DU sailors, we have located an inexpensive Westsail 32 (pic heavy)

[denbot]

The standing rigging needs to be replaced, along with her sails. I'm pretty sure I will need to re-bed the bowsprit and boomkin. She has a perkins 30hp engine. The current owner is a pilot living across the pacific. We had spotted the boat during one of our walks and would walk by any time we were strolling around that particular marina. Eventually we ran across him working on removing the old teak decking on the boat. He gave us a price that reflects the work that is needed to get her ready to cruise, but is still well below what would be offered on the open market. He likes that we are fans of this particular model.

Alison was set on a Pacific Seacraft until she stepped inside this factory finished beauty. We plan on cruising around the world, but we can't afford a turnkey cruiser or of course a new full keel cruiser like a Hans Christian.

Now all we have to do is pull thousands of bucks out of our asses.

[Captain Hilts]

1. This is a good boat, but too small for what you want to do with it. nt

[denbot]

4. How so?

The Pardey's have circumnavigated on a wooden 24' engine-less boat, Eric Hiscock's Wanderer III was 30'. The average shorthanded boats that actually "go long" tend to be around 34' (I can't remember where I've read that). Westsail 32'ers have many circumnavigations, and are currently cruising every ocean.

Smaller boats are easier to handle, and cheaper to maintain. Of course if I had the money I like the Hans Christians' or if I was 7 digit trust fund rich I would opt for a 50' Sparkman and Stevens.:loveya:

[cbayer]

2. Beautiful and big congratulations!

I hope you will be happy and have many years of happy sailing. I think that this boat is just fine for ocean crossings. Set a drop dead date, because boat improvements and repairs can go on forever!

:toast:

[denbot]

5. Hi Cbayer

We are going in 5 years when Big Alley retires, and we get Mini Alley in college.

[bluesbassman]

3. Looks like a worthy craft denbot!

I'm not very knowledgeable on sailboats, but it looks to be a fine boat. I hope it works out for you!

[denbot]

6. Thanks Bluesbassman

She is a fine boat, and if this is in the cards, we will make it work.

[david13]

7. That is a nice little boat. But definitely big enough to go around the

world. A 60 foot sloop is easy to handle tho', but that would be my taste for it.
Less maintenance, and less fees and costs all around with this size.
You forgot Joshua Slocum, and that Dove kid, and Chichester, I don't think any of them had more than 32 feet.
One way or another, you have to watch your weather and move accordingly.
A lot of us have that dream. To make it come true is no easy task. Remember, the fantasy is always greater than the reality. But just go and enjoy it.
Don't be like Dodge Morgan and complain the whole way. That's not what to go for. Go to enjoy it. And enjoy the work, too. It's a labor of love.
Best of luck to you.
dc

[denbot]

8. Thanks david13

I've roamed oceans on a Destroyer, and the west coast on smaller commercial fishing boats so I have an inkling of what is in store. I embrace the challenges of going to sea, and neither of us are complainers.

Both Alley and me crave adventure, and both of us are familiar with the 3rd world (Alley was stationed in Burundi in the Peace Corps)

[OffWithTheirHeads]

9. Ahh, the Wet snail. Built like a brick!

Looks like it needs some work but if the price was right the advantage of doing that work is that when something goes wrong, you'll have the experience to deal with it.

Also, you won't be able to complain about having nothing to do on the weekends.

Mistakes come from lack of experience. Experience comes from making mistakes.

Good luck.

[denbot]

12. I do want to know her inside and out.

One of our must haves, was a boat that could take a great deal of punishment and the Westsail 32 is as tough as they get. She definitely needs work, but we are getting a GREAT deal on her so the work and boat-bucks we will have to pour in to her will be worth it in the short, and long term.

This is a video of the Westsail the coastguard forced the skipper to abandon during "The Perfect Storm"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEuVV8cYJls

The crew on the W32 Satori panicked and called the coast guard while the skipper slept and told them that they were taking on water. The coast guard forced the skipper to abandon ship. The Satori was found a couple of weeks later on a South Carolina beach. She was pulled off the beach and sailed away under her own power!!!

[Callalily]

10. Nice boat. When you need

a crew, let me know.

[denbot]

13. I trust you have mad bottom painting skills.

Oh and sanding is fun!!!

[One_Life_To_Give]

11. A good Surveyor's your best friend now

She looks to be a nice vessel. I would think a good survey to confirm the condition of the structure/laminate for any blisters/rot/delamination etc. Not sure if that model requires cutting the cockpit to swap the engine. Either way I would probably opt for the full engine/oil analysis as well.

Good luck and enjoy!

[denbot]

14. We will have Mr Westsail (Bud Tarpin) survey her.

The engine is hoisted in and out though the hatch. I would like a bigger engine for her (she displaces 10 tons) but I am happy with her as she sits.