buying used misress

[scharney]

by allied.
, so no cracks.i am looking at one now. my plan is for singlehanding and living aboard.i am 67 in fair condition.lived aboard a smaller boat 22 years ago,so i am more concerned with sailing and maintenance issues for a 1972 center cokpit model. what should i be looking out for
scharney

[Capnblu]

Huh?

[gc1111]

As the owner of a 1972 Allied Mistress (hull #6) I can say there is nothing to look out for -- but I would be lying. However any boat this old will have a lot of things to look out for. It is just that the Mistress was pretty well built and problems will probably be those due to things previous owners did or things common to any boat of this age. The boat has a lot of "systems"; plumbing, electrical (110v and 12v), heads, steering, etc. They all have to be checked out and probably some updated. It has balsa cored decks, so check out any penetrations.

You will have to make the usual modifications (if they have not been done already) to adapt to single-handing. The original was roller reefed, switch to slab reefing. Make sure the auto-pilot is above average. The original Hyde StreamStay jib furling seems to last forever if you keep it greased.

There is a yahoo group "alliedboatco" with a moderately active mailing list. It would be worth joining.

Lastly, as a 73 year old I can say this, don't overestimate your abilities. The Mistress is pretty easy to handle, but it takes a lot of experience to make it easy.

[Selkirk]

Originally Posted by scharney

by allied.
, so no cracks.i am looking at one now. my plan is for singlehanding and living aboard.i am 67 in fair condition.lived aboard a smaller boat 22 years ago,so i am more concerned with sailing and maintenance issues for a 1972 center cokpit model. what should i be looking out for
scharney

Pardon any unfair accusations on my part, but a 67 year old sailor needs to be able to describe himself as being in great condition, not fair.
And I say that because I am a 64 year old who will describe himself as being in great condition.
So are you really in good enough condition to handle all the duties of a boat under sail? You're talking about a 39 footer, aren't you?.....Or am I thinking of the wrong boat? Be aware - a sail that get loose on a 39 footer can do real damage to anyone who is not fleet of foot and hand.

On the other hand..... If this is what you want to do and you understand the demands, then I am with you. Go for it! Living your dream will probably add years to your life.