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J27 #150 Nut Case
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Initially we knew there would be a bottom job, some recore, a new head and a number of other tasks typical with a new to us boat. there were of course a number of smaller tasks that took time and had to be performed before or soon after launch
Boat needs a cradle
One of the first tasks was to get a cradle. The boat was currently sitting on Jack Stands owned by the marina in Conneticut. As simple as this sounds you need measurements to have a cradle built. After enquiring on email lists and scouring web sites I found that the Marine Cradle Shop in Marham, Ontario had built several J27 cradles and trailers. contacted them and they supplied a custom built cradle. The next task was to get the cradle to Halifax which was accomplished by the favour system.
Cleanup
Never to be overlooked is the time to clean a boat. Something in the air in Mystic makes for a very dirty boat come Spring time. I used a Simoniz electric 1600psi pressure washer and a degreasing cleaner to accomplish this. On the cockpit and deck this took over four hours to remove the filth. For the interior I used the same pressure washer to clean the bilge.
Baby needs a bath
SAILS
First job upon arriving home was to empty cushions, sails, etc... out of the boat. Each sail was opened, unrolled and inspected. The first surprise was that the sails were far better than expected or hoped. BONUS! The next step was to take the sails to our local North loft for inspection to ensure they were as good as we hoped and to have any minor repairs taken care of. Not a huge task but approx 2 hours of time and precious boat money spent.
Blocks, Cleats, etc...
The previous owner had sailed the boat singled handedly for the previous five or more years. This meant that single handed sail handling devices such as the Harken Code zero furler were in great shape but that the spinnaker gear had likely not been used in several years. All halyards were checked to ensure they ran freely, blocks, etc.. checked and cleats. This inspection revealed that the cam cleats for pole up and down were seized and beyond repair. New Harken cam cleats and wedges were purchasd and installed amongst some cursing as this simple task consumed two hours. One block at mast base was seized and consequently replaced and one cheek block required removal and reinstallation. As the roller furler had only the new dacron #1 cut for it all rigging for the #3 and spinnaker was inspected and barberhaulers/tweakers had to be set up for spinnaker and #3 which required two side opening blocks and new line to be purchased.
Motor
Among the pleasant surprises upon purchase of this boat was the condition of the motor. A 1988 Johnson Seahorse 4hp short shaft motor fresh from the service shop complete with receipts from previous servicing. One problem was the cavitation due to short shaft and a tendency to stall in low idle when shifting gears. As luck would have it I came across a 1982 Johnson Seahorse 4.5 hp long shaft with very low hours. I purchased this motor and sold the existing motor for the same price. The long shaft is far more suitable without adding much weight. Not stalling while shifting gears in a crowded marina is a bonus.
Existing 4hp short shaft and replacement low hours 4.5 hp long shaft