who has worked in a shipyard (no longer) and needs something to do in his spare time. He has not given me a quote as of yet, for the cabin portal and hatch damage. With the boat, I was given 12 marine grade plywood sheets, which will definitely come in handy.

Thanks again,

Lou

[BSV2]

That is an excellent idea. However, I will have to wait on weighing her because I live too far to get to a marina large enough to complete the task, and it will be too expensive just to have her weighed right now. Either way, ballast or no ballast, I am going to complete this project. It may take some time, but it will be done before I die. In fact, she has to be, she will be my Vikings coffin! A big bonfire in the ocean and a party on land! What could be any better for people like us!? Thanks for the advice.
Lou

[BSV2]

There are pictures on my profile page. Thanks for all of your help. I will keep the pictures updated.

Lou

[BSV2]

Pictures posted...

[zeehag]

our boats have concrete ballast in an encapsulated fibreglass molded keel
leaky teaky yacht club, a yahoo group, has many good resources for our boats.
send email to the yahoo group in my signature.
welcome to keaky teaky ownership. these awesome boats ROCK.
questions..please ask.