Bluewater for Wounded Warrior

[Mimsy]

Welcome aboard! Thanks so much for your service. We are in the Kemah/Seabrook area as well. Good luck on your search.

The Ellinor is a gorgeous boat and I see why you've fallen with her but I am going to second something smaller and newer given your financial and physical parameters.

[category4jay]

Welcome aboard Warrior! Thanks to you and your buddies for your service.

1. Before you decide which boat to buy I believe you need to decide which type of boat to buy. Specifically monohull vs multihull. There are plenty of threads on this here in CF-and its one of the most debated topics in the sailing community. When I go cruising it will be on a Cat.
2. Normally I'd agree with the others. A 75 yr old wood boat does not sound real encouraging BUT for 20K that boat looks pretty darn clean from the pics. No matter what have it or whatever boat you decide to buy surveyed first!

Good Luck Man!

[imagine2frolic]

Thanks for your service to the country. The boat looks fantastic, and the price inviting. I would be tempted to buy her too. BEST WISHES in getting a boat that serves you well...........i2f

[WoundedWarrior]

Virginiaboy, what kind of expenses are you incurring? My bills getting out will be just my cell. Everything else is already paid off. Trying to find a boat around 25k or less so thats not another payment, i'll pay cash for it.

As for the Ellinor, i have a full shop of woodworking tools to get her seaworthy, and have self schooled in neandertal woodworking ( old school hand tools, no power )

I am looking into using my education benefits to get my sailing ticket from asa. She wouldn't leave port at all the first year is my guess, then coastal texas before trying farther destinations.

[WoundedWarrior]

As to smaller, i am looking for a live aboard.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by WoundedWarrior

As to smaller, i am looking for a live aboard.

Welcome to the forum.

Since you're not adverse to older boats, you might try looking for something like a mid-1970s Cal 34. If you shop around you should be able to find one of these with a good engine in your price range. It's quite liveable, by most standards.

[WoundedWarrior]

Originally Posted by category4jay

Welcome aboard Warrior! Thanks to you and your buddies for your service.

1. Before you decide which boat to buy I believe you need to decide which type of boat to buy. Specifically monohull vs multihull. There are plenty of threads on this here in CF-and its one of the most debated topics in the sailing community. When I go cruising it will be on a Cat.
2. Normally I'd agree with the others. A 75 yr old wood boat does not sound real encouraging BUT for 20K that boat looks pretty darn clean from the pics. No matter what have it or whatever boat you decide to buy surveyed first!

Good Luck Man!

Definately mono, can't see a cat as good for liveaboard.

[boasun]

If you have fallen in love with the S/V Ellinor, then you should get that vessel.
With possible advise from other sailors you may need to set Ellinor up for single handed sailing that would be well inside your capabilities. Storm conditions when caught offshore would be at the outer edge of your capabilities and that would only be about 5% of your sailing time if you are doing long trips.
So take a good look at the Ellinor and try her out. Then make your decision. She is a sweet looking lady. I hope your girl friend don't get jealous
Enjoy
Mark
USN Ret

[WoundedWarrior]

Originally Posted by Bash

Welcome to the forum.

Since you're not adverse to older boats, you might try looking for something like a mid-1970s Cal 34. If you shop around you should be able to find one of these with a good engine in your price range. It's quite liveable, by most standards.

not bad. is the small hole the only access to the engine?

[WoundedWarrior]

no g/f right now. ( not fair till I get settled somewhere ) so I'm thinking lots of fishing, and no complaints

Also I would like to take my two boys ( non custodial parent) sailing in the summers.

[hummingway]

What a gorgeous boat.

The costs of living aboard can include mooring depending on where you are and maintenance which is on going for the time you own the boat.

Doing woodworking while living aboard can be a real challenge unless you have a shop available to you and the transportation back in forth. Any large projects are challenging while living aboard, in my experience.

[Doodles]

I changed my mind and voted ...Yes!

Life's too short to own an ugly boat and this one is gorgeous, so as long as you realize what you're getting into I say go for it.

[Lancerbye]

After studying the info on that boat I have to agree with Doodles, go for it. Don't worry about the size. I single hand a 44 with a wider beam and find it easier to handle than the 34 I had before.

[chris07732]

Looking at the specs, I'd be careful of her. She's very limited as a bluewater cruiser. Her tankage is too small (30 gals fuel, water 80 gals may be ok). Also, a wood boat on the hard is an issue. Pic #23 seems to show her uncovered, clearly no attempt to keep fresh water out of her, fresh water in bilge = death to wood boat. How long on the hard key question. Pic dated 2008, may not be date hauled. Some of the work on a wood boat, caulking, sistering ribs, etc is difficult work because of position. I have good shoulders, but the burn sets in after several minutes.

Be clear what you want, to sail/travel or be a slave to gorgeous, wooden "siren" who going to suck the enthusiasm out of you with her ongoing issues. Having owned woodies, I used to believe I had more money than time, I could get anything done. I'm older now, limited money and time, still haven't left the dock. Wood boats are beautiful, but they seldom sail far from dock.

Thanks for your service to our country. Words can't express how sorry I am for your injuries. Keep us involved in your story, its heartwarming and maybe we can help

[boatman61]

The only down side is the sheathing... if done professionally with all fixings checked/replaced all should be good... but check those fresh painted timbers carefully...
Else you seem to have it nailed... a beaut boat within your skills and the means and plan to get there...
My very best wishes for you and your possible new owner Elinor.....