New to board and facing a total REFIT in Caribe

[Chicken of the Sea]

Hi friends...it's times like this I can use all the friends I can get. Have bought a 43 ft classic IOR sitting in the Virgins. Pretty, but not cruising ready. It seems I'm looking at nearly a year of refitting.

This is a great opportunity to do it right and I value any advice. I am retrofitting from a racer into a racer/cruiser with emphasis on cruiser. Have found excellent refurbisher, but aside from obvious repairs, refit, rigging and all that, it is a chance to redesign.

Would love advice, inspiration etc. For probable solosailing setup and find decision making a bit intimidating.

Also, suggestions re where to call home...open to the entire Caribbean. Who has discovered a liveable location with embracing sailing community? Looking for great place to call home.

Knowing you are all out there is comforting. Thanks in advance.

[Sandero]

Good Luck! English Harbor in Antigua is a spot I lived in aboard for a few years in the mid 90s. Though for sure it's changed... I was down there in 05/06, it has a very large and cohesive sailing community and lots of marine service businesses. EH is well protected and an excellent location in the chain for cruising as well as refits.

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by Chicken of the Sea

43 ft classic IOR ...nearly a year of refitting.


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OK its about time you spilled the beanz. IOR 1970's? Tell us all and these people on this forum may be able to help.


Mark

[Chicken of the Sea]

Peterson design 1981 !

[ssullivan]

Originally Posted by Chicken of the Sea

Also, suggestions re where to call home...open to the entire Caribbean. Who has discovered a liveable location with embracing sailing community? Looking for great place to call home.

Well, I heard about some hotel/marina that has a free dock if you and the Mrs are able to work for $2/hr.

Sorry... just a little bit of an initiation. ha ha

What are some of the projects you are looking to complete on the boat? You must have a list of what you like and don't like so far about it. Share that with us and maybe we can help.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Tuna,
Welcome aboard!! Good to have you here. I'm doing a total refit. Been at it for more than a decade. I have lots of experience on how not to do it.
First of all check the keel to hull joint to make certain that is solid. Get rid of any dry rot and replace with marine grade ply or timber. From there on everything is a piece of cake.
Tell us what you are going to do first. We can give advice.
Kind Regards,
JohnL