Doing up a Top Hat

[lockie]

A Mk III for low teens ($11 - 12K) which looks pretty neglected, needs a big clean up, new rigging and more? Must admit I'm tempted, assuming I could turn it into something nice for around $10k. Does that sound ball-park to the experts on this forum?

Cheers, Graeme

[auriga]

Graeme

I did a complete overhaul on my mk 3 when i bought it 12 months ago. Depending upon what needs doing $10,000 would be about the lower end of the spectrum. Rigging will be around $2,000 - $3,000 on its own.

Have you got a link to the one you're looking at?

[Phillip]

Graeme,

I agree with Dan, the cost of doing up a 'sad' Top Hat as you discribe could be up to twice the original cost.
Remember its not just the boat you have to do but all the other gear, lifejackets nav gear etc as well. I can bet that there is not much grear, or its pass its use by date, on board the one you are looking at.

Better to spend a few more dollars up front, as there are better boats out there!

Phillip
SEAKA

[lockie]

Thanks folks - that's more or less what I'd thought, so I'll keep looking for a nice one instead.

[auriga]

Phillip

I agree, although it was a worthwhile experience re-furbing the boat (i now have an intimate knowledge of every part of her) i did several times get to the point of thinking 'what have i done' when the true size and cost of the project became evident.

I got mine for $6,000, just the hull, old rigging and some ratty sails. By the time i finished with, rigging, motor, windows, deck hardware, sails, interior carpet, new cushions, upholsetry, toilet, electronics etc i blew through no less than $15k maybe more as i stopped counting.

I could have spent an extra $10-15k up front and had been sailing straight away.

If you're still keen to give it a shot, spend a couple hours onboard, go from bow to stern and make a comprehensive list of everything you will need to do. Check every nut/bolt/stanchion/wire/connection etc. Then familiarise yourself really well with the whitworths catalogue and do yourself a spreadsheet. Then add on a couple thousand more for things that you didnt plan for.

It is a worthwhile and at times enjoyable experience, but be prepared upfront. Ask yourself how you will do each job and what you will need (materials, tools, time etc) where will the work be done (mooring/marina/hard stand) what power will you have for tools etc how much of the work can you do yourself? And most importantly, what do you want to do with your boat, be realistic with this, are you going to spend days at a time onboard, coastal cruising or just day sailing with the occasional overnighter. Everything doesnt need to be brand new and shiny inside and out if you're just fair weather harbour sailing for the day.

Dont be put off if this is what you want to do, just be prepared and realistic in timeframe involved. Even the smallest job seems to take 3 times as long as originally planned.

In hindsight ,if you do go down this path, its essential that you work on her as often as possible. Breaks in between give you a chance to crack the @#$ with it and tempt you to cut corners/give up. It took me the best part of 6 months (or more) to overhaul, and like any boat, there are still a few little jobs that i havent got around to, and probably wont.

Cheers
Dan

[lockie]

Dan;

Thanks for sharing your experience. I think I really would prefer to jump in and go as I'm fairly new to cruising, rather than wait 6 months while I fix things. Our budget is up in the $20's so I'd rather wait for a "plug-and-play" deal to come along.

Graeme

[storm petrel]

Hi Graeme,

Sounds like a good plan to me. Just be aware that the boat will probably cost about 25% of the purchase price during the first year of ownership, setting it up the way you will like it. I bought a 'plug and play' (Mk11 with 15HP inboard) and found it still took 12 months, a fair bit of work and $5,000 before I was happy to take her coastal cruising.

Good luck
Mark

[lockie]

Good advice. Our plan is to spend 6 - 12 months tootling around Port Phillip or Westernport (depending on moorings/marina choice) before we try the big stuff.