Spring and summer to do list

[melp64]

Well buying the boat in the fall gives you a lot of time to think of thing to work on in the spring in summer. I would like to get the boat weather tight so I don't have water problems when I'm doing interior work. If anyone has more suggestion let me know and I'll add them to the list.

[Jim Hardesty]

Dan,
That's a big list.  My previous boat was bought from storage of 15 years and had a long to-do list.  I found Don Caseys book "This Old Boat" very helpful.  If I remember correctly there's a chapter devoted to making a to-do list and prioritizing it. 
https://www.amazon.com/This-Old-Boat-Don-Casey/dp/0071579931
There's a second edition that's updated mostly to newer materials.
A few questions.  Where are you and the boat located?  When do you plan on launching? 
I wish you the best with your project.
Jim

[melp64]

 I live in Grand Rapids MI and the boat is in Muskegon Michigan. Its about a 40 minute drive from my house. My overall plan is to get the boat water tight. Most of the port lights leak as you can see on the teak. The hatch leaks in the salon but I think all I have to do is to re attach the glass, you can actually see the glass move. It also leaks around the mast,solar fans, and cowel vents. If I can get all those dry I can work inside without things getting ruined.I was thinking about painting the outside but now I am thinking of just buffing it out. The bottom has to be redone as it looks like a 100 year old house in need of paint.
My overall plan is to launch in the late spring of 2024. I know I wont have everything done on my list but I would like to make a really big dent in it. For some reason everyone says I need to get the boat in the water as soon as possible I would rather put in the water completed and ready to sail. Which that's one thing I don't have on my list. learn to sail.
If your boat sat for 15 years you must have had a list very similar to mine. I wish I could have had the boat delivered to my house then I could have worked on it all winter long, but the cost to do so was expensive and  I am using that money for supplies.
How long did it take you to put your boat in the water and how much was left on your list to do? 

[waughoo]

I haven't digested you list completely, but your focus on curing the leaks is a good one.  Then I would concentrate on the things that can only be done out of the water.  A boat is ALWAYS a wprk in progress.  Amidst the wprk you can still have some fun on the project while it isn't complete. 

A quick not to exterior paint... I would strongly suggest buffing it out.  I did this to my boat and it really improved its presentation
  If it is really bad, a wet sand first and then buff would do a lot to bring back the shine.  This can be done a lot easier to the hull when on the ground.  The topside are just as easy on the hard or in the water unless on a mooring.

Send us a few photos!

[ewengstrom]

I have to say I agree with Alex, get after those leaks first as they do nothing but lead to further damage.
After three years of work we are getting close on our 88 C34. It hadn't been stored for 15 years like Jim's boat had, but it had been used and not maintained in any respect for a full 15 years. Everything last opening leaked and nothing worked (including the engine) on the day we purchased the boat.
It took us five full weekends working dawn till dark just to get her in good enough shape for the trip home.
A "Good Old Boat" is ALWAYS a work in progress, and I find it makes my life easier just accepting that it'll never be "done". She looks outstanding these days and my wife and I are quite proud of her and really enjoy sailing and cruising on her, but in truth I still have a list that isn't quite as long as yours but nothing is considered critical anymore....she sails and everything works again....and I'll keep pecking away at my list.
You're really going to enjoy this boat, they sail so well and are quite comfortable on longer trips. Hope you get a handle on all these chores soon so you can get out there too!!!!!

[Jim Hardesty]

How long did it take you to put your boat in the water and how much was left on your list to do?

Took possession in November, launched and sailed the next spring.  The boat was a 1978 S2 9.2, very well built boat, no leaks.  Replaced bad engine mounts, installed Edson wheel steering, lots of undoing the PO "improvements", polish hull, painted boot stripe and much more.  The bottom was painted with a variety of paints, probably to pretty up for sale, so I painted with soft bottom paint with the idea of doing a good job in the future.   I live only 10 minuets away and at the time worked nights.
Lots was left on my to-do list.  The boat was safe, motor ran well and the rig was sound.  The to-do list grew a lot the first season sailing.  Was a great boat for me.  Sailed her for 5 seasons made improvements every year.  Had a very short to-do list when I sold her for more than I paid.
Jim

[melp64]

Mechanically as far as the engine goes PO had the marina do all it work I have 20 years of records for that. The rest of the boat not so much. It was used to teach sailing to college students. I'm guessing that why I have close to 30 orange life preservers. Every year the boat sailed it was approved by the coast guard as a charter vessel (because of the students I guess) I have been reading here on this site and the manual on line. Here's a quick question when the manual says it needs 115 ft for a halyard is that correct or would 100 ft work? All the lines on the boat need to be replaced as they are green and moldy.

[Jim Hardesty]

All the lines on the boat need to be replaced as they are green and moldy.

If they are only green and moldy try washing.  I've never had a problem washing lines.  Googleing it will probably give you a number of suggestions.
I've even put them in a mesh bag and run them through a washing machine.  More often a tub, warm water, oxiclean, rinse, rinse, rinse and fabric softner.  Would air dry and not use a cloth dryer.
Jim

[Ron Hill]

Guys : I took my line to a Self Laundry and put them in a commercial Machine. Then let tham air dry.  Worked out well!!

A thought

[Stu Jackson]

Here's a quick question when the manual says it needs 115 ft for a halyard is that correct or would 100 ft work?

Short answer:  nope.  If a line is too short, you can't extend it.  If a line is too long, then...

BEFORE you buy anything:  Look CAREFULLY at the manual for the specific YEAR of your boat and see how they rigged the halyard (i.e., blocks) and whether it was run aft or not.  Then COMPARE that to your boat.  Then measure the parts you can get to (mast to cockpit), add the height of the mast (it's in the manual) and then ADD how you're gonna attach the headboard end of the halyard when it is NOT connected to the headboard.

Then double check everything.

I have a shroud mounted cleat that I use to attach my halyard to when not in use.  Some use the aft end of their boom, which would require a longer line.

Never depend on anyone else's measurements, use your own.

FWIW, I bought 120 feet and wish I'd made it 5 feet longer. 

Your boat, your choice. 

[Stu Jackson]

Also, just realized I should have included I have a standard rig.

[KWKloeber]

All the lines on the boat need to be replaced as they are green and moldy.

If they are only green and moldy try washing.  I've never had a problem washing lines.  Googleing it will probably give you a number of suggestions.
I've even put them in a mesh bag and run them through a washing machine.  More often a tub, warm water, oxiclean, rinse, rinse, rinse and fabric softner.  Would air dry and not use a cloth dryer.
Jim

I second that re: an oxygen cleaner -- I use the dollar store knockoff and it works extremely well (I just let 'em soak on deck in a bucket or larger tote, depending on the length, and occasionally agitate while I work on other chores then keep flushing with fresh water once clean.