Many people look at us like we have 3 heads when we tell
them we're doing a total rebuild on a custom ketch. Get a lot of "good
luck with that" comments, blank stares, and the like. The truth is, there
is something completely gratifying in restoring something that had been
neglected for so long, especially when it was extremely well built in the first
place!
There are so many boats out there that are in desperate need
of TLC, that are simply abandoned in marinas, rotting away until they are
eventually cut up and sold for scrap or hauled to the nearest landfill.
Call it "green living," "trying to reduce the
carbon footprint," salvage, or whatever, but restoring rather than adding
to the world's vast scrap heaps can be a worthy cause. This is particularly
true of boats built in the 70s, before they really knew how strong fiberglass
was and "ridiculously" overbuilt hulls by today's boat building
standards.
Don't get me wrong -- not every boat is rebuild worthy.
Depending on the degree of damage and neglect, they may be well beyond the
point of no return. The key is to try to envision the amount of time, money and
effort needed to get the boat to where you want it to be, then triple it!
Because that's pretty much what it will take to complete the task at hand!
Many attempt to take on project boats and quit in short
order. Whether they simply chose the wrong "project," lacked the
required skills (or weren't willing to learn them), grew tired of the time
commitment, or just plain burned out, it's a very personal decision that is
different for each individual.
Is it hard work, absolutely! Is it sometimes easier to build
rather than rebuild, you bet! Can it
be frustrating? Silly question. But the knowledge, experience, personal growth
and satisfaction you gain as you take nothing and turn it into something is
worth every ounce of blood, sweat and tears you shed in the process.
Every day is a challenge, but I'm thankful to have such a
wonderful and talented partner to share the load and stoke the flames that keep
us going.
You sure nailed it Elisa. Having taken nearly 17,000 person hours in the construction of our Eager Dreamer from lofting to finish, we appreciate your thoughts about building your boat. You are creating a beautiful vessel.
ReplyDeleteGary & Lana
Wow, 17,000 person hours! I made the mistake of calculating how many hours I was spending sitting in my car commuting a few years back so opted not to keep track of our hours on this one! We have kept all of our receipts but at this point are afraid to tally them up... :-)
ReplyDeleteED turned out to be such a beauty -- we just hope Phoenix gets some of her younger sister's looks!