Six bells and time for Captain Chesapeake!

[Silverhand69]

Hi, I am new to sailing and this forum. Those of you who grew up around Baltimore know who Captain Chesapeake is and he was my first memory of boating. I haven't even picked up my boat yet-I bought it on Ebay and it's waiting in Myrtle beach. I purchased an Aleutka 29' in rough shape and hope to sail her this summer.I have never sailed before but hope to do well enough to sail to Argentina in 5 years( I also need to learn Spanish)!

everybody needs a plan B, and this is my plan to go find where I really belong in the world.
Anybody who has any advice- feel free to give it. I mostly need advice on how to make a living on the water; I have good working skills. I am an ASE certified Master Auto Technician, machinist, collision repair tech and formerly jet engine mechanic in USAF. I currently own a used car lot, and plan to focus my efforts on rebuilding this Aleutka to where she is ready for some blue water singlehanded cruising.
Yeah thats a lot to bite off and chew, but I am just starting my midlife crises and want to enjoy every minute-Thanks-Will

[Stillraining]

Welcome Aboard Will...you'll find what you need here thats for sure...less so from me.

[Silverhand69]

Hi thanks for the friendliness, that's what I'm here for

[Hud3]

A warm welcome to you, Will! Try the Google custom search function in the "Search" pull-down menu near the top of the page. Lot's of good info in our archives, plus a lot of folks here with answers to your questions. Good luck with your "new" boat!

[mkrautha]

Well you've certainly got yourself a rare boat. I actually had a close eye on that auction but ultimately decided not to bid b/c I was concerned about the rot/cement keels and modified cabin top.
Having spoken to Letcher about the design and read up on it considerably, I am am certain the modified cabin would have killed him as it is practically begging to be ripped off by a large wave in open water.

That said, I think the boat would make a great project, restoring back to original specs. The think that bothered me is that the seller didn't seem to have the original plans, so such a restoration would be very challenging since Aleutka 29' plans are really hard to come by.

Anyway, I would enjoy talking further about the Aleutka design-- I have a good bit of supporting documents for the 26' version-- the 29' is simply scaled up.

Send me an email-- perhaps I can be of some help gkrautha at uvm dot edu

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Will,
Welcome to the forum and midlife. I'm certain most the questions you have can be answered by the search mode but if you have others please ask. I've heard Argentina has good beef and cheap oil.
Kind regards,
JohnL

[swagman]

G'Day Will,
Welcome matey and I'm sure you'll not have an issue making a buck servicing engines on your travels. Years back most cruisers we self sufficient in that area - not so today.
Enjoy the fun of sorting the yacht out -and keep us all posted on your progress.
JOHN

[Silverhand69]

Hi Y'all
I did actually finally get my Aleutka up to Maryland on Feb 3. only downside is It's a 26' not a 29'. I guess they don't have tape measures in South Carolina. first hint to the seller should have been the 25' trailer she came up on.
Still, I love my boat and wouldn't send her back if I could!