How do I tell if the boat is sound?

[brother chris]

This is an extension of my last thread; about swaping my boat for the sailboat. <br />We have agreed to swap the boats(providing our inspections of each others boats is okay). <br />Now I need some advice on how to inspect his sailboat for defects. <br />I know what to look for in a power boat, when I buy one, but I have no idea how to inspect a sailboat.<br />Any advice? <br /><br />Thanks,<br />B.C.

 

[Vlad D Impeller]

Re: How do I tell if the boat is sound?

Arrrr! ye might be wanting to have a wee talk with that Jack Sparrow feller

 

[JB]

Re: How do I tell if the boat is sound?

Sailing topic.

 

[don flowers]

Re: How do I tell if the boat is sound?

Brother Chris, what can I do to help, not bragging but I have lots of sail boat exp. First I need to know: manufacturer, year, power plant, sail inventory, length, your intended use, water depth you need to sail the boat in, how much water do you have where you sail. Do need it for you only, or is it a family boat? Get back with me with what you can. Don

 

[brother chris]

Re: How do I tell if the boat is sound?

I am not sure of the year, but here is a picture of it. It is a 23' Essex sailboat with a twin keel.

<br /><br /> There is no o/b(until I get it ). Intended use: plesure(no racing involved). It has all brand new sails. The water depth will not be a concern, I have the whole ocean. But, if I go to a lake, they minimum depth would be, right up to the shore.<br />It is not a family boat, just for cruising. <br /><br />Thanks for any info.<br />B.C.

 

[Link]

Re: How do I tell if the boat is sound?

Chris<br />First thing you need to learn about sailing. <br />When ever there are two sail boats going in the same direction.<br />It's a RACE, trust me on this.<br />Thats about the only thing I know about sailing. Except as a passenger its relaxing going down wind.<br /><br />Link

 

[brother chris]

Re: How do I tell if the boat is sound?

That's hilarious Link! <br />I thought about what you said and pictured myself in a sailboat...and another one passing me. <br />Yup....you are right...it would be a race.

 

[don flowers]

Re: How do I tell if the boat is sound?

Chris, I have sailed one of the twin keeled boats. As I remembered it did not point well, and it was very slow. That may not sound bad to you now, but when you learn to sail it will become a problem. The twin keel boats are used alot where you have a large tidal change. England for an example, I was looking for one specifically a few years back because of the shallow water I would be sailing in so I sailed one and was not real pleased. If you already have it go with it and enjoy, but if you do not, take another look around and see if you can find something with a single keel. just my two cents. The one cool thng about them is when the tide goes out she stills rides flat. Thats what they were designed for. Things to check: check the standing rigging, I would guess it has never been changed. It is most likely time for new standing rigging. Look for grounding marks in the gell coat. Look for blisters, the death of a sailboat hull.But as I remember that manuf. had a good rep as far as good glass below the waterline which showed in very few blisters with their boats. Check to see if it has ever been sunk, check in bilges for water marks. Check for soft spots in the deck, espically around the mast step area. Check around side stay plates to see that you don't have water leaks through the deck around those areas where the stays attach. Sometimes you can find evidence of water leaks inside on the ceiling, and bulkheads. Does it have servicable bilge pumps. 110 volt elec. system on board, or will you be 12 volt only. Check cushions inside for mildew, on and under cushions, does it smell musty. Mold can be a real problem on some of the older sailboats. What kind of shape is the fuse panel in, will it need to be replaced, check all the elec systems to see that they operate. Last but not least does it have a place to set your drinks in while sailing, you must have a swivel place to set your drink. If you have any que. please don't hesitate to ask. Don

 

[POINTER94]

Re: How do I tell if the boat is sound?

I am not familiar with this design here in the great lakes area. But, check to see if the keel(s) are showing any sign of rust or cracks coming through in the fairing of the keel. Sometimes a bad pour can get imperfections that are difficult to remove. Take a look at the halyards to make sure they are not frayed or in poor shape. Also check the sheets (lines used to control the sail) to ensure their quality. Empty the boat and then float it to make sure she sits level. Look to see if there is any printers lead in the bilge. An old wooden boat trait used to level a wood boat that swells unevenly. <br /><br />Looks like sealed windows, pour water from a hose over all of them to make sure they don't leak. Rebedding a window can be a hit or miss proposition. Run water over the chain plates to make sure they don't leak either. While you are at it do the hose trick for then entire deck hull joint.<br /><br />This appears to be a deck stepped mast so check around the mast's base for blisters or fresh paint. I would agree with the assessment that this boat will be slow. And I would also agree that she won't point worth a dam. Most keels work just like and airplane wing (sail and keel work together in concert in exactly the same way as an airplane wing), these look like ballast. <br /><br />And no matter what your intentions are, especially coming from power boating, you will have a need for speed. I would try to find a center keeled boat as you will find more information and assistance in sailing that type of sailboat. Resale could be problematic as well. I spent 5-7 years working on sailboats and they are an absolute blast. They make the same bay seem different each time you go out. Dig in and have fun. I am jealous on many levels.