About 3 years ago on a cold winter day, we answered an add with a boat for sale and entered the world of sailboat restoration. A Santana 21 with sails and rigging. It was a faded turquoise and white lonely boat sitting patiently for a new coat of paint and some love. We liked it but went home empty-handed to search for other boats on another day. Dreaming of the opportunity to learn sailing.
A couple of days later, the man called and offered it to us to care for, rejuvenate, and most importantly–to use. It was an amazing early Christmas present that left us giddy with gratitude and excitement.
Thus began the “Nautilus” (as we christened her) and her restoration We had just finished 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne. The shape and line of the new boat was very similar to the artist black and white drawing in the book.
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A strong new deck
Incoming spring brought the opportunity to look her over. Start to plan what needed to be done on her to make her strong. Her cabin roof top where the mast connected needed to be re-cored and a new fiberglass coating added. The mast connector plate needed to be repaired.
The first cut with the saw is always full of anxiety. A necessary pulling of the old rot and the rough beginnings of a new strong coat. My husband spent the winter researching what to do and how. His father has built a number of canoes and kayaks by hand. A great help in answering questions regarding fiberglass.
And so, the beautiful changes began to emerge. One could almost hear the boat sighing a happy sigh at being loved again. I can believe why sailors often view their boat as having a personality of their own.
New paint to parade in
Next up, a glossy new covering of paint to strut and parade about in. The paint was a bit more intense of a blue than we had pictured. But in the end, it suits her and her lines. Painting using marine paint is definitely a two person job! To cut down on the sun glare off the white on the deck, we used a beige and anti-slip additive. My husband, Dave used a 1-part poly paint from Jamestown Distributor. The 2-part is stronger and holds up better but the 1-part is easier to work with and less expensive, especially if its on the water line.
It’s all about the sails (and a rudder is nice)
To our great amazement, the sails that came with the boat were whole and in decent shape. All the rigging was ready to go. Now, all my husband had to do was figure out how to step the mast and figure out how all the rigging went properly. Yes, my husband couldn’t resist putting Christmas lights on the mast one season. The first season in the water, the rudder split right up the center into two panels. Thank you to the sailor who spotted it. Dave set to work shaping a custom rudder out of a foot wide piece of Douglas Fir, coated with fiberglass cloth and resin. Works like a charm.
Redundancy can be a good thing…
For the motor/s, my husband built a trolling motor bracket. He also foraged for a used boat motor and motor lift. The first season we took her out, we had the battery and cables for the trolling motor in the cockpit. Not too comfortable or ideal. For this season, an in-hull battery plug was added to be more safe and make more room in the cockpit (see parts at the end). Having two types of motors AND paddles makes us feel a bit more secure while we are learning to sail.
We have heard of others taking their boats out for a quick afternoon sail and getting stranded. Not to return until late at night from a day of trying to get back to shore. Having a Type 1 Diabetic on board, this possibility doesn’t sit well with us. Redundancy– a good thing.
What Comes Next in the Sailboat Restoration?
Now to shift and work on restoration in the cabin. Dave ripped out the little sink that was inside and made it a battery compartment. I am currently busy sewing up bench cushions and curtains for the interior. The V-berth is too claustrophobic for me without a front hatch for venting. So we will use it for storage and a privacy area for a port-a-potty. We configured that we could just fit a double-sized inflatable mattress in the cockpit. The kids sleep on the bench cushions in the cabin. Put a bimini with an extra shade cloth over us and enjoy sleeping out under the stars so to speak.
A new coat of paint for the interior is on the list but we are not there yet. I suspect that sailboat restoration never really finishes. You just keep at it until you find yourself sailing more then restoring.
Ultimately, learn to sail!
We chose this route to adventure as a way to build memories as a family together. Not having a large vacation budget, we looked for an alternative for family outings. Camping is high on our list. We crunched the numbers on how much it would cost. Joining a boat club ended up being cheaper for our family. A private lagoon, rustic club house, docks, grills, picnic areas, firepit– this was looking pretty good to us. Plus, it is a great educational tool- they get to learn all about parts.
Learning to sail is a life long skill. Calming, peaceful, and rejuvenating. On the flip side, exhilarating and active. There is a connection to the water, wind, and birds. Sounds that you don’t get when you are using jet skis or motor boats. They have their place and are fun but it is a different feeling for sure.
Parts used in this article:
- Attwood Heavy Duty Trolling Motor Connector (male)
- Attwood Heavy Duty Trolling Motor Connector (female)
- Total Boat 2 part Epoxy Primer
How to Apply Paint:
Jamestown Distributor: How to appy paint
Just picked up an old Sanatana. They are not super common boats. Are you still sailing your Santana? How many years ago did you start this sailing adventure?
Yes, we still have it and really enjoy as a family. It is now finished with paint, motor, and inside bench cushions. It’s a very responsive boat that can pick up speed really well. It’s been about 4 years of lake sailing on it and its still going strong. The last update was removing the keel, putting on protective paint, and resealing the bolts. Now to see if it will float next season;) Have you been able to use yours yet? What do you think of yours?
Mine was a barn find (likely hasn’t seen water since 1988). Everything seems solid, though. Just needs a good cleaning and hardware re-bedded. I’m going to save the keel project for another time. From what I have read online, everyone talks about Santanas being great to sail, better than most 20/21 ft boats, and decent in light wind. Lord willing, we’ll be ready to sail it on an inland lake in north-central Indiana next year. Has you family done any “camping” on it? Cabin is tight but would be fun for our two younglings.
Sounds like a perfect fit for your family! We hope to camp on ours this coming summer. There are smaller sized Coleman coolers that will fit in the cockpit to fill the middle leg gaps and it allows a double sized air mattress to fit perfectly in the cockpit in case you need more room. I find the v-birth too claustrophobic without a hatch so we use it as a sail locker. The kiddos will sleep on the benches in the cabin if they choose. You can either buy an already made cockpit full enclosure privacy “tent” or make one with pvc and cloth.
When you camp, keep us filled in on what works and what doesn’t;)