Trawler project

[lbrewer]

I hope i didn't bite off more than i can chew. My latest potential project is a 46 ft custom built shrimp trawler that i would like to convert for fishing/pleasure. If I jump in with both feet it will be my first experience restoring a carvel planked hull. That fact and just the size is kind of intimidating, so I've asked a local builder of these type hulls to help me evaluate her condition to see if its feasible. To my as yet untrained eye she seems pretty solid for the most part. She took a bit of a beating during Katrina on the transom and rubrails, but I'm told the 50 foot yacht that was slamming against her sank as a result.

[capt jake]

Oooohhh, I though my project was big! :shock:

She'll be sweet when it is all done!

[lbrewer]

I hope you're right capt jake. I keep telling myself "its just one piece of wood fastened to another just like the other boats you've built".

These pieces of wood are a lot bigger though!

[Frank Hagan]

Any chance of getting someone to survey her for you? Maybe the boat builder friend can do it. I know with fiberglass boats they tap on the surface of the gelcoat all over the boat to find hidden rot, and its a time consuming process. Not sure what they do with wooden boats, but one that size, if there are major problems, could cost you plenty!

[lbrewer]

That's why I am having him look at it Frank. I don't trust my lack of experience here. I have found and fixed a couple of places but I'll feel better having a professional opinion before I get too far into it. The guy has a boatyard in Coden, AL and is well known locally for building and repair of these types of vessels.

[capt jake]

When it's all done, we all know where we can have a gathering in the South.

[Guest Oyster]

Part of the reality check, long before the honeymoon period begins, have you located a dock that will allow you to keep this boat in the water? Have you also contacted any insurance companies to cover this boat after doing the upgrades> These two issues are serious issues that you should consider, now, even before you have it surveyed. Geting rid of this boat will be harder than you think. SO be prepared to keep this boat for a very long time. Don't get me wrong. I love what you are attempting to do. I also know the issues that you will be facing, and it will not be an easy one if only from the standpoint of keeping it in the water. Marinas do not have a lot of luck getting rid of these boats when the enthusiam has worn off for some of the owners, therefore they will not allow them in the marinas now, especially in the southern climates.

[lbrewer]

That's a very good point Oyster. As usual your advice is right on the mark. The city marina where it is located now was very happy to see me rescue the boat but the previous owner wants to keep the slip it was moored in for something else. Also that section of the Marina (the section with attractive prices) is reserved for commercial fishing vessels. What I have in mind to do with the boat wouldn't fall into that category so it would probably become an issue. If we find out that the project is feasible, I really need to move the boat over to my side of Mobile Bay anyway for convenience. I live on the western side and the boat is over on the eastern shore (near Steve Day's area). I am gambling a little bit right now in hope that the old girl is saveable within my means. I've already spent a good bit hauling her out, caulking, and making some repairs. I am optimistic about finding her a place to call home at this point. We have a lot of old wooden boats that live around here.