Taking on a Sailboat Project
Whether you already have a sailboat to reburbish or are looking to buy one, taking on a sailboat project is one of the most fulfilling tasks I’ve ever experienced. February 18, 2010 marks one year for me on my own sailboat project as I have chosen to take break up the overall project in to smaller tasks. AND I live 950 miles away from my sailboat, making frequent trips to work on the boat about every 6 weeks!
Reseating Sailboat Windows
This may have been my funnest project yet on this sailboat because of all the leaking problems I’ve been having. When the windows were removed it became obvious why they were leaking, unfortunately I failed to take any pictures of this project.
Reefing the Sails on Book Knowledge
Our first sailing trip out alone, my dad and I, there was a notice of incoming weather … but did we listen? Not really. Honestly, we lucked out overall but seeing the potential weather coming in around us was enough to make me change my tune about the marine weather forecast.
when does a sailboat need a gelcoat?
This subject has haunted me since I bought this sailboat, what is gelcoat and when does my sailboat need it? Here’s the answers …
But before I begin I HAVE to say that the most important part of repainting your sailboat is the preparation! Be ready to sand and tape your tail-end off. I started out trying to cut a few corners here and am now paying the price in repainting areas and additional sanding.
sailboat renovation is a great family project
Had someone told me 8 months ago that buying a sailboat to renovate would bring me closer to many of my family members I would have laughed … and maybe even said “you don’t know my family”. But I would have been wrong, and I’m glad I made the jump without the expectation, I could not have asked for a funner and more gratifying experience than what I have had renovating this sailboat.
machine a shaft, replace cutless bearing and polish the propeller
Upon inspection of the existing shaft (which connects to the coupling) the key sizes does not match and my cutless bearing is shot.
and I christen thee, Lady Iris
July 28, 2009 the sailing vessel formerly with no name was christened according to legend with a short speech and the striking of a bottle of champagne across the the bow.
I knew nothing about christening a boat when I got up this morning so I went to the Internet of course! After reading a couple articles I decided to add this centuries old tradition to the experience of owning this sailboat.
A little sailboat maintenance and rigging inspection
Today I cleaned the bilge area dry, removed the old bilge pump that I had to replace last month and mounted the new one securely. Dad’s shop-vac was aweome, and I borrowed the oil change pump from Gatewood again to remove the oily water from behind the bilge compartment. The bolts at the bottom of the mast pole aren’t tightened down, Dad has the extensions I need to reach the bolts – I’ll do that later today.
coming out of the water
Just after 7:30am the lady Iris has been pulled out of the water and sitting securely on her stands in the shipyard at Mile 533 Marine Ways … wow, that is a mess of barnacles covering the hull. It was fascinating to watch that huge crain pull my boat up effortlessly, and a little startling to see the amount of scraping to be done.