Jim, When Werner wrote about someone who had just finished his teak decks I think he was referring to me! I bought Second Wind from an estate back in '05. She had been languishing on stands in a field in central Michigan and the estate decided to put her on Ebay. Silly me, thinking I'd get into a WS32 for a pittance! A kit boat, she also had "good bones", an unfinished interior, stinking water in the bilges almost up to the sole, and a cabin jammed full of boat stuff that made her look like a dumpster. I got her cheap, but last time my wife totaled up the expenses (including cradle, crane, transporter, etc.) we're somewhere around $80K, with about $3-5K to go.
As for sweat equity, I've got between 3500 and 4000 hours into her. The interior was nearly a total rebuild (the original factory teak trim was still bundled inside and uncut, which was a huge savings), all new plumbing (overhauled the Groco thru hulls), tanks, engine, ground tackle, running rigging (overhauled all the Barient winches), new icebox, all new wiring, new electronics (minimal - chartplotter/depthsounder and VHF), new compass, portlight seals, the decks were regrooved, recaulked and sanded, the bottom blisters ground out, refilled and the bottom barrier coated and anti-fouled, new SS bowsprit and boomkin, new Cape Horn windvane, new mast/bow/stern pulpits, new Force 10 stove, and an entirely new engine room/fuel tanks. I'm sure I'm leaving something out, but it's been a six year adventure. I was lucky enough to have a buddy who owns a small farm with a big barn and empty tractor bay in which the boat fit like a glove. Unfortunately, he got married about three years ago and his wife raises critters and wanted the barn back by 2010, so I moved it to Lake Erie last September and I've been working on her when it wasn't too bloody cold. She's nearly finished - thank God.
Check out my blog at www.westsailinabarn.blogspot.com. You can email me any time you want (tkoehl2769@comcast.net) and I'll try to answer any questions. WS32's are GREAT boats and I wouldn't want any other. I've gotten immense satisfaction from the process (although I only originally estimated three years, not six) and feel better knowing that I know every square inch of the boat. I just can't wait to sail her!!
Tom Koehl - WSSK 02961074
