Keeping an eye out for derelict project boats...

I just noticed that over the last couple of days someone seems to sorting out an Endeavour 32 of a semi-derelict nature that was for sale at $500... As things go, the Endeavour is not a bad boat.

Of course, a $500 boat comes with a certain amount of issues. Ya think?

In this case the mast was down and looking at it the conclusion that came to mind is a new mast/rig would be a more than prudent choice.

The engine needed replacing and what systems remained were simply dumpster fodder...

On the other hand, the hull and deck, while cosmetically NASTY,  were still in good shape.

In short, a total wreck or a hull and deck waiting to be turned back into a boat!

I was actually considering buying this boat by the way...

Something to keep in mind is that just in lead scrap value the boat was worth nearly $5000.

My thought process went something like this: Gut the interior and soda blast it before replacing the bulkheads/interior and sort out a new keel set mast step for a free standing junk or balanced lug rig.

Sort out the exterior cosmetics, build an outboard well, and fit it out for cruising then sell it for a reasonable profit. When the dust settled I expected to be out of pocket between $9-10K which, I think most would agree is not a bad total for a kick ass cruising boat in like new condition...

The problem was I just did not have the time (3-4 months of full time work) to devote to a project like that in the current time frame.

That said, I'm still keeping my eye out for a reasonable facsimile project boat...

A boat design worth studying...

Here's a design worth taking a long serious look at...

It's Tad Robert's 28-foot Future Cruiser.

It also has everything someone actually needs to go wherever they want to in safety and comfort...

Of course, not everyone wants to build their own boat but the layout and interior accommodation could be adapted to a great many "classic plastic" sailboats that can currently be bought for a couple of thousand dollars.

Something to think about.

The needful stuff for a single guy...

The other day someone asked me about what sort of boat he should be looking for in the VolksCruiser mold for a single guy to cruise on for his retirement and then added that he thought he'd need at least a 50-footer.

Yeah, that kind of threw me as well...

Which brings up the question of what exactly does a single-hander actually need in his VolksCruiser? So, as I see it, we're talking about.

• A seaworthy/safe boat
• A comfortable interior
• A workable galley
• A head with a useable shower
• Reasonable storage space
• A comfortable double berth
• A proper seaberth
• Enough space to have someone over for dinner or a few folks over for a drink

Am I missing anything?

Now, the whole idea behind the VolkCruiser concept is that it's affordable and sustainable for someone on a tight ($250-$750 per person per month) budget and that's nearly impossible to do for a single person on a 50-foot boat.

If I were single and looking for a boat to fit the criteria, I'd be focused on the 26-30 foot zone though you could go a bit bigger (to 35') if there was a pressing need that actually earned its keep. That said, even with enough tools to provide an income, there are any number of boats that would work under thirty feet.

We'll look at one tomorrow...

What $15 a day gets you...

The other day I was looking at a very nice CAL 28 for sale...

Sure, it needed a bit of work but nothing $1000 and a few weeks of part-time work wouldn't take care of. For the record, it was selling for $1500.

I mention this because there are lots of similar boats just waiting for someone to sort them out and point them towards the horizon. All you need is a little cash...

So, let's say you put fifteen dollars a day away towards your boat fund... A year later you'll have $5,475 cash money.

Welcome to the world of VolksCruiser economics.