The Boat

Corsair is a Newport 28, built by Capitol Yachts in California back in 1981. It's hard to believe I was only 15 years old when she was first put in the water. I'm at least the third owner, though the last had the boat for almost 15 years. 

Corsair is sloop rigged, with a fiberglass hull and a fin keel. She has a 28' LOA (length overall) and a  23'6" LWL (length at water line). She has a 9'6" beam and draws 4'6". She is powered by an equally old Universal Atomic two-cylinder, 11 horsepower diesel engine that has certainly seen better days, but seems to run strong. She has wheel steering and separate throttle and transmission controls. She has a tall, partially battened main, and a 135% genoa and a working jib with roller furling. The cockpit is surprisingly spacious, and is protected by a canvas dodger. 

She technically sleeps six, but even without gear it would be asses and elbows everywhere. She can accommodate four good friends who pack light and is perfect for two. She has a stove and icebox, and a full head. The head includes an aftermarket Lectra/San waste treatment system. This will give us freedom from pump-out stations, increasing our range and independence while keeping us eco-friendly and in compliance with the Coast Guard. 

We had her surveyed prior to making a final deal, just to be sure there were no major hidden problems. She's in average condition for a boat this age in northwest waters, and though seaworthy, she could certainly use some TLC. I have a long list of things that have to be done, and bunch more that I would like to do. Luckily, most of them can be accomplished through investment of simple elbow grease. 

The most pressing work includes:

• A serious deep cleaning - inside and out! Includes flushing the bilge, conditioning the freshwater system, stripping and washing the upholstery, polishing the decks and scrubbing the main. 
• Rebuilding the engine's raw water pump and replacing the water hoses
• Correcting current faults and bad wiring in the electrical system - the steaming and masthead lights appear to be out, some fuses need to be added, wires need to be cleared and bundled, and the shore power outlets need to be replaced with GFI compliant fixtures
• Replacing most of the running rigging - the lines are old, UV damaged and stiff with salt and mildew
• Repairing the engine and fuel gauges
• Overhauling/replacing the stove
• Resealing the house windows
• Replacing or modifying the anchor roller, which is currently obstructed by the aftermarket furler
• Re-varnishing the exterior woodwork
• Oiling the interior woodwork
• Cleaning and possibly replacing the waste system piping
• Grinding out and patching 3-4 small hull blisters and a small gelcoat hole on the keel 

Though not absolutely necessary, I would also like to install a small chartplotter/GPS for convenience and added safety. It would supplement my paper charts and give more accurate speed data than the knot meter - which seems to read about a knot slow. 

It's obvious I have a lot of work to do, but to be honest, that's part of the appeal for me. I love working with my hands, and it's part of the ethos of life on a boat. You learn about the boat, build a relationship with her, understand when she's not working right and when she's sick. And, perhaps most importantly, the work helps prepare you to deal with the maintenance problems and emergencies that inevitably come up while underway.

I've got a lot to do and a lot to learn. Wish me luck...