My boat is showing it's age

[Konrad in Lincoln]

I got the Vacationer out of dry winter storage over the weekend. It has the usual dirt and such, but going on its 6th year now, it's also starting to show it's a middle-aged boat. (boats must age in dog-years or something)

There are some pieces of trim (like the taff rail and the running boards) that have movement in them. There is a crack that has developed in the front stem and has come through the glass and the paint. The small bits of finish wood here and there are just showing age and use with random scuffs, dings, and dents.

My boat is at that critical time in a boat's life where its owner decides to either give it a little extra TLC and maintenance to keep it up, or they decide (either conciously or not) to let the boat "out to pasture" and just enjoy it while it still has a few more seasons in it without looking *really* bad.

I haven't decided which way I'm gonna go yet. Mostly because we've moved and I don't have an indoor shop to work on it anymore. But if the day ever comes that I decide the boat needs to be retired forever, I'll not be able to do it myself. I'll have my dad just tow it to the landfill while I"m at work someday, and have the cat operators pull it off the trailer with a chain.

A horrible vision, I know. It's still a LONG way from that day, trust me.

But I can see it will happen someday. :cry: Cripes, I better get that rudder box rebuilt and get to sailing it while I still have it!!

[Frank Hagan]

I'm facing the same decision with my Weekender, and its complicated by the fact that I have a larger production boat that we use much more often.

Selling her is an option, but you don't get much for a home-built wooden boat unless it looks like Jake's (mine is definately a work boat finish). My brother has expressed an interest if I'll teach him how to sail, so that's probably the option I'll take.

[Guest]

In a point of note, any weekender that is an unwanted step child, I would be very happy to take it, with complete rigging of course, simply because I am beginning a project for alternative kids in Sept. I aquired the one from New York and will be beginning the redo and upgrade for a single school year. Yes I am free to travel or arrange for shipping.

[Tim Diebert]

Wow, that's quite an offer Mike.

I have found that there is a kind of perpetual maintainance aspect to a boat. Every Spring there are always things that need to be done, new cracks, bad varnish/paint, loose joints etc. I am usually having to fix things all during the season as well. For me though, I am currently 'into it'.

As long as a person is still interested in their boat and is actually actively using it, these things get taken care of on an ongoing basis it seems... because the interest is there.

I have seen what Konrad and Frank are feeling. I have come to think it can be just part of the natural life cycle of boats....specially wood boats.

Personally, I love to see an older not so wonderful boat go to a new owner that is going to have the focus and energy to get the job done and get out there and give the boat new life. Even if you can't sell it for much, someone like Mikes program or even an ad in the paper saying free boat to someone that wants to fix and sail. Could help out a young guy with a new family or some kids that will put life and love into a boat that will be new and wonderful to them. My 2 cents worth.

[Barry Pyeatt]

Konrad,

Don't let it go! You will be forever feeling the pain. But then getting a good road rash will feel about the same ...in a twisted sort of way. :roll:

That you've have had it last this long without much maintenance is quite a statement to the build. Wooden boats require maintenance, unfortunately wood never stops moving and finishes degrade with seasonal changes. Taking the time to make the repairs and repaint will add another six years at least to the usefulness of the boat. Unless of course, it has internal issues that are not worth getting into deeply.

Repaired a lot of wood in the last 40 years. Replaced a bunch and fixed a lot of cracked glass. Then refinished and they work and look like new again. Lots of life in one of these if it gets just a bit of loving care. Shame to let it go just because it needs some love. :cry:

[Konrad in Lincoln]

The two biggest factorrs are the arrival of two baby boys in the last 24 months, and the fact that we've moved to a house without a shop building. That means all my work on it is done outside. And in Nebraska, that means it's either way too hot or way too cold. (we have an annual 120 degree temp differential here)

But at this point, I think I'm going to give it some lovin'.

I just have to get my motorcylce back together first. :?

While helping watch the 23 month old toddler. :? :?

While the wife keeps the newborn at bay. :? :? :?

I'll work it out.

.