- This topic is empty.
-
Posts
-
Hello!
I have been researching 30-35 foot boats for a future liveaboard. Recentely I came across this posting:
http://maine.craigslist.org/boa/917923763.html
I have several questions for those people kind enough to provide information.
1. Would this boat make a good liveaboard in terms of space and headroom for me, at 6’1”?
2. On this model, what routine maintenance would I expect to perform, as is it reasonable considering its function as a liveaboard?
3. In general, how well does the mahogany planking of this boat hold up over time? How often would I expect to engage in serious plank replacement projects?
4. If I am to look at this particular boat, what should I pay attention to in particular (unique to this model)?
5. What price range are these models usually for decent condition?
6. What other information can you provide for me?Thanks so much!!
The best thing to do is really think about what kind of boating are you doing. Is it just to live on? How much do you want to sail? Long or short distance sailing? Ocean or coastal sailing? Really spend some time figuring out what you want to do and then match the boat with your dreams.
So many people have bought the wrong boat and then loose tons of money selling it, paying broker fees (twice) and buying something else that does not match the type of boating you want to do.
Of course there is buying a project boat (cheap) or something in good condition that you can enjoy rather than working on and putting lots more money into it just to make is sea worthy or usable.
There are many boaters that work forever on their boats, putting lots of money into her and then selling because it is really not the right boat for them.
Once you figure out what kind of boating you really want to do, match that to a boat. It is only a bargain if it matches your true needs.
Good luck,
Steve
Hi, A good question. I had about 3 wooden boats and then two fibereglass boats. So then 25 years ago I bought a wooden Dickerson 35 ft ketch. Would not have bought it if it were caulked like most wooden boats. But Dickerson’s wooden were strip planked that means 1 inch by i nch maghoney gued together and then nailed edge to edge each plank as it it is secured with bronze screws to ribs and frames 18 inches apart. So I can not believe it but my boat does not leak a drop.
My advice is look for a wooden Dickerson. With all I have put into my boat because it is wood probably would be lucky to get $15,000 even though it cost me about $50,000 with initial purchase and up grades. I saw a wooden one recently that sold for only $3,000 the other day. Even a fiberglass 36 ft you can get at a reasonable price. Just look around.
Joe Slavin Irish Mist
Steve,
I have spent a good deal of time grappling with the questions you raise. I have determined certain criteria which led me to research Dickerson, thus finding the above for sale add on Craigslist (now removed). I was asking questions on a general sailing forum for a while, but now have joined forums for specific boat manufacturers that I am particularly interested in.
Here are my current criteria:
Blue water (full keel) design
Ketch rigging
Head room
Classy lines and presence (wood if possible)
30-35 feet in lengthJoe,
Thanks for the advice. I see a couple of Dickerson 35 Ketch boats still on sale, and I am very interested in the strip planking. I really like the overall boat design.
What regular maintenance do you perform on your boat? Compared to the maintenance you were performing on your fiberglass vessels, what are the cost comparisons?
Thanks,
-Joe
Hi ,
In regard to general maintenance with an older wooden boat you do get dry rot on deck plywood and cockpit plywood which is covered with fiberglass mat. And then wooden cabin posts are places to look at. Re the hull I have not had any maintenance except putting a new wooden shoe on the keel and just painting. I put Awl Grip on sides 15 years ago and it is still holding up. I touch it up every two years. I paint bottom every two years and have diver clean it in off years. I paint decks every 2-3 years. Used to use varnish on teak trim but now use Sikkens Cetol about two coats a year.
With a wooden boat you should know how to use West System and you have to check it over every year. Problem with fiberglass is sometimes you neglect it and it catches up with you
Joe, Irish Mist
Joe,
Thanks so much for the information. I am sure I will have more questions soon!
-Joe
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.