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Old Sailboat Restoration

Fixing sailboat window – porthole leaks

Before you wonder if I really know what I’m talking about when it comes to sailboats, all I can say is the last three years has been dedicated to my first sailboat and the terminology is still a little sketchy in areas.  I know they are actually called portholes, but I find most people refer … Continue reading »

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Getting Back to the Sailboat Restoration Project

2012 has a lot in store for the Lady Iris, 2011 didn’t have much action due to a different set of priorities but 2009 and the beginning of 2010 held a lot of changes and updates on this sailboat. It’s time to tackle the inside and make her feel beautiful again.

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The difference a sail cover can make

It almost looks like a different sailboat just by finally replacing the old, worn out sail cover and adding a hatch cover.  The color is vibrant against the white and she has a more ‘cared for’ look, but more importantly the hatch cover has been worth is weight in gold.  My biggest leak on this … Continue reading »

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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! Continue reading »

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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.

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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 … Continue reading »

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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 … Continue reading »

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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.

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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 … Continue reading »

Categories: Buying a Sailboat, Old Sailboat Restoration | Tags: , | 1 Comment

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 … Continue reading »

Categories: Buying a Sailboat, Old Sailboat Restoration, Sailing Lessons Learned | 2 Comments