Thanks so much for your response Jim. 
This boat was in decent condition, but not Bristol by any means. She's been on 
the hard for a year. The current owner re-cored and rebedded 4 stanchions 
(sadly the work looks a bit rough but has solved the issue). cosmetic attention 
needed as usual but most of the systems were intact and in working order. The 
two cabin lights are permanently fogged and one cannot see out of them. The 
owner said it saves on curtains, but I would like to be able to see out of 
them. Not sure of the cost of replacement and rebedding those...never done that 
kind of work before. 
I was concerned about the engine though she started first turn on a cold 45F 
day on the coast of Maine, but it idled rough and would eventually drop out. 
Perhaps air in the line or governor needs adjusting? Not sure. My main concern 
is the raw water cooling as you mentioned. Hard finding parts for these old 
motors. Would a good descaling be a good idea or should I plan on taking the 
engine apart and replacing heads, etc...or which I have little to no experience 
doing! yikes!!
Compression post and cabin top looked good, no crazing and still very solid 
upon hand inspection. I bounced around the deck, cockpit and cabin top and all 
seemed pretty sound. hull was in great shape, decent prop...a bit of a wobble 
at the cutlas bearing but not too bad. 
MSG tank reeked like death. Any suggestions for cleaning and sanitizing that? 
The V-Berth smelled like a sewer!! Owner said that the head barely worked, I 
asked if he had lubricated the seals and checked the pump, etc...he said he 
didn't think about ever doing that as he just day sails and goes over the rail 
when no one is looking. Good sail inventory. new bilge pump, new impeller and 
all new hoses on the engine. 
I have pics I could send. 
Sounds like you have your hands full for the next few months with projects. 
This one would be keeping me busy as well. Toe rail rebedding ....hmmm...what 
kind of a job is that??? Im getting scared!! lol
The boat is priced to sell but it would still take a great deal of work I 
think, and I have to get it off the owners property which starts adding up. I 
got a quote for $450 to trailer it to the water.
I do like the boat, I think it would be great in Casco Bay, Maine and a perfect 
little overnighter. I have three kids, one grown and two teen daughters. It's a 
good layout and size for them. 
Decisions...decisions....
Chris
    On Monday, September 24, 2018, 8:32:28 AM EDT, James Hesketh via CnC-List 
<cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote:  
 
 Chris,
I've had a '78 26 for 4 years now and it is the perfect boat for my current 
needs. We are the 3rd owner and it was well maintained throughout its life here 
in Miami where it gets year-round use in the heat and humidity of South Florida.
When we first got it I had to replace the head on the engine -- a SB8 like 
yours and have the -- and clean out the raw-water cooling system. Parts were 
fairly easily available, but it took some time on the phone to locate them.
The deck needs attention under the pulpit and stanchion basses  and the toe 
rail could use a complete re-bedding, but a bead of calk along the deck stopped 
all leaks for now. The main hatch and handrails also needed removal and 
re-bedding. Also the wood in the lazerett needed some attention.

Those were all jobs that are pretty obvious and shouldn't be unexpected at its 
age.
I have just recently discovered the mast step needs replacing -- first the door 
to the head started getting tight at the top, then I notices a little 
deformation on the tops of the bulkheads and, after a critical inspection, I 
discovered some flattening of the cabin to around the mast step. Further 
exploration led me the the mast step where I could feel some soft wood on its 
underside all the way forward where it joins the bulkhead under the king post. 
I've consulted with a rigger friend and we figure we can do the repair fairly 
easily and can probably do it without pulling the mast -- probably 2 or three 
days work, which I will do once it cools down here later this fall. I think the 
bulkheads will be OK, but might need some reinforcement -- I'll know once the 
step is done and the rigging tuned again. 

It's a lovey coat and I don't mind these projects considering what we paid for 
it. And figure we will get many, many, years of service once it's taken care of.
Good Luck with your search.
Jim HeskethC&C 26 WhisperCoconut Grove, FL

 



Hi there,
This weekend I’m heading up the coast to take a look at a 26 footer in very 
good condition with an inboard Yanmar SB8 (Which I believe may be the original 
engine)?
As I inspect the boat, is there anything that I should be looking at in 
particular? Deck to Hall joints, chain plates, …? Anything that stands out with 
the 26 in particular? Ill do the usual inspection but was just wondering if 
there might be something in particular that may have plagued this design?
Chris
_______________________________________________

Thanks everyone for supporting this list with your contributions.  Each and 
every one is greatly appreciated.  If you want to support the list - use PayPal 
to send contribution --  https://www.paypal.me/stumurray

  
_______________________________________________

Thanks everyone for supporting this list with your contributions.  Each and 
every one is greatly appreciated.  If you want to support the list - use PayPal 
to send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray

Reply via email to