Hello, I just joined the forum, and thought I’d jump in with both feet. I recently purchased a 1965 Ensign (hull no. unkown), with the understanding that the discounted price meant there would be work involved in getting it on the water. So, since purchasing the boat in New Orleans, I have started a list of things I need to do in order to get it sailing in Birmingham, AL. Of course, you don’t start a list like this until you get at least the first step complete. And I did- In the wee hours of a night in July, I rented a BAT (Big A$$ Truck) and trailered the boat from Mandeville, LA to the Birmingham Sailing Club on Lake Logan Martin near Pell City, AL. The boat has not touched water in 7 years, according to the previous owner, but the hull looks fantastic... aside from a few “simple” fixes. In that context, here is my to-do list. Now, understand I post this in order to solicit free advice.... make no mistake about it- I am new to Ensigns and have no idea what I’m doing with them. I arrived at it probably the same way many do; An ensign looks dang sexy on a trailer and even more beautiful under full sail.
1: Fix the rub rail. Attached is a picture which will show one that it will not be as straightforward as the famous video leads one to believe. The shear clamp is flat-out missing in some sections on the Stbd side. Not sure what to do here, I have no experience working with fiberglass (although I am willing to learn!). Some input would be helpful here!
2: Secure all of the wood. The benches are not really attached to the boat- they look good, but not attached. I anticipate drilling new holes in the fiberglass.
3: Purchase and afix all rigging to the mast. I wish I had a diagram of an ensign mast and boom to show me how it is supposed to look. I think the mast is in good shape (that is, if I actually have an Ensign mast), but the boom is trashed (if I actually have an Ensign Boom).
4: Step the mast. No idea how to set the mast plate.... but I do know that I need to buy a mast base plate- that’s the first step, right? I read the rigging guide on the internet, but really have no idea how to do it properly.
5: check for leaks!
5a. name the boat- now accepting recommendations
6: Set sail?
I think that is it, with a million substeps, that is. I’ll take whatever advice i can get!!! And if anyone is open to letting me ride along on their boat to see the boat and rigging in action, or driving theough al to lay eyes on my wonderful problem, I’m all for it!
Thanks, Doug