49' Ta Chiao - Prospect boat?

[pbpme]

This looks like an interesting project. Upon cursory inspection, it looks fairly used and needing some extensive refitting. My question is, for a project like this, how much and how long? Is it worth it? Does anyone know anything about the builders?

49' Ta Chiao

[btrayfors]

Ta Ciao is a mostly reputable builder in Taiwan. Built some very nice boats over the years.

One would have to know a lot more about this boat to answer your questions.

And, your intentions for the boat as well as your experience and skills would be important. For example: what do you plan to do with the boat? Fix it up a bit and live aboard? Probably 6-12 months and less than $50K would handle that very well. Restore it to top notch condition for ocean sailing? Figure 4 to 5 years and $100K to $200K.

The pix are pretty elementary, but sufficient to show that the boat has had some loving care and has some nice touches. Owner's selection of equipment is pretty good (Icom M710 SSB, Furuno radar, genuine CQR and Bruce anchors, Force 10 stove, Barlow self-tailing winches, etc.). She also is pretty well equipped for long-distance sailing and/or liveaboard, assuming everything works or can be made to work with reasonable care.

The teak decks are likely to be a problem if you intend to take her into tropical climates. And, the entire standing rigging might need replacement on a boat of this vintage.

Sails? Engine? Wiring and electric systems? Generator? If the fuel tanks really are aluminum, that would give me some pause.

Again, from the pix it really isn't possible to judge, but my hunch would be that she'd be a very good cruising vessel for anyone willing to invest the time and money.

Bill

[pbpme]

I was thinking of something to take off in 5-7 years for extended cruising. And the 100-150k for a refit sounds about right. I figure a mix of DIY and hire it out. Obviously the latter adds to the cost of a refit.

In 6-7 years, would it be better to have invested 240-300k (boat + refit) or plunk down 250-300k for a new one? My fear is these kind of projects run out of gas before they are done due to owner fatigue?

What are the problems with teak decks? Delamination, leaking?

[btrayfors]

I think your expectations are realistic.

Problem with teak decks in the tropics is that they require a lot of work. And, older teak decks often need refastening, replacing hundreds of bungs, new sealants, etc. In frustration some years ago, I had mine removed in Tortola and replaced with what looks like new fiberglass decks (the decks were fiberglass under the teak, but had hundreds of holes in them as the teak was fastened through the fiberglass. A couple layers of cloth, smooth coating, then 8 coats of Awlgrip, including non-skid, did the trick. It was done professionally and they still look great).

Re: boat worth after 6-7 years, who's to say? You sure can't replace this boat in terms of quality for $200-300K new. Today, it would cost at least twice that amount.

My boat is a 1981 Cheoy Lee-built, Bob Perry-designed 42' sloop. I've owned her for 18 years and in that time have spent a small fortune in upgrades and maintenance, doing much of the work myself but having the major things ( rigging, decks, hull, new laid-teak cockpit, etc.) done professionally. There's no way I can ever recover all the cash invested, but I know I have a solid boat in first class condition that I certainly couldn't afford to buy new today. You can see lots of pix of her in various galleries at: http://gallery.wdsg.com Click twice on each pic for full resolution.

We just returned from a summer in Maine. The boat performed beautifully, as always, and is ready to go again right now.

Some things you just can't put a pricetag on... :-))

Bill

[pbpme]

I've read about people who have removed teak decks, great to hear it worked out for you. Nice pictures, especially the interiors. Speaking of Cheoy Lee, there's also an interesting project boat for sale locally.

Cheoy Lee 44'

I've been inside this boat several times with a guy from Vancouver who is seriously looking at it. This looks like a major refit too. Lots of things about this boat don't add up, new masts? but down below, the engine, thru hulls, etc., are a wreck. Nice price though.

Also looks like a 5-7 year project and 150k plus. I'm so tempted to buy this boat and put it on the hard for several years, got any advice about what to look for in a Cheoy Lee of this vintage? If this boat could be made to look as sweet as your boat, now that sounds worth it.

Thanks.

[btrayfors]

Pretty boat.

Really can't comment...would need to see it up close.

Older Cheoy Lee's sometimes had leaky decks (hence the nicname, "Cheoy Leakey") and many metal fittings fabricated in their yard, some of which were OK, some were little more than pot metal.

Hull construction (hand layup) was generally very good....solid, no blister problems.

Teak joinerwork looks very good, and is generally OK. Watch out for teak damaged by water intrusion below.

Given enough time, labor, money, and love....any boat can be made to look good :-)

Bill

[Jeff_H]

If you are really thinking of ultimately investing $200-300K you would be way ahead of the game buying a slightly smaller boat that was all ready to go for the middle to bottom end of your range. Some options might include something like a Brewer 44, Hylas 46, J-44, or Tartan 4600.

Jeff