G'day all.

I finally got sick of looking for a yacht and bought one. My head had decided on a Compass 29 but then I saw a 1983 Adams 31 centre cockpit going cheap and something went 'bing'. The First Mate will definitely be happier with all this room.

A bit more of a learning curve with the extra size. Plus, the guy who had owned it for the last 25 years hasn't really done his due diligence over the last while, so I've had to have a few basic issues tended to; the engine oil now contains no seawater and I think I might just put in a working bilge pump - you know, just for laughs.

There's so much to learn and I've got a list of jobs a mile long. I'll try to keep my questions down to 15 per day.

Anyway, thanks for everything I've gleaned from you all over the last couple of years.

Rog

Looks bloody nice Doc. Don,t forget the write up on your maiden voyage.

Congratulations Doc,
I'm still at Survey stage not going well!
KeithW

keithw said...
I'm still at Survey stage not going well!
KeithW

Keith, if it's not going well, I would walk away from the deal before the dollar signs get astronomical. It is well to remember that you are trying to buy a yacht, not a lifetime "work in progress".

Harry

Well done DrRog. A close friend has an Adams 31 called Kindred Spirit that he has owned for the last 20 years. Wouldn't swap it for the world.

He has had issues like replacing the "Green Death" Volvo with a Diecon Engineering Kubota 3 cyl donk and replacing the fridge system with an EvaKool 50 litre 12 volt fridge.

www.evakool.com.au/../

Being dedicated 12 volt units, they are an excellent choice. They do have a kit with two 50 watt solar panels and regulator to suit the fibreglass models. Just add battery and it is stand alone from your on board electrics.

Most serious issue has been chain plates. One of them snapped, fortunately not bringing his rig down. Stainless when sealed from air will corrode.

They are an easy job to replace and your boat is at the age when they are due for checking at least.

It is not an expensive job but the consequences of not doing it are.

I would be putting that at the top of my list.

Congratulations and Happy Sailing.

keithw said...
I didn't realise Stainless corroded when sealed thought it was the other Way round?

Keith, have a read here www.bssa.org.uk/ it's the British Stainless Steel Assocation, type "Crevice Corrosion" into the search box and from the resultant list read the first article, it explains crevice corrosion beautifully.

I picked the BSSA as it was the Poms that invented Stainless Steel.

Harry

A Maybrook built S&S34 lost its mast off Norah Head, NSW in mild conditions a few years ago when the chain plate separated below the deck. It turned out the chain plate had a weld joint hidden below decks. I expect that could have been the same stainless corrosion problem as noted above.
Swarbrick boats have a one piece chain plate.
G'day Keith, as we talked about on the phone today the survey report isn't that bad and at the right price it might still be a good buy. It is rare to have in date rigging, or even know the age of the rigging, on an old boat. Plan on replacing the standing rigging and budget for it.

Well done DrRog, enjoy the wonderful world of sailing vessel ownership
The half tonner is a good choice !
You will love her
Go the #1 up to 17 knts ....... She will sail like a witch !!!!!!

Welcome aboard! She looks like a lovely yacht that should give you many a happy memory, and possibly a few hairy ones also.

I think Desralei hit the nail on the head, I recall the transition from passenger with all care and no responsibility to owner/skipper was quite a significant shift. When the crew turns up and enjoys a sail they are not concerned with the list of jobs to be completed or how much they will cost. The up side however is that you now get to enjoy sailing on your own terms whenever and however you like it.

Have fun and enjoy the ride.