Boat Project help....not what you think

bgeddes · #1 (**permalink**) 08-03-2011

I want to take a trip down the Erie Canal. My original plan was a fishing/jon boat type setup and tent camping. That was until I saw a guy at our marina with a sailboat hull, zero rigging, pushed by an outboard. It's a Mac 21 I think. It would be big enough to sleep on, weather over, and tolerate the waves on the lakes should travels take me there.

So to heck with the aluminum tub, I rather find a parted out sailboat hull to set up for the trip. The trick is where do I find one? Of course living in the mountains of PA doesn't help. The Jersey shore is a couple hours away. Knowing where to look when I get there would help. I know they are out there.

badsanta · #2 (**permalink**) 08-03-2011

check out ebay, stop at any marina they should have some, check or call the marina office all boats for sale may not have a sign on them

turbulicity · #3 (**permalink**) 08-03-2011

While you are at it, why not get one with the mast, rigging and sails intact? Who knows, you might enjoy sailing. You can get ~20 footers next to nothing. Check local craigslist.

junkrig · #4 (**permalink**) 08-03-2011

I've got one. I'll pm you.
Jeff

LandLocked66c · #5 (**permalink**) 08-03-2011

I know of another one as well in upstate NY, I bought his mast because he was planning to do the same thing as you. PM me if you are interested.

bgeddes · #6 (**permalink**) 08-03-2011

Quote:

While you are at it, why not get one with the mast, rigging and sails intact? Who knows, you might enjoy sailing. You can get ~20 footers next to nothing. Check local craigslist.

I saw the unrigged boat at my local marina (on a lake), where I keep my Oday 192. I try to sail every weekend.

LandLocked66c · #7 (**permalink**) 08-03-2011

Disregard what I mentioned, he has sold it...

CapTim · #8 (**permalink**) 08-04-2011

I'm near philly and in the boat market.. not for the kind you are after, but I've seen a lot of them while I look around. I don't know what your schedule is, but a trip down to Chesapeake City will turn up a half dozen hulls that aren't worth more than $300 to anybody. You'll have to dig up a trailer for some of them, but it wouldn't surprise me if you could get those for the cost of hauling them away.

Might take you a couple of weeks, but it's amazing how many derelict hulls are laying around out there

Good luck.. sounds like a fun trip!

LandLocked66c · #9 (**permalink**) 08-04-2011

The Erie canal would be a blast! The little towns really cater to the boaters passing through. Some provide free overnight tie ups and have bicycles on hand to get you around. Something i'd definitely like to do one day!

hellosailor · #10 (**permalink**) 08-04-2011

bg, just remember that when your trip is over you can't walk away from the hull. Either you have to store it, sell it (which can take a long time), or pay by the pound to have it hauled away. Which may cost more than buying it in the first place.