Vic 18 help

Blueboater · #1 (**permalink**) 07-12-2008

I'm new to sailing and I have recently come across a Vic 18 with a trailer for $1000 the only issues are that a branch fell on her when in the yard and put a hole into where the cockpit seat goes into the aft part of the boat. the hole isn't too big and doesn't continue through the hull. Also the area under the mast and the support that goes through the cabin to the fiberglass is very soft and weak, I'm talking about the fiberglass itself, It has a spongy feel for about a 12' radius around it and has lost some fiberglass directly around the support.

The good is that other then those two part it seems to be in decent condition, sat for some time, but the sails are in good condition and the rest of the fiberglass seems good.

Since this could be my first sail boat purchases what could I be looking for? How does this deal sound to you guys?

Just looking for a little advice

Thanks,
Blue

LakeEscape · #2 (**permalink**) 07-13-2008

Blue,

A Vic 18 is a rock solid little boat, but the horizontal surfaces on the deck and in the cockpit are balsa cored. The hole in the cockpit will be an issue if not repaired quickly and it sounds as if the area around the mast step has already been compromised. I love these great sailing boats. Thier full keel design and 650 lbs of ballast makes them great in a blow. Just reef the main and add more headsail. There were quite a few built and a good number still in service. There is a pretty tight users group who can be found at:

http://login.prospero.com/dir-login/...msg%3D1323%2E1

That is the address for the Victoria and McVay Sailboats forum.

I see about 2-3 Vics a month for sale, and the average price for a clean on is around $2200-2500, with the trailer. The question would be, is it worth the time and effort to open up the deck and replace the core, then reglass it. And that would depend on your level of expertise, or whether you are going to have a yard do the work. Either way, it must be done.

Good luck, let me know if you buy her. I'll gladly help guide you. I have just finished refitting one for a friend in VA.

Fair Winds.

LakeEscape
On Lake Norman
Charlotte, NC

Blueboater · #3 (**permalink**) 07-13-2008

Thanks for the input and help!

sailingdog · #4 (**permalink**) 07-13-2008

If the deck is damaged and the core material is rotted and the deck delaminating, you should probably run from the boat. Repairing it can be a PITA and expensive to boot.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blueboater

I'm new to sailing and I have recently come across a Vic 18 with a trailer for $1000 the only issues are that a branch fell on her when in the yard and put a hole into where the cockpit seat goes into the aft part of the boat. the hole isn't too big and doesn't continue through the hull. Also the area under the mast and the support that goes through the cabin to the fiberglass is very soft and weak, I'm talking about the fiberglass itself, It has a spongy feel for about a 12' radius around it and has lost some fiberglass directly around the support.

The good is that other then those two part it seems to be in decent condition, sat for some time, but the sails are in good condition and the rest of the fiberglass seems good.

Since this could be my first sail boat purchases what could I be looking for? How does this deal sound to you guys?

Just looking for a little advice

Thanks,
Blue

Blueboater · #5 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008

I had no idea, thanks a lot! I will keep searching for the boat I want

arbarnhart · #6 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008

They are decent looking little boats:

Design: Victoria 18

and from the description, it may be just the cabin roof that needs done. However, if you aren't comfortable with glassing, it may not be worth it.

LakeEscape · #7 (**permalink**) 07-17-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blueboater

I had no idea, thanks a lot! I will keep searching for the boat I want

Blue,

Was that the Vic seen on eBay about 2 weeks ago? It was in Kittery, ME.

LakeEscape

Blueboater · #8 (**permalink**) 07-17-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by LakeEscape

Blue,

Was that the Vic seen on eBay about 2 weeks ago? It was in Kittery, ME.

LakeEscape

Could have been, a guy who restores sailboats and sells them in freeport was where I saw it. Not really a privet sale, the trailer it was on had a bad leaf spring as well.