I think I found a barn for Oh Joy

[CharlieCobra]

My biggest obstacle to refit has been the rain lately. I couldn't pull the decks because of the rain since the very last thing ya want sitting inside a wood hull is fresh water. It turns out, one of my coworkers that went sailing for his first time last Summer, owns a farm with a large, empty equipment barn. It has electricity and is big enough to do the complete refit in, including pulling the masts, house, decks and cockpit out of the boat so I can access the entire hull. Yes, this is gonna be a complete restore/refit but I think it'll be worthwhile, especially with me documenting the entire process. I'm gonna have a surveyor come by while the topsides are off to check the hull. Then I'll have him finish the survey prior to launch. Every inch of the interior hull will be stripped and painted with a good epoxy. She's gonna be a sweet a$$ed old girl when I'm done.

[Faster]

Right on, Charlie - that's the only way to tackle a project like that.. Will it be close to home?

[CharlieCobra]

About 20 miles away, closer than the yard she's in now.

[Giulietta]

Good luck Charlie....

Hope you finsh the stuff you are about to unveil....

Boa sorte amigo

[CharlieCobra]

Oh, I'll finish her. I've a good idea of what's ahead and that's why the decks are coming off. I'll be able to reach everything that way. I also won't have the EPA breathing down my neck for stupid things like sanding dust.

[Giulietta]

The reason I say this Charlie, is that I have known many many good willing folks that start a task like the one you are about to start, only to quit about 3 years into it...and no more boat...

These older things are not an easy task once you start tearing it appart....and the amount of work keeps building up instead of decreasing...

[smackdaddy]

Go get her Charlie! I have no doubt you'll knock this out. Hey, you ought to see Farmboy's yacht barn!

Keep us posted. She's gonna be a shameless hussy! Especially with her top off.

At some point, I'll try to get a case of beer out to you. Now get to work!

[CharlieCobra]

I've seen that happen too. The only way I'd give up is if the keelson itself was rotten. I've been able to access almost everything except directly under the fuel tank. I've been able to poke that area with a screwdriver and the wood there is still good. I just want to be able to recoat the hull interior with some good, modern coatings and verify EVERYTHING is kosher this time around. Besides, it'll be easier to R&R the engine with all of that stuff outta the way.

This will also make it easier to redesign the galley for Fredia and the engine room for me.

[CharlieCobra]

Yeah Smack, it'll be easier to get help if they're not standing out in the rain too.

[werebeagle]

You could probably say the same thing about old boats as they say about old houses. It's like an onion, peel pack a layer and cry. Good luck Charlie.