Date: 6/14/2008
Name: RICK FIELDS
email: ricksryan22@attg.net
subject:Restoration advice needed
(From an email received)Jim,
I have retired on Lake Whitney in Texas, about 90 miles SW of Dallas. It's a beautiful clear 22 mile long lake bordered by white limestone bluffs on the Brasos River, running north and south with a prevailng south wind. I have finally worked my way to project # 34, which is my 1972 San Juan SN 444( for your registry). I raced it in regattas in the 70s, Day sailed it a couple of years in the eighties, then let it sit outside, covered for about 5years and uncovered the rest of the time. The gelcoat has blistered and chipped in several places,mainly the aft rail gutters and forward on the starboard cockpit seat. The hull appears in excellent condition, however, when towing it to the lake a few years ago, I heard water movement in the hull,and there was no water in the cabin. The cabin ,over the years had filled with water from sitting out and I would eventually dip it out from time to time.I have had the boat protected under the cover of a car port for the last year, and don't hear the water movement, when I move the boat, anymore. Possibly, the hot Texas days have dryed it out while it has been protected? Could this be problem?
The sails are in good condition, kept indoors over the years. I'm going to replace all of the lines, just because they are old.I have everything that came with the boat new except for the teakwood cabin hatch, that slides in the teakwood rails on each side of the cabin entryway( can't remember it's proper name). Do you know where I could get one, or at least the wood and hardware to fabricate one.I restore ole WWII airplanes and fly them as a hobby, so I could probably make the hatch cover if I had the material.
What would you recommend I use to restore the chipped and blistered white gelcoat?
I have been reading thru your website to review and catch up. It has been very helpful, and is getting my juices flowing to sail again. They tell me it's like riding a bike, it will come back. I want the boat to be safe, because I will be teaching my grandson to sail, after I get my sea legs back.
I will appreciate any help you can send my way,
Regards,
Rick Fields
Laguna Park Tx.
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