Need Ideas for Cheoy Lee project

[BigAssHam]

Hello,

I'm getting back into sailing after being out of it for a while ( Annapolis area ). I am considering buying a 1966 Cheoy Lee 27 to restore. There doesn't seem to be anything structurally wrong - just a lot of brightwork and topsides that need restoring. Paint, varnish and a lot of elbow grease out to do the trick. However, I think to do this project right, it needs to be done indoors and in somewhat climate controlled conditions ( mainly because of all the varnishing that needs to be done ).

Anyone have any ideas about a place I could rent for 3 months? The worst case scenario would be to build a tent like structure at a do-it-yourself yard ( if they still exist??). But as winter is approaching, most of the yards will be full with haul-outs. Ideally, I could find warehouse space somewhere with a door big enough to fit the boat on a trailer ( this would be in the Annapolis - Baltimore area ).

I'm kind of stuck on this, because the project will be difficult to do outside in the dead of winter. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks,
BigAssHam

[sailingdog]

You might want to talk to some commercial realtors about renting warehouse space.

[TrueBlue]

The problem I see with finding commercial space is insurance liability, especially since you will be sanding, creating combustable dust and using volatile liquids and vapors. Most boat yards and marinas forbid boat owners from working on their boats indoors.

The majority of DIY boat restorers construct a temporary frame to support some exterior covering . . . preferably on self-owned land.

[btrayfors]

A 1966 Cheoy Lee is going to require a lot more than simply refinishing the "topsides" and varnishing, unless it has been impecably maintained...which doesn't seem likely from your brief description. And, if by "topsides" you actually mean the hull above the waterline (correct usage), what then about the decks? Teak? Fiberglass? Leaks? Cheoy Leaky built in lots of "gotchas".

My guess is that once you investigate you'll find LOTS of things which need doing quite apart from the hull and varnishing. I'd put it wherever you can, put a covering over it, and work on non-beautifying projects over the winter. Shrink wrap might be good, 'cuz it's easily available and allows you to work inside the boat in wintertime, with a bit of heat aboard.

Tackle the varnishing and hull beautifying projects in the spring.

JMHO,

Bill