Worth a shot?

[Nanoose]

How do you know when a wood boat is worth saving? I know the somewhat emotional answer is that any wood boat is worth saving but I'm curious as to the logic you'd use to evaluate a potential project.

The photos are of a rowboat listed in a local classifieds site (usedvictoria.com). I went out this morning and had a look. The current owner was told by the previous that it's 40 to 50 years old. Obviously it's lapstrake, riveted and at one time had some type of sailing rig (you can see in the photo where the mast was stepped.

The planks seem fairly solid, as do the ribs, although it's a bit hard to tell. There is epoxy paint on the outside and the transom has been replaced with 1" marine ply. The current owner used it for flyfishing and had a 4hp on the stern (not included).

There was some leaking through the seams and he "remedied" this by 'glassing areas of the bow and transom. The metal band on the skeg looks a bit tired and I'm sure there is some work there as well.

In mint condition I'm sure she'd be a sweet little craft but...I'm wondering if this is worth the effort. We'd like to have a lapstrake dinghy for Nanoose but at 13 feet or so this is a bit large (and heavy) although would be very stable.

Thoughts?

BTW, the asking price is $350 for the boat, trailer (pretty shot) and oars.

Thanks in advance for your input...

Dave

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p6dd4cc6d1aceab402a524cda5cd6c991/e824c4b9.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p8eeefb24fe4d648814da0d9e82950633/e824c4ba.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p8061b55f3e2bcd5c24ce09f385ecff51/e824c4b8.jpg

[Paul Girouard]

Offer him $100.00 USD , if he sez no walk away.

It looks restorable to me , it won't look like "new" , but it will / could be a nice working dink tender. Point out the trailers only "good enought" to get her home on in your opinion.

I wish that boat was on my island , just what I'm lookin for to dink around on / in . :cool:

[Jim Ledger]

I'd pass on this one.

It would be easier to build a new boat, which is what you'd end up doing if you did it right.

It's easy to start fixing a boat and find out slowly that the baot needs far more work than you originally intended doing. Three things can then happen. First, you can give up. This is a popular option and often the most sensible. Or, you can give it a quick temporary fix, slap on some paint and get a few more seasons out of it. again a sensible solution.

Or you can say "What the hell" and replace every stick in the old tub and apply for membership in the True Believers Club, dues having been paid. New boat builders need not apply.

[yorgie]

Too bad the original transom's gone .The builders stamp might have been present,'Mckay and Cormack' in Victoria or 'Davidson' and 'Turner' being the bigger Vancouver builders from that time.

If you're looking for something smaller I know of a 9'lapstrake boat that a local lady needs to sell before she moves out of her house.It's 15 years old and could use some work but the size is good for a tender.

Chris

[Paul Girouard]

I'd pass on this one.

It would be easier to build a new boat, which is what you'd end up doing if you did it right.

It's easy to start fixing a boat and find out slowly that the baot needs far more work than you originally intended doing. Three things can then happen. First, you can give up. This is a popular option and often the most sensible. Or, you can give it a quick temporary fix, slap on some paint and get a few more seasons out of it. again a sensible solution.

Or you can say "What the hell" and replace every stick in the old tub and apply for membership in the True Believers Club, dues having been paid. New boat builders need not apply.

You'd prolly not restore this window sash either I'd guess, :D

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/PEG688/Shermanwindowrepairs25.jpg

[pcford]

It's a sweet boat...nice lines...transom is up out of the water. Shows its Canadian heritage. Nice and rather rare these days.

It is very hard to tell from pictures the condition of a boat. (It always amuses me when a boat image is shown here from 50 ft. distant and people comment that it is a beautiful job. You just can't tell.)

Anyway, I would say give her a go. Good boat to learn on.

[yorgie]

Pcford
I like the look of the boat as well and was wondering what in particular that makes the boat look Canadian?(which from what I've seen it does but don't know why.)

Chris

[pcford]

Pcford
I like the look of the boat as well and was wondering what in particular that makes the boat look Canadian?(which from what I've seen it does)

Chris

I am certainly no expert in this...but I think of Canuck boats as generally showing their British heritage. Maybe a bit huskier...the East coast of the US is generally sheltered from the prevailing winds. British Isles are stuck right out there in the face of the prevailing westerlies. Not sure but I would guess that the practice of riveting may have endured a bit longer in Canada and Britain. To me riveting is a sign of higher quality. It's a nice boat.

[Paul Girouard]

I am certainly no expert in this...but I think of Canuck boats as generally showing their British heritage. Maybe a bit huskier...the East coast of the US is generally sheltered from the prevailing winds. British Isles are stuck right out there in the face of the prevailing westerlies. Not sure but I would guess that the practice of riveting may have endured a bit longer in Canada and Britain. To me riveting is a sign of higher quality. It's a nice boat.


Sounds very "right " to me ,it is a nice boat. That transom souldn't be that hard to swap out so nice Hondo Mahog new rub rails , a LOT of sanding:D she'll be cherry:cool:

Come on Dave bring $150.00 USD or maybe $250.00 Canadian :D

Just kidding :p no since creating a international incident:D

[yorgie]

Thanks Pc,the flat sheerline gives it a solid workboat look.
I looked up 'usedvictoria' and my oh my I'd be getting into real trouble if I didn't have someone to keep me in line.A Norwegian Knarr,a 1948 Danish Folkboat #55,Nanoose's find.I'd be filling up my backyard.

Chris

[yorgie]

Hey Paul good news!U.S $ are now being accepted at par in Canada.

[Paul Girouard]

Hey Paul good news!U.S $ are now being accepted at par in Canada.


Danmed close 1.00

=

1.0535

US Dollar
Canadian Dollar
1 USD = 1.0535 CAD
1 CAD = 0.9492 USD


As you can see I don't follow the dollar vs other much :o Our buck used to be worth a lot more :o Jeesh I hope this does not tail spin into a bilge thread :D

[rbgarr]

I like the look of the boat as well and was wondering what in particular that makes the boat look Canadian?

"Transom up out of the water... shows its Canadian...."

Yup, those Canadians like to keep their asses out of the water alright! Damn stuff is C-c-c-cold up there!!;):D

[Nanoose]

Yup, those Canadians like to keep their asses out of the water alright! Damn stuff is C-c-c-cold up there!!;):D

Almost as cold as Maine! :D (used to live there too!)

[The Bigfella]

$350 isn't exactly a lot of money - depends on whether you want something to use or something to look pretty. I've seen boats in lots worse condition than than still in use. If you want something to look a million dollars - forget it, but I reckon that boat is OK to use for another 20 years with a lick of paint and maybe a few sticks here and there.

[Stiletto]

My first reaction when I saw the pics was that it was definiteely worth saving, As an honest workboat, the type of input that the Bigfella mentions is what I think she needs.

[Nanoose]

She's ours. I consider you all godparents to this baby.

Thanks for all the advice.

Dave

[Paul Girouard]

Sweet we'll want lots of photos' of the restore ;) And of course the option for unlimited advise :rolleyes::D

What'd he take for her?

[Jim Ledger]

Congratulations!

I know that I tried to discourage you but since you decided to go for it anyway, I'll be glad to help any way I can.

You see, I'm not really very good at restoration. Having done some work on both old boats and houses, I find that I prefer new work. Restoration requires a willingness and ability to work with a less-than-perfect fabric, retaining a large percentage of the original material. Rewarding stuff if you find a talent for it. My tendency is to start replacing and not be able to stop. Unfortunately, this is not the easiest way to build a boat.

Good luck!

[Nanoose]

Deb here:

Jim - I (we!) understand. We've renovated 2 old houses, and built a new one. Dave built his first dinghy last winter, and we're maintaining Nanoose. Sometimes (often!!) just starting new is better...well, definately easier! But, we decided there was some education, fun and adventure to be had here, and at the end of it all we can decide if we keep her or pass her along. After talking about it, we decided to make an offer and let it go either way. But Dave seemed buoyed this morning as he headed off to work after getting a "yes" to his offer. Mind you I did point out that this is boat #5, and he is now Commodore of the fleet!! :eek: :D But a happy Commodore at that. ;) :)

[Paul Girouard]

What'd he take for her?



Hello ??

[Mrleft8]

What are you getting at here Nanner? Bought another boat? Sold a boat?

[Paul Girouard]

What are you getting at here Nanner? Bought another boat? Sold a boat?


How about you read the thread Lefty :rolleyes: or are you to cold :D

[Figment]

Back on topic of what's worth a shot and what isn't...

There's a beetle cat on ebay right now that, going by the auction photos, looks like it truly would be easier to build a new boat with the salvaged hardware than to attempt restoration. And it's "only" 20 years old.
http://i11.ebayimg.com/03/i/000/ab/ff/8741_1.JPG
http://i1.ebayimg.com/01/i/000/ab/ff/8fc2_1.JPG

Or am I way off?

[Nanoose]

Maybe we'll get to whittle down Nanoose's old main mast for this one! :eek: :eek: :eek:

[Paul Girouard]

Back on topic of what's worth a shot and what isn't...

There's a beetle cat on ebay right now that, going by the auction photos, looks like it truly would be easier to build a new boat with the salvaged hardware than to attempt restoration. And it's "only" 20 years old.
http://i11.ebayimg.com/03/i/000/ab/ff/8741_1.JPG
http://i1.ebayimg.com/01/i/000/ab/ff/8fc2_1.JPG

Or am I way off?


That ones gone IMO.

[Jim Ledger]

There's nothing wrong with totally replacing a boat such as this Beetle Cat, so long as you start the project with this in mind. that way you can get right down to doing what needs to be done, i.e. removing every other plank, fitting temporary bulkheads, etc.

It's a much more discouraging process when you come to the slow realization that total replacement is the most viable option and that much of your previous work must therefore be scrapped.

The thing to do, therefore, is to have a realistic and accurate assessment before you begin and a good plan of attack and achievable goals.

[donald branscom]

I would grab it. looks like a good design too.
Just the hardware and oars are worth $350.,
It looks worth while to me.
You saw it up close. right?

[Paul Girouard]

So ya pick it up yet?

So on that note here's that old window ,

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/PEG688/Shermanwindowrepairs25.jpg


Durning rework :

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/PEG688/Aug13th6.jpg




and now :






http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/PEG688/sept17006.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/PEG688/sept17009-3.jpg

Soon as the glazing puddy cures she's ready for paint:)

The boat will be some of the same type process, good luck , post photo eh !

[Jim Ledger]

Boy, that Bondo's some good stuff, eh, Paul.;)

[Paul Girouard]

Boy, that Bondo's some good stuff, eh, Paul.;)


Didn't use any bondo Jim bo:D

Lil of this ,

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/PEG688/Aug9th3.jpg

lil of that'

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/PEG688/Aug10th4.jpg

Opps that another replacement part :D

Lil scarfing on ,

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/PEG688/Aug13th.jpg

Epoxied on , wonderful stuff epoxy:cool:


http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/PEG688/Aug13th2.jpg





Lil glazing puddy , carpenter's bedding compound :D


http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/PEG688/sept17007-2.jpg

I'll never be agreat glazer like my Pip / Granddad , of course he "glazed " his way around France as a Doughboy back in 1919 IIRC, he was behind the front doing repair work as the war wound down. He could glaze a window pane in a heart beat and his glazing was perfect as I remember it:cool:

[Nanoose]

Paul - she's in the driveway as we speak (type?) :D

Dave picked her up last night after work.

[Paul Girouard]

Sweet lets get goin on her! Photo's we need photos :p

I thought about what you said with the border crossing , the trip north , gas , possible ferry fees . I'd think some type of trailer hassle / fee / regerstration , etc etc , all would cha ching the process. But if another similar boat shows up ...............maybe :o

[Hwyl]

Congratulations, looks like the kind of boat my friend growing up had.We had "Swallows and Amazons" type adventures in her. May your adventures begin

[JimD]

We'd like to have a lapstrake dinghy for Nanoose but at 13 feet or so this is a bit large (and heavy) although would be very stable.


I haven't read all the details in this thread but I bet you could build a new plywood lapstrake dinghy at the right size at half the weight, in half the time, hassle, and money its going to cost you to fix that old girl.
http://www.selway-fisher.com/NCoble10p2.jpg
http://www.selway-fisher.com/NCoble12p1.jpg

http://www.selway-fisher.com/Redsp1.jpg
http://www.selway-fisher.com/Storn9p1.jpg

















And so on... http://www.selway-fisher.com/GPDinghyup13.htm

[Nanoose]

Ya, JimD....but we're suckers for "potential". Aren't all wooden boaters?!? :eek:

[Paul Girouard]

[quote=JimD;1636851]I haven't read all the details in this thread but I bet you could build a new plywood lapstrake dinghy at the right size at half the weight, in half the time, hassle, and money its going to cost you to fix that old girl.


Thanks for the encouragement there Jimmy:rolleyes: Back ta the bilge for ya with 40 lash's , arrrrrrggggggggghhhh!:D

[JimD]

Ya, JimD....but we're suckers for "potential". Aren't all wooden boaters?!? :eek:

Let me know when you regain your sanity. In the mean time enjoy your potential. :D

[JimD]

[quote=JimD;1636851]I haven't read all the details in this thread but I bet you could build a new plywood lapstrake dinghy at the right size at half the weight, in half the time, hassle, and money its going to cost you to fix that old girl.


Thanks for the encouragement there Jimmy:rolleyes: Back ta the bilge for ya with 40 lash's , arrrrrrggggggggghhhh!:D

But Paul. I am encouraging him. I'm encouraging him to forget the whole thing. ;)

[Paul Girouard]

[quote=Paul Girouard;1636858]

But Paul. I am encouraging him. I'm encouraging him to forget the whole thing. ;)


Good idea, I could be forced to pick that boat up on my side of the border , of course Nana and Dave would have to pay all fees involved . In fact they should just deliever it to Whidbey :mad: I can meet um at the Deception Pass bridge , why should I have to drive to Blaine, or Lynden :mad: :D

Excellent idea Jim , :cool: thats why I so enjoy your posts :D