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Restoration Under Way

By Jack Webb | March 6, 2012

Having sold my home in Denver, I headed down to the boat in early October, 2011. For the past several months, I've been quite busy restoring my future home, s/v Drifter. The boat has been sitting on the hard for 5-1/2 years, in the high heat and humidity of south Florida, and it had been 3-1/2 years since my last visit. At the mature age 36 years, she surely needed some TLC. But there's little good to come from such a long period of neglect.

The work began with a good cleanup, but the projects quickly added up. I had never imagined how much needed to be done, until I was too far into the job to turn around. Little by little, she's coming together. And though there are a few Westsails out there that exceed description, Drifter should end up being able to compete with the vast majority afloat today.

The biggest current project is the reconditioning of the engine, a 1987 50HP Perkins 4.108. I got the engine started for the first time in 5-1/2 years, then removed it from the boat for stripping, repainting, and replacement of various parts. It's a big job, but one that should pay dividends for many years to come.

Take a look at the many projects under way. I hope to be completed by the end of April 2012, then launch and begin the long journey to wherever she takes me.

Topics: Restoration Projects |

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