Kayen Laza wrote:
Dear Bud,,
We need some advise, please.
My husband and I have recently acquired a 1975 Westsail 32 named C'est la vie, French for that is life (we intend to keep her name) hull id number wssk04000475.
She sustained extensive damage (rudder broken, hanging in two pieces, tiller handle and engine are MIA) during hurricane Harvey. She sat in her slip until her owner died in 2018. She sat at the same dock for 2 more years until 2020 when the marina foreclosured on her. She was then purchased by a friend of ours who towed her to the marina next door. In 2021 she sustained a lightning strike which blew her grounding plate off. They found and plugged the two holes and pumped her out. She has continued to sit until we recently acquired her. She has woodrot in different cabin areas and at one point someone got a little carried away with a Sawzall on the settee.
My husband and I, along with our 11 year old daughter and 6 year old yellow lab, are going to attempt to save this old boat. We would appreciate any tips, tricks or advice on how to proceed. You see, we were merely auto mechanics and substitute teachers in our former lives and can use all the help we can get. Thank you in advance for any help.
If anyone would like to ask any questions, I will do my best to answer them.
C'est La Vie
From the crew of SV C'est La Vie,
Johne, Kayen, Athena & Titan
Kayen:
Welcome aboard the WOA association.
You and yours are starting on a long journey with the remodel of your new to you Westsail 32. The experiences of an auto mechanic is a good foundation of the many skills needed for boat owners who are DIY.
There are several YT channels about rebuilding vessels in general and Westsails in particular. The footer of our web pages include links to the WOA YT channel and the FB group.
The WOA has a value added section of our website for those who are full members that collects many fixes in the Westsail Fixes & FAQ area. You can also search the forum pages for information.
"In 2021 she sustained a lightning strike which blew her grounding plate off." OUCH! Thanks for this information - I always wondered what would happen when lightening struck the boat and all that energy exited thru a grounding plate. I've removed my grounding plate as I don't have an SSB radio and on the west coast lightening isn't quite the threat. I believe that there are solutions for SSB grounds that don't involve another hole in the boat. You don't need a ground for VHF radios. As far as sail boat protection from lightening - there are many schemes on the internet - but lightening will travel where ever it wants!
Where is your boat located and what are your plans for the boat?
There may be local Westsailors that can give you free advise. We have several on the west coast that drop by and attempt to keep new owners out of the tall weeds and thick jungle:)
As more questions arise - the about WOA page has our email addresses if you wish to contact us directly. Pictures are a big help with answering questions.
Finally, I've asked Bud to create a document for new Westsailor Owners with things consider/examine.
Here would be a few suggestions to start with -- it's a long list:
1. Keep the boat afloat and function even if it is just as a motor boat.
2. Check for leaks from the thru hulls, prop shaft etc.
3. Cap rails on Westsails are starting to leak when it rains. See attached document.
4. Engine and running gear and rudder - so at least you can motor the boat.
5. Don't just tear out the interior as rebuilding from scratch is a lot of work.
We have seen several boats stripped out and then never rebuilt.
Use the exiting parts as patterns (even if rotten) for replacement pieces.
6. Don't plan a long voyage until you are know your vessel and can navigate safely.
We have lost several boats (but not the crew so far) on the first voyages from a lack of experience.
Welcome aboard and please pace yourself for a long project.
Jay Bietz
Webmaster
