This is an overview of a potential restoration project - Cape Dory Typhoon (Weekender) Hull #1583. The photos are mostly in a logical order, but bear with me on the occasional disjointed narrative. The photos generally are meant to show 'problem areas' / concerns for the prospective buyer - given the buyer's sensitivity to 'scope creep' on this project leading to spending more than originally planned. Here goes...
Let me first cover the (short list of) positives on this Typhoon: foredeck, side decks, cockpit, and poop deck coring appears to be in great condition. Sounding the decks, across the boat, provided me with assurance that no soft spots exist on this boat. Decks are sound. The bottom on this Dory is in great shape - no signs of blistering or gel-coat cracking / separation. Bottom is sound. Rudder is in good shape, considering age of the vessel (1978). The boat has 'great bones' as they say, but it certainly is far from a turn-key product that is ready for charter guests. None of the issues I will detail below are insurmountable by any stretch...it just comes down to how much money does one want to invest. In my opinion, and I must first reveal that I am a HUGE Alberg fan, I support spending the money to restore these classic boats - and, yes, I have done it! - but boats appear in many states of need and I love the work that goes into restoring these boats...it just comes down to the buyer's wishes. I see this boat requiring ~180 / 200 hours of work + materials.
First, the mast is not the original mast. The current owner stated that the original mast was broken in 3 pieces (hmmm...), and that this mast pictured was purchased from a boat salvage business. This mast is 24' and 1/2". The Typhoon mast measures 23' 9.5" in length...so we have issues right out of the box when the time comes to bend on a couple sails. My strong suggestion would be to pick up a replacement rig (new) from Rig-Rite, Inc for a bit over the $1,000 threshold.
You can see damage on the base of this spar - looks like a grinder got a hold of it!
Also, there is quite a bit of corrosion that concerns me.
This is a shot that is meant to tell the whole story about the creative trailer application. Again, my strong suggestion is to spend $1,350 on a custom trailer for the Cape Dory Typhoon.
Next set of pics show the cabin. The cabin requires painting....sanding, sanding, sanding, and painting. The task ahead is straightforward as it relates to 'down below'. I would urge replacement of the locker lids, but most of the work here is sanding and painting. Did I mention sanding?
The decks are in great shape, but the boat's decks and cockpit desperately need painting. The nonskid is gooped on in places, and as can be seen below, there are areas that need finishing.
The drop boards need replacing....would suggest new teak or varnished mahogany boards (3 of them).
Again, the creative approach to a sailboat trailer - dig the jack man!
Classic Typhoon minimalist foredeck. The mast deck plate is missing, at least in this photo - I believe the current owner is claiming that he has it, just not installed.
Hull ID
Coming back to the mast - didn't we agree on a new rig? - here are some photos of the masthead. This mast has seen better days!
The poop deck core soundings turned out great - nice and dry in there! The problems I am having with the aft deck is that the motor bracket is in the wrong place - it should not be on the boat's center line, but mounted to either port or starboard instead, and angled so that the bracket parallels the taff rail. Oh yes, this boat needs a taff rail....
Note also the WAY-oversized main sheet track. This track looks like it belongs on a Cal 40! This boat also needs aft cockpit trim - no biggie, but adds to the list of 'to-dos'.
Back down in the cabin, I took a few pictures to provide color on my suggestions: replace the chain plate access hatches - just in need of better plates that actually fit!
What it looks like in there...
The next couple photos show the bottom - yes, in great shape. I would apply a couple more coats of bottom paint prior to splashing.
This is an oddity for a Typhoon coach roof - appears to be some sort of cowling. From down below, you can see the cut into the overhead. We can discuss removing this access plate, and gassing over new coring...if requested.
This photo is looking at the aft portion of the port coaming - photo taken from outboard. You can just make out the crack in the coaming where it meets the sidekick. Hey, why not go for a couple new coaming boards while we are at it? Seriously, new coamings make a statement!
Port cockpit locker - just needing sanding, priming, and painting.
The port deadlight - great bronze! - but in need of new glass.
Here is a picture of the port jib track - again, Cal 40? What's the deal here!?
There are a few places along the bottom edge of the port and starboard rub rail where the fasteners caused the fiberglass to 'splinter'. Simple repair if the toe rails and rub rails come off and get replaced.
Back down in the cabin, here is a pic of the port settee locker - just requiring sanding, priming, painting.
In this pic the port locker is closed, and you can just make out the cockpit drain hose. I think the through hulls are fine, and so would only advocate upgrading the hose.
...and the starboard settee locker.
Back on deck, the Barlow 15 and its base - original. We would need to try and replace with the same components. The winch base can be purchased, but the winch will be a bit harder to find.
Back down in the cabin, here is the starboard chain plate access hatch. Closed...
...and open.
Again, the bottom is in great shape - that trailer freaks me out though!
The starboard cockpit locker - needing sanding, priming, and painting.
Here is the starboard bronze deadlight - you can just see the gap between the glass and the outer plate. Appears to require new glass.
The starboard jib track...Cal 40!? In all seriousness though, I would urge the installation of new, smaller, jib tracks on new toe rails.
In the cabin, here is a picture of the starboard settee locker.
...and the locker closed. All surfaces down below just require sanding, priming, and painting....and possibly new locker lids.
Here is a picture of the starboard sidekick showing no winch/winch base.
About 4 to 5' from the stem fitting, the starboard toe rail has suffered some damage. There is enough weathering that has occurred to these rails, that I would suggest fabricating and installing new toe and rub rails.
...more on the damage.
Starboard Vberth locker and lid.
Stem fitting.
Stern, just begging for a taff rail.
Vberth.
