[Rhodes22-list] My new toy.... Talk me into saving it

[The Rhodes 22 Email List]

Hi Brad:

I imagine that you are disappointed to find the boat in the condition it is
in.

My boat is a 76 and I have had to address all of the problems you listed and
a few more that might still be there to discover. I am into my 4th year of
reconstruction - recognizing two limiting factors - 1, I am in Ontario and
have only a few months each year when I can work on the boat and 2, I am
massively slow in part because I knew nothing about fixing the boat when I
started so much of this was a learning experience. A third factor which I
should also admit to is that I did just about everything at least twice -
and always the hard way. If you decide to proceed with this project I might
be able to at least point out my rich and varied history of mistakes.

Even without my limitations though it is a big, big project. My advice would
be that unless you really enjoy the process of reconstruction, don't do it.
I am one of those perverse types who really loves to do the work and get
great satisfaction from it even when I am hanging upside down sanding epoxy
in 90 degree weather for hours. But if you are doing this just because you
want a boat, chances are that the cost and effort will take its toll long
before the boat is ready. It is very easy to grossly underestimate the cost
of reconstruction. I wouldn't dare let my wife see my records. 

Most of my reconstruction efforts are included in various postings to the
list and if you search the archive under my name you will find discussion on
how I fixed the sunken deck, repaired the keel, centreboard and rudder,
ground out the gelcoat cracks and painted the deck, reinforced the cabin
sides, and so forth. I am currently replacing the ports with tinted
Plexiglas strips which I hope to be able to attach without hardware. I have
the Plexiglas but the attachment will not occur now until spring. At that
point I will be rebuilding the entire inside of the boat including the floor
stringers, bulkheads, galley and head area - for the second time. Of course
there were tens of thousands of minor things I did along the way or still
await my attention like installing new chainplates, rub rail, pulpits, paint
the interior and so forth. My ultimate goal is to complete the boat before I
die. Right now it seems to be a tossup as to which will occurs first. 

Feel free to ask if I can be of any assistance.

Graham Stewart
gstewart8 at cogeco dot ca


-----Original Message-----
From: rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org
[mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org] On Behalf Of The Rhodes 22 Email
List
Sent: October-29-14 12:16 PM
To: Rhodes 22 list serv
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] My new toy.... Talk me into saving it

I just got back home last night from a trip to get a 1974 Rhodes from her
original owner. Now don't get me wrong, I knew this was not a show piece
when I got it, but inspecting it today, shows I have some serious issues. I
guess what I'm asking is can I fix em all.... Here's some of them (pics
attached)

1. The deck is sunken in the midde and very soft. It looks the way to
strengthen it is through the cabin liner. Or is there another way???
2. Gelcoat cracks and crazing all over. This would not be a simple grind it
out and fill it proposition. The surface of the boat looks more like a road
map of the eastern United States!!
3. The floors are all rottted out and there is still water in it (I see how
to fix this, so I think this will be easy 4. The concrete in the keel area
is all broken up (this worries me alot). I guess I could chisel it out and
pour more, but has anyone had success doing this??
5. Cushions are toast
6. Bushings are missing from the (old) roller furling system (what type of
material is this???:)

This is just the start. I told myself, that when I went to pick it up, I
could always get my money out of it by using the hardware to improve my
current boat, sell the trailer, and saw her up, but then again, I've always
wanted a Rhodes 22..... I really am on the fence on this.... Can I fix her??
Should I scrap her????

 

Brad Bachelor 

Marrying an old bachelor is like buying second-hand furniture. -- Helen
Rowland 1875-1950, American Journalist
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