Maple Leaf 42'

eskfreedom · #1 (**permalink**) 04-23-2007

Hey guys, I need some advice. We went and looked at this boat today. YachtWorld.com Boats and Yachts for Sale&

We put in an offer for 92k!!! We fell in love with her interior and everything. She has a centerboard not a full keel. I have no knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of such a boat. She also has an adjustable backstay wich I know nothing about. We plan on sailing from the northwest south to Mexico for a couple years and then the south pacific. We are a family of four and she is perfect for our kids. My big worry is the lack of a keel. But the shoal draft sounds realy nice. I just wonder how she will do on the open sea. The reason I put an offer in is because it is a smoking deal at 92k. Up here anyways.
So do any of you guys Know anything about this boat or any info or opinions will be much appreciated

eskfreedom · #2 (**permalink**) 04-23-2007

YachtWorld.com Boats and Yachts for Sale

sailingdog · #3 (**permalink**) 04-23-2007

Given that you've got 33% of the weight of the boat as keel/centerboard, I doubt the boat has much in the way of stability issues. Keel-centerboard boats have made some amazing passages. The centerboard just allows you to get into shallower water than you would otherwise, while still giving you good windward performance.

The adjustable backstay is for helping control the shape of the sails. Increase the tension on the backstay to help flatten the sails to de-power them in heavier winds.

Valiente · #4 (**permalink**) 04-24-2007

Looks like you found a Good Old Boat. It reminds me a bit of the Cal 2-46. Make sure the survey tests the hull for moisture/core damage. I would suspect you can expect a fair bit of rigging replacement and maybe an engine rebuild, depending on when it was last done. Also, some of the wiring looks a little "off-code"...maybe not bad, per se, but possibly due for an upgrade.

If stuff works, like that windlass, fine: But be prepared that in a 30 year old boat, the first five years of serious usage could reveal a fair number of "fatigue failures" due simply to age and the logic of replacing old gear with stuff that draws less power, is less subject to corrosion, etc. You'll want to pay particular attention to the engine's state of spares and good repair, and may wish to pop for a full and qualified inspection (compression, spare injectors, top-end rebuild, redo of the exhaust system). Basically, if it's original and around the engine, it's suspect after 30 years of salt air.

Jeez, she's not a light boat, is she? She weighs as much as my steel full keeler of comparative size (although you have a greater waterline).

But the logic of a centerboard pilothouse for coastal passagemaking is pretty well unassailable (no pun intended!). Make sure the mechanical aspect of raising and lowering the board.

You have a great deal to learn, but although I am unfamiliar with that particular boat model, the year 1977 augurs well for a tough and essentially OVERbuilt boat that is as safe as you want to sail her. Congratulations, and consider crewing a great deal before you tackle going offshore, particularly on your rather unforgiving coasts.

sailingdog · #5 (**permalink**) 04-24-2007

Yes, you definitely want to make sure the centerboard pendant and pin are in good shape.

eskfreedom · #6 (**permalink**) 04-24-2007

Just got a call from our broker and our offer was accepted!!! Kinda scary. If anybody has any info on this boat it would be great. Thanks

cardiacpaul · #7 (**permalink**) 04-24-2007

little late for info on the boat NOW, eh?

get yourself a survey pronto, before you cut a check...
(jeez, tell me that you made the offer contingent on an acceptable survey, won't you?)

sailingdog · #8 (**permalink**) 04-24-2007

CP-

I hope so... i really do...

eskfreedom · #9 (**permalink**) 04-24-2007

Survey what is that?? Just kidding. Of course you guys. I am not a complete moron. Having the engine/tranny surveyed and the oil tested to.

eskfreedom · #10 (**permalink**) 04-24-2007

Here is a concern someone posted on another forum:
With their lean bows and excessively huge stern, I've heard that they are extremely hard to control downwind, in strong winds. Altho not as bad as the Maple Leaf 48, they can be a real workout of places like Cape Mendocino in a northerly. A friend helped sail a 48 from BC to Frisco and he said it was amost hopeless trying to control her downwind in strong winds and following seas.Have a good drogue ready when rounding Mendocino or Point Conception. Their total lack of hull balance and directional stability is abysmal.
Brent