A little bruised but hopefull

[endoit]

Hello. After 3 years of research, beginner sailing lessons and outings with sailing friends 3 months ago I purchased a 1978 Bristol 35.5 in Maryland. Survey and sea trials went well but after the purchase the boat resided on hard having " minor issues" corrected in Annapolis. Minor issues became major issues and so La Grande Dame became a sole source of income for riggers, sailmakers, and a marine service company with projects too numerous to be listed. Every time someone picked up a screwdriver something was screaming to be brought to code and safety of the vessel was in jeopardy. And so after a substancial expenditure La Grande Dame left the dock on her first leg of the trip to the gas dock where due to the operator error the bowspirit was bent letting all the new wire lifelines fully flacid. After a slight diesel overfill which had to be absorbed and a thorough ducktape tightening of the lifelines we resumed our adventure to a rented slip at a private dock on Magothy river. The day was hot but we had a steady wind allowing for familiarization with all the running rigging and at least 200 feet of excess line which formed a tangled mess everywhere. Breathing a little easier once on the bay and stalling past the bay bridge we decided to motor towards home. Within 15 minutes we were greeted by billowing smoke and our engine stalled. Brand new fire extinguishers were ready for deployment with six sailors nervously calculating the distance to shore only to realize that it was steam from the overflow walve in the cooling system. Plan B was put in action, land plans were altered and we sailed 4 miles up the river motoring for the last 2 minutes to tieup in 100 degree heat. Bordering on heat exhaustion we finally ended our first excursion with a bottle of La Grande Dame champagne. A little bruised but hopefull looking foward to more adventure once the mechanic looks at the engine and the bow spirit is repaired. I think I may want to invest in tow insurance prior to my next outing.

[Izzy1414]

endoit,

Sounds like a typical daysail to me. Welcome to sailing and to Sailnet.

[F4d3d]

Great story, endoit!

I'm actively looking to buy a boat, so your experiences make me cringe, thinking it could be me in your shoes very soon!

I wish you many kind winds and gentle anchorages in the future.

[smackdaddy]

end - dude, you're breakin' my heart here. Jeez - what a story!

It can only get better from here. Surely.

How was the booze?

[Stillraining]

Welcome Aboard...

If you didn't hang a for sale sign on her yet you'll do all right..

[T37Chef]

The good news is your purchased a great boat! I grew up sailing on my uncles 35.5 "Bristol Cream". We looked seriously at one in Annapolis years ago, but it was needed toooo much work to go sailing. Once you get all the bugs worked out life will be good. Cheers

[deniseO30]

Lessons learned the $$ way. Knowledge is your best weapon in all things. trusting others that are "professionals" to do things right has already shown where it gets you. I agree, if you haven't decided to sell her yet your hooked for life!

take pictures! we love em!

[ehmanta]

Welcome aboard!
If you haven't aready figured it out.....boatyards are expensive As sailors, DYI becomes a necessity as the wallet constricts