Looking at a boat in rough shape

[USCGRET/E8]

http://ezinearticles.com/?Cleaning-Sails&id=27847
http://www.spinnakershop.com/Sail%20Care.htm
http://www.canvasandsails.com/cleaning.htm

[USCGRET/E8]

[quote=durwoodghib;151635]This is the actual Boat

It needs a bit of work and some new plywood pieces made, but don't get too caught up in it. Just get it sailable and go have some fun...worry about washing the sails and all that as you get time...All non ballasted sailboats are tender...don't worry about it, it will make you a better sailor. Read up and advertise for an interested, free instructor. Fellow sailors are glad to help out and teach you throughout the country. Advertise any needs on craigslist and see what pops up!

[durwoodghib]

Believe it or not I taught the sailing merit badge at the local Boy Scout camp but that was back in 95 and I haven't done anything at all since Hence why I consider myself a newbie. However, just for comparability the boat(s) we used at the camp were little single sail 8ft. sun fishes, at least I think that was what they were called. Other than the size differences am I looking at about the same as far as the reaction with gust or heavier winds?

[alan white]

I recommend going outside and setting up a 2 x 6 or wider plank about ten feet long across two saw horses and progressively feeding the sail over the flat surface of the plank, scrubbing against the plank with a car-washing brush and Tide and hot water, rinsing as you go, flipping, and repeating on the other side. This is a comfortable way to attack such a large area. Stains might require some carpet cleaer in a spray can--- rinse well.

Alan

[alan white]

Originally Posted by durwoodghib

Believe it or not I taught the sailing merit badge at the local Boy Scout camp but that was back in 95 and I haven't done anything at all since Hence why I consider myself a newbie. However, just for comparability the boat(s) we used at the camp were little single sail 8ft. sun fishes, at least I think that was what they were called. Other than the size differences am I looking at about the same as far as the reaction with gust or heavier winds?

Naw. Your boat isn't that unstable. All daysailers without ballast are tender relative to heavier boats, but you must have almost six feet of beam--- the Sunfish might be under four feet wide. Big difference. I notice the mast is pretty tall----- you will heel when it gusts, but that's what sailing is all about.

[Raggi_Thor]

Originally Posted by durwoodghib

How would you go about doing this and one other question since I am a pretty much a newbie with all of this.. When it is said, "the hull layup was minimal" what does this mean exactly?

I think you should try the boat as it is before you do anything.
Flotation can be anything that is very light, like styrofoam or empty windscreen wiper solution bottles (don't know what you call it).

"hull layup" means the number and thickness of glass mat and rowing in the hull. I guess he means the boat is not very strong. If it's used for sheltered waters, you foot, a stone on a beach, and the rollers o the trailer will be the worst enemy.

[durwoodghib]

I really do appreciate all of the advice and I don't think I will get it into the water this year only because I do need to replace all of the rope, some of the clamps are worn, some of the rigging cables are not the greatest, and the trailer needs a lot of attention before it can be used, (new tires, lights, rollers, and hand winch to name a few things)...