[Bandit240]

Ive wanted a sailboat for some years now. Last week i found a 1977 Chrysler 26' sloop in the paper for $1200. Its rough, but just what ive been after. I figure ill have it hauled out of the water and brought to my house (7acres of land). While on dry land I can do a refit of the insides and rigging. It does have a good set of sails with it(main and jib).

Does anyone here sail? If so what do yall think about this boat.

[bad_quote]

... well considering it's doesn't even have an engine I'd offer half that.

[Teronzhul]

I don't know how much you know about boats in general but I'll offer a few quick insights. Let me say specifically that my experience has been limited mostly to my fathers boats and those of his friends(all 30-36 feet). I'm 23, and have been sailing for as long as I can remember, but have never looked into purchasing a boat of my own.

A sloop rig is definitely the way to go for a beginner. The sloop is a little more difficult to setup than say, a cats-ketch, but is much easier to sail. (Read, easier to make go in a straight line, not easier on you physically) Tacking a sloop repeatedly can be a pain, especially for someone sailing solo.

One thing you want to check on specifically on a boat of that age, sail or otherwise, is "squishy" fiberglass. It is possible, although unlikely, that if the glass cracks or gets holes in it that the wood sandwhiched between glass layers can rot. Just cracks or holes can be glassed over easily, rotten wood can be difficult to fix.

I am unfamiliar with the exact model of boat you're looking at, but at 26 feet I assume it has a tiller and not a wheel. Every boat I've sailed (with the exception of some hobie cats) has had a wheel, but I have a good friend who has a 27 foot boat with a tiller only and he has told me repeatedly that keeping that boat going in a straight line is a constant battle. The primary loser of that battle would be his arm. A boat with a wheel, particularly a locking one, will make sailing a much more pleasant experience.

Also assuming the step is accessible, try to make sure that it is secure and there isn't a lot of wear where the bolts go into the hull. Once after setting a 40 foot spun aluminum mast into our offshore, the step loosened and we snapped the mast near the base in about 4 foot seas. That was an unpleasant trip...

Bah, I don't know if any of this has helped, but if you have any specific questions I can try to answer.

PS. If you can't sail, ROW!

[Bandit240]

Well for the most part the boat is sound and soild. It sets on the bottom at low tide so ive seen the bottom, no blisters or cracks ive found. Like i said it needs work. The floor has rotted out(easy job). Ive been around boats my whole life. My dad owns a shrimp boat. Most of my family is against the sailboat, but i say screw them. They are against the Mac.

[Bandit240]

Theres the pic. The toerail on the dock side is messed up since a storm blew it under the dock. The hatch cover is inside, it fits loose, so he keeps it off. It will need some fibreglass work in some places, but i can do that stuff. Even if i get it this year, it wont be back in the water untill 2007 at least.

[Teronzhul]

It looks as any good sailboat should, like a hole to pour gobs of money into. Good Luck.