[Jeff_H]

I have owned a number of wooden boats in my life two of which needed restoration and another was in need of major work. Once restored wooden boats are not all that hard to maintain, but here you are talking about a gutted, 45 year old wooden boat, no mention of an engine. Few wooden boats were built to last that long. Most were intended to have a a lifespan of maybe 30 years during which they would have a number of refastening and major repairs. After 45 years, the refastening and other hull repairs would normally suggest a boat that need to be reframed and perhaps partially replanked. It might suggest a boat that needs redecking and all new rigging. Its unlikely that a boat in that condition would have good sails, instruments, interior appointments etc. I guess what I am getting at is that even if given to you for free, it could easily cost more in materials to put that boat into shape than it would cost to buy a fully found vessel in good condition. AND that assumes that you have the skills to do the work right yourself. Very few beginners really understand enough about the way that a sailboat works to be able to do a credible restoration. Most of us who take on older wooden boats have been around sailing and wooden boats for years before taking on something as ambitious as you are proposing.

Having restored quite a few boats in my day, reading that description, I suggest that you could be a new boat in anyone of a number of materials for less than it would cost to try to make that one seaworthy.

Respectfully,
Jeff