Com-Pac Yacht Owners Association

WOHOO!! She's mine, all mine.  2005 Eclipse #23 has a new home, Village of Lakewood, IL to be precise.  Towed her home 25 miles today after 2 months of back and forth with the previous owner.  He's a busy guy with his own business and lots of travel.  I looked at the boat a couple of weeks ago and did the deal over the phone a couple of days later.  Unfortunately he was leaving town the next day for vacation and returned Sunday.  She's sitting in my driveway now waiting for my detail guy to buff her up and hopefully I'll be able to splash her into either Lake Delevan or Lake Geneva next weekend. I was planning on a maiden voyage on Crystal Lake, but with the drought the lake is down a couple of feet, the ramps are really shallow and I don't think they will work.  

I got a mast raising lesson and I think I can figure out the rest of the rigging.  The rudder and tiller have been removed from the assembly but I think I can figure that out too.  The boat seems to be in pretty good shape with a few repaired cracks along the lower part of the transom, some  cracks, both repaired and unrepaired around the companionway, and light oxidation on the hull. I'll post pics of the cracks and see what the consensus is on them.  Also the crack repairs are blue and need to be painted somehow.   The deck is solid and the interior is a bit dirty but otherwise shows little use.   The rubrail is pretty good with only a couple of scratches and some of the anodizing is flaking off of the rear cap of the rubrail.  Teak is in need of refinishing as the finish is starting to peel off, but the color is still good.  The standing rigging and lifelines look good.  The area under the port cockpit seat where the battery and water tank are looks clean and dry, starboard side where the gas tanks go is dirty and has a couple of tablespoons of water in it.  I assume this is rain water as we had a real frog strangler of a storm go through here last night and the boat hasn't been in the water this year.  Sheets are fine, halyards are serviceable but the last half  have obviously been  out in the weather and in a puddle on the floor of the cockpit.  The main halyard seems like it is way too long with at least 15 feet of algae covered excess after the cabin top cleat, even with the main down.  I'll probably replace it soon.  We didn't raise the sails but I think they will be OK as the boat wasn't sailed much the last three years. The previous owner emailed me a video he shot after he got the boat and the sails looked like new.    

I've never had an outboard before and that may elicit some questions but I know you guys will be ready willing and able to tackle those.  What else?  Simrad TP-20 tillerpilot seems to have been installed although my seller says he never used it and it is  in the original box.  Electrical connection installed on coaming and some sort of mounting plate on rear of port cockpit seat.  Hopefully I can figure that out.  I do have the manual for it.  Fish-finder found in cabin with suction cup transducer attached but not installed.  Got the manual for that too. Don't know if I'll use it.   Bimini and dodger, again, he never used them, he says, should be fun to figure them out as they aren't mentioned in the owners manual I received.   Spinnaker is new in the box and I may try to sell it here if I decide not to mess with it.  There is a lot of other stuff included and I'll be taking inventory over the next few days.  

My biggest dilemma right now is the bottom paint.  This boat was originally sold in North Carolina so I assume it saw salt water for the first few years of it's life. The bottom was obviously painted, with what I don't know.  The previous owner doesn't know what it is and never had anything done to it. It looks like it is an ablative of some sort, but I don't know if there is a barrier coat under it or not.   It looks pretty rough cosmetically.  I'll be trailer sailing so I don't NEED bottom paint and could probably just leave it be,  but it needs to look better.  I'll probably take it to Gage Marine in Delavan and see what they think. I'll post some pics of this too and see what you guys think.   I was taking everything out of the boat after I got it home and ran out of light to take pics, but I'll shoot some tomorrow and upload them.  

The journey begins.

Vectordirector

Congratulations on the beginning of what is sure to be a wonderful journey!
bob23

Good boat.
Whip-tee-do for my Eclipse-a-rue. Have fun! Have an adventure.

Last weekend the CP-19 sailed about 93 miles, Sturgeon Bay to Green island for the night, back to Sturgeon Bay center gong buoy, back to Green Island, over to Marionette/Menominee marina and back to Sturgeon Bay. A Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Great dead cow dinner and adult beverages at M/M with club friends.

skip.

Vec,  Call Hutchins and ask them who the first owner was, the dealer was, and call them to find out what you need to know re: the bottom paint.  Keith at the sailboat shop in NC was probably the dealer. 

TG

Congrats Vector Director!

I'm heading down to Orlando to check out #17 tomorrow, if all goes well, I'll be in the same boat as you so to speak.

Let me know if you want to sell that spinnaker, I'm definitely interested (especially if I get the boat...).

    im gonna hold you to it. we will see you at clr 2013. it will be special (new trophies were purchased). thrilled and envious of your new boat.

keith was definitely the original dealer and the broker when the boat was sold again to the owner I bought it from.  Ive got pics from the previous owner from when he took delivery with obviously new bottom paint.  I will call Keith to see if he has any records of the type of paint he used. 

Quick question to you Eclipse owners:  I found two plywood boards about 2' square in a plastic bag in the cabin.  Any idea what these are for?   

Pics and more questions tonight after I get home from work.

Vectordirector

Maybe lids for storage under the V-Birth?

Congrats on the new Boat. You made a good choice!

I have these two boards two, this is what was explained to me.

The two plywood boards are for the camping arrangements. they fill the center area between the berths and the two back cushions are used for pads. so now you can sleep two more adults.

Notice the notches in the boards, they match up to the berths corner boards.


This was an extra item for the boat.

Glenn

Thanks Glenn, that was my initial thought, nice to have confirmation.  I spoke with a very nice lady at Keith's shop today and she was able to tell me that the boat was epoxy coated and then painted with Pettit Trinidad.  Pettit's repainting chart indicates that it can be sanded and painted with anything other than VC-17 type of paint. I'm still researching what to go with but it is nice to have a lot of options.   I won't be doing it myself.  What do you freshwater trailersailors use, if anything?

Vectordirector

Best wishes to you and your Eclipse.  Any names yet?  It took us several months to come up with an appropriate name.  

As Glenn said, the boards span the settees to provide for a bunk that seems larger than the vee berth.  The only small downside is that with the boards installed it denies access to the porta-potty.
Happy Sailing,
Allen

Still working on the name.  My detail guy is coming tomorrow to buff it up and remove the old name and registration stickers.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k487/bhobgood1/Boat%208%2022%202012/IMG_0468_resize.jpg)  (http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k487/bhobgood1/Boat%208%2022%202012/IMG_0469_resize.jpg)
Here are some of the transom cracks:
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k487/bhobgood1/Boat%208%2022%202012/IMG_0434_resize.jpg) (http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k487/bhobgood1/Boat%208%2022%202012/IMG_0435_resize.jpg)  A big deal?

Here are the companionway cracks:
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k487/bhobgood1/Boat%208%2022%202012/IMG_0452_resize.jpg)] (http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k487/bhobgood1/Boat%208%2022%202012/IMG_0453_resize.jpg) Again, Big Deal?

The bottom:
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k487/bhobgood1/Boat%208%2022%202012/IMG_0440_resize.jpg) (http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k487/bhobgood1/Boat%208%2022%202012/IMG_0441_resize.jpg)(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k487/bhobgood1/Boat%208%2022%202012/IMG_0442_resize-1.jpg) (http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k487/bhobgood1/Boat%208%2022%202012/IMG_0479_resize.jpg)

Teak:
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k487/bhobgood1/Boat%208%2022%202012/IMG_0445_resize.jpg)  (http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k487/bhobgood1/Boat%208%2022%202012/IMG_0444_resize.jpg)
Gnarly halyard:
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k487/bhobgood1/Boat%208%2022%202012/IMG_0447_resize.jpg)]

That's pretty much it for the ugly stuff.  Good stuff pics to come tomorrow.

Vectordirector

i'm no professional, but i don't see anything major with those cracks.   they look to be at the hull to deck joints.  i'd ask someone in the know, but it looks as if they could be ground out and filled in.  the teak loocks very good for a boat that has been sitting.  i think you you have yourself a gem of a boat there!

perhaps we could could sail together some time this fall.  i'm very s l o w l y getting our 19 together.


carl

Those cracks can be ground out and filled in. Happens on all makes of boats.
I planned to respond more but on my phone........hard to type all of it.

Carl, did you mess with your trailer yet?


Mac

Thanks guys.  Mac, I'll be eagerly awaiting your expert advice on the cracks.  Is this blue stuff, whatever it is, sufficient or should I have it removed and replaced with something else?  The goal is to make these cracks disappear if possible.  Are they bad enough to not sail the boat until fixed?  I'm guessing they are just cosmetic and not structural and I'd like to get in some sailing before I have to put it away for the winter.  I'd then deal with them, and the bottom and teak, before spring. 

Vectordirector

"Are they bad enough to not sail the boat until fixed?"

The one I would want to look carefully at would be the first picture as it looks as if that may be below the waterline. If it is you want to watch that one carefully and ideally be sure it doesn't leak before heading out. If it is below the waterline look for any potential internal leaks and/or core problems.

The other crack on the transom I would check to make sure it hasn't allowed water (rain) into any part of the transom that may be cored with plywood. That could cause rot over time which would need to be dealt with.

Shawn 

Shawn has a point to a extent, I have to run to the doctor for my lightning issues, but I will be back aorund 8 at the latest and be able to post a decent reply as I look at those pics again.

Any idea what that blue green crap is?

Mac

As to the cracks along the lip of the transom, I too had these cracks. I contacted Gerry and he assured me it was not structural only cosmedic. He even offered to fix it if I would bring it in, living in California, this was not an option.

I was able to do a simple fix by sanding, and putting some fiberglass cloth over it, sanding, primer and spray paint using Kryon paint. the paint was close to matching and is not noticeable unless looking for it.

Glenn

Glenn, I saw your post and pics which is why I wasn't too concerned about the cracks and bought the boat.  I know that they may return, but I would like to have them repaired and painted.  The one below the waterline looks sealed up pretty good.  Mac, I was hoping you would know what that blue stuff is.  i'll call the seller and ask if he knows, but I doubt he had anything to do with it.  I'll take off one of the inspection plates and look at the inside of the transom and the bilge.  The photos posted are resized from the original 18 megapixel ones, closeups of these cracks if anyone wants to see them are available.  I'm still planning on splashing her this weekend if the weather looks ok.

Vectordirector

Vector,
I too have the same cracks on my Eclipse...and it is still floating. :)
I fixed the companionway crack just by spreading it a bit and squishing in some epoxy then clamped it until it cured.  I'm considering making a SST channel to go over the threshold for more support and for esthetics.
Get her wet soon,
Allen

Finally back from the doctor.

That blue stuff could be crack repair crap....... I call it crap repair for short. But it could also be a array of many other things.

I would go ahead a launch er! get that boat doing what it was meant to do. Repairs done over the winter.
I launched mine with bottom damage, and am not worried one bit, and it is in fresh water, where the supposed dreaded blistering happens at rapid speeds.

Here is the think, in that connection point those cracks would be cosmetic, and by using a "carbide burr bit" you can dremel it out and fill with a mixture of 105/205 and 404 to a creamy peanut butter consistancy and put it into the crack, lightly sand to match profile (Could clamp it if the spot was seperated and not following the "lines of the boat") and paint with a matching paint.

The epoxy repair must be covered in some kind of paint to avoid UV damage.

Junk that halyard, you will appreciate new lines, but buy good line from a marina or online place, I prefer "New England ropes"
Never use the Lowes and Home Depot crap, they are not rated like New England Ropes and also UV damages them quickly.
Some bleach and water soak on the current will help to clean it up some, but it will make it harder, not so nice when handling it......

With how long is left in the sailing season that bottom can wait also, besides, bottom repair is easier than one thinks if they want to do it themselves. And bottom work can be hidden under nice barrier coat and paint, no one will ever know. It will help by using the boat to diminish the current anti fouling paint as well so when you pull her out, pressure wash the hell out of the bottom to get as much of the paint off, but LEAVE THAT GRAY! That Gray is barrier coat, you want that unless it too is showing signs of failure, etc.

But from the looks of it you have a fine vessel indeed, Any questions feel free to ask anytime, and drop me emails if you want as well.

One those cracks, if you wanted to, fill with Life Caulk, not 4200, 5200, etc, just "Life Caulk". It is a good sealer, will dry when wetted with water, and also is very easy to pull back out or grind out later, as in a few months from now when you pull for winter.

Use a "DAMP RID" in the cabin, (Local Walmart has a tub in the RV section, 10 bucks, pulls the moisture out the the interior)

Hope that helps, I will be doing a ton of repair to my 19 this winter, and will be using my GoPro to make vids of all of it, and posting to my Youtube channel, hopefully that will help with making some of these repairs and save ya some money.

Mac

Thanks Mac, I'll be looking forward to your videos.  Boat is all buffed up and looks amazing.  Pics soon. 
Quick question:  anyone have a pic of the tiller bolt, I can't seem to find it. 

Vectordirector

Those lines can be machined washed with laundry detergent and after a spin dry, drop them into the bath tub with some liquid fabric softener for a day and let dry outside. Then take an hour and untangle the mess. Nice lines are a joy. Of course the wife will be mad you up-cuffed her wash machine.

skip.

Any paint other than VC17?  Why?

The paint compatability chart shows that trinidad would need to be completely removed before applying vc-17.  Sounded rather cost prohibitive as I thought it would need to be sanded off.  As you can see from the pics I posted last night, the trinidad was easily removed.  vc-17 is now a posibility, and from what I have read, an excellent choice for freshwater trailer sailing. 

Vectordirector

Thanks

Well, today was not a sailing day in Pensacola, so I played around with photobucket and put a few pictures of my 16 in an album.
This is a trial to see if the pix will post. The location is http://s1160.photobucket.com/albums/q499/carry-on/?all:   

Vector,

VC-17 is good for trailer sailing to a extent. Might I suggest Interlux Micron CSC as a option, It doesnt loose its ability to shed the slime after being in the sun for any amount of time, and also doesnt cause issues in the future when changing paints like VC will.

That is what I plan to use.

The VC I am not a fan of either because of the copper.......... be cautious with that VC if you use it.

Mac

Thanks Mac, I see your points.  There seems to be no lack of opinions on bottom paint!  I'll check out Micron CSC too. I seem to remember when I was on their forum that it was highly recommended for trailersailing.  Do you think I can just leave it as it is, or will the wear and tear of on and off the trailer tear up the barrier coat? 

Vectordirector