Re: Is it time for the dreaded beam replacement?

I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed replacing the beam...hard at first, but the 29 isn't that large of a boat where it is totally overwhelming. It takes time but it allowed me to be thoroughly connected to the construction of the boat. I replaced the beam, replaced the bulkhead, etc; however, if there is someway consider a repair in the off-season or on the shoulder season and simply putting things back so that they are structurally sound and finish up the cosmetic side as time allows, you should be able to get a good season of sailing in. What the initial repair enabled me to do is to really mentally get excited about taking a complete restoration of the boat with a more acceptable mindset. It's time I have to myself with a good radio, cup of coffee or some good beer and the results and rewards come quickly. I'll post some photos of the new ceiling in the photo section under SV Thalia....shows the replaced bulkhead and what a more modern "brightening" of the 70's dark wood style did to the cabin. Mindset's important and what more is that you have incredible resources in photos and experience just from this website....I wouldn't have been able to do it without Wilkie's webpage that showed a "step-by-step" approach. --- In Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com, Alex Kunadze wrote: > > That was pretty much my experience as well, except that I had the "oh shit" > moment before buying the boat, so it wasn't that scary. I'm confident I can > do the repair myself, but I also know it'll take a lot of time and the > "dreaded" part is missing out on all the sailing in the meantime. Paying > 10K for that is not really an option, it'll be more than the boat is worth. > > Now, can the good readers recommend a professional I could call to the boat > to assess the damage? I need to decide if it has to be repaired right away, > or if it can wait till next winter and I just don't have the > knowledge/experience to do that. The boat is on SF Bay, Coyote Point harbor > in San Mateo, CA. > > Cheers, > Alex. > > On Thu, Feb 14, 2013 at 4:07 PM, theredthread wrote: > > > ** > > > > > > The day I came home after sailing my 1974 Cal 29 into her new home in > > Berkeley I decided to scour the web for images, and of course I came across > > a bunch of images and blog posts about "The Dreaded BEAM!" At first yes, it > > scared the shit out of me, like what have I gotten myself into. I called > > the guy who surveyed my boat and he basically said "yes, it's something you > > can fix down the line, but unless you're going around the farallones and/or > > if you see actual evidence of compression, don't worry about it." > > > > And after talking to folks on this group, I have confidence I can manage > > the repair myself. My main issue is the time it'll take so for now I'm just > > sailing the hell out of it and keeping an eye on it. > > > > FYI, for "fun" I talked to someone at KKMI and they said they did a > > similar job for just under 10k. > > > > > > --- In Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com, Chris Campbell wrote: > > > > > > I was chuckling at the "dreaded beam." We all know what it means, and > > > it means a pain-in-the-butt job. But maybe we should adopt a less scary > > > term, one that doesn't frighten off newbies or potential Cal sailors. I > > > chuckle because when working with wooden boats, we regard them as > > > modular--you can replace parts as they fail. You can replace frames, > > > planks, floors, knees, whatever gives up. On the other hand, we get all > > > spoiled when it comes to our plastic boats. We act as though all they > > > require is a quick hose-down in the spring and the occasional coat of > > > bottom paint. > > > > > > Maybe we should view this problem as an opportunity to display skill and > > > craftsmanship--like spiling a new plank on the wooden boat. > > > > > > Chris Campbell > > > Whose boat lacks, luckily, the dreaded beam. > > > > > > > > > >

Alex, let me know if you find someone to do the new beam. Maybe we can get a discount if they make 2! I'm sure you've seen this, but in case you haven't, lots of good stuff including a drawing of the beam. http://www.richardanderson.net/TechSavvy/CAL_BOATS.html --- In Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com, Alex Kunadze wrote: > > That was pretty much my experience as well, except that I had the "oh shit" > moment before buying the boat, so it wasn't that scary. I'm confident I can > do the repair myself, but I also know it'll take a lot of time and the > "dreaded" part is missing out on all the sailing in the meantime. Paying > 10K for that is not really an option, it'll be more than the boat is worth. > > Now, can the good readers recommend a professional I could call to the boat > to assess the damage? I need to decide if it has to be repaired right away, > or if it can wait till next winter and I just don't have the > knowledge/experience to do that. The boat is on SF Bay, Coyote Point harbor > in San Mateo, CA. > > Cheers, > Alex. > > On Thu, Feb 14, 2013 at 4:07 PM, theredthread wrote: > > > ** > > > > > > The day I came home after sailing my 1974 Cal 29 into her new home in > > Berkeley I decided to scour the web for images, and of course I came across > > a bunch of images and blog posts about "The Dreaded BEAM!" At first yes, it > > scared the shit out of me, like what have I gotten myself into. I called > > the guy who surveyed my boat and he basically said "yes, it's something you > > can fix down the line, but unless you're going around the farallones and/or > > if you see actual evidence of compression, don't worry about it." > > > > And after talking to folks on this group, I have confidence I can manage > > the repair myself. My main issue is the time it'll take so for now I'm just > > sailing the hell out of it and keeping an eye on it. > > > > FYI, for "fun" I talked to someone at KKMI and they said they did a > > similar job for just under 10k. > > > > > > --- In Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com, Chris Campbell wrote: > > > > > > I was chuckling at the "dreaded beam." We all know what it means, and > > > it means a pain-in-the-butt job. But maybe we should adopt a less scary > > > term, one that doesn't frighten off newbies or potential Cal sailors. I > > > chuckle because when working with wooden boats, we regard them as > > > modular--you can replace parts as they fail. You can replace frames, > > > planks, floors, knees, whatever gives up. On the other hand, we get all > > > spoiled when it comes to our plastic boats. We act as though all they > > > require is a quick hose-down in the spring and the occasional coat of > > > bottom paint. > > > > > > Maybe we should view this problem as an opportunity to display skill and > > > craftsmanship--like spiling a new plank on the wooden boat. > > > > > > Chris Campbell > > > Whose boat lacks, luckily, the dreaded beam. > > > > > > > > > >

On 2/14/2013 7:49 PM, James wrote: > I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed replacing the beam...hard at first, but the 29 isn't that large of a boat where it is totally overwhelming. It takes time but it allowed me to be thoroughly connected to the construction of the boat. I replaced the beam, replaced the bulkhead, etc; however, if there is someway consider a repair in the off-season or on the shoulder season and simply putting things back so that they are structurally sound and finish up the cosmetic side as time allows, you should be able to get a good season of sailing in. > > What the initial repair enabled me to do is to really mentally get excited about taking a complete restoration of the boat with a more acceptable mindset. It's time I have to myself with a good radio, cup of coffee or some good beer and the results and rewards come quickly. Bravo--this is what I was talking about! We can maintain and repair our boats, and it's rewarding too. Chris Campbell > >

If you decide to do a group beam purchase, I'm in. It'll have to be done some day. Greg Beron, from my iPhone On Feb 14, 2013, at 6:24 PM, "theredthread" <ja… [at] mac.com> wrote: > Alex, let me know if you find someone to do the new beam. Maybe we can get a discount if they make 2! I'm sure you've seen this, but in case you haven't, lots of good stuff including a drawing of the beam. > http://www.richardanderson.net/TechSavvy/CAL_BOATS.html > > --- In Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com, Alex Kunadze wrote: > > > > That was pretty much my experience as well, except that I had the "oh shit" > > moment before buying the boat, so it wasn't that scary. I'm confident I can > > do the repair myself, but I also know it'll take a lot of time and the > > "dreaded" part is missing out on all the sailing in the meantime. Paying > > 10K for that is not really an option, it'll be more than the boat is worth. > > > > Now, can the good readers recommend a professional I could call to the boat > > to assess the damage? I need to decide if it has to be repaired right away, > > or if it can wait till next winter and I just don't have the > > knowledge/experience to do that. The boat is on SF Bay, Coyote Point harbor > > in San Mateo, CA. > > > > Cheers, > > Alex. > > > > On Thu, Feb 14, 2013 at 4:07 PM, theredthread wrote: > > > > > ** > > > > > > > > > The day I came home after sailing my 1974 Cal 29 into her new home in > > > Berkeley I decided to scour the web for images, and of course I came across > > > a bunch of images and blog posts about "The Dreaded BEAM!" At first yes, it > > > scared the shit out of me, like what have I gotten myself into. I called > > > the guy who surveyed my boat and he basically said "yes, it's something you > > > can fix down the line, but unless you're going around the farallones and/or > > > if you see actual evidence of compression, don't worry about it." > > > > > > And after talking to folks on this group, I have confidence I can manage > > > the repair myself. My main issue is the time it'll take so for now I'm just > > > sailing the hell out of it and keeping an eye on it. > > > > > > FYI, for "fun" I talked to someone at KKMI and they said they did a > > > similar job for just under 10k. > > > > > > > > > --- In Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com, Chris Campbell wrote: > > > > > > > > I was chuckling at the "dreaded beam." We all know what it means, and > > > > it means a pain-in-the-butt job. But maybe we should adopt a less scary > > > > term, one that doesn't frighten off newbies or potential Cal sailors. I > > > > chuckle because when working with wooden boats, we regard them as > > > > modular--you can replace parts as they fail. You can replace frames, > > > > planks, floors, knees, whatever gives up. On the other hand, we get all > > > > spoiled when it comes to our plastic boats. We act as though all they > > > > require is a quick hose-down in the spring and the occasional coat of > > > > bottom paint. > > > > > > > > Maybe we should view this problem as an opportunity to display skill and > > > > craftsmanship--like spiling a new plank on the wooden boat. > > > > > > > > Chris Campbell > > > > Whose boat lacks, luckily, the dreaded beam. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

Great! I'll shop around and let you know. So far we have three, anyone else? On Feb 14, 2013 8:49 PM, "Greg Beron" <gb… [at] yahoo.com> wrote: > ** > > > If you decide to do a group beam purchase, I'm in. It'll have to be done > some day. > > Greg Beron, > from my iPhone > > On Feb 14, 2013, at 6:24 PM, "theredthread" <ja… [at] mac.com> wrote: > > > > Alex, let me know if you find someone to do the new beam. Maybe we can get > a discount if they make 2! I'm sure you've seen this, but in case you > haven't, lots of good stuff including a drawing of the beam. > http://www.richardanderson.net/TechSavvy/CAL_BOATS.html > > --- In Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com, Alex Kunadze wrote: > > > > That was pretty much my experience as well, except that I had the "oh > shit" > > moment before buying the boat, so it wasn't that scary. I'm confident I > can > > do the repair myself, but I also know it'll take a lot of time and the > > "dreaded" part is missing out on all the sailing in the meantime. Paying > > 10K for that is not really an option, it'll be more than the boat is > worth. > > > > Now, can the good readers recommend a professional I could call to the > boat > > to assess the damage? I need to decide if it has to be repaired right > away, > > or if it can wait till next winter and I just don't have the > > knowledge/experience to do that. The boat is on SF Bay, Coyote Point > harbor > > in San Mateo, CA. > > > > Cheers, > > Alex. > > > > On Thu, Feb 14, 2013 at 4:07 PM, theredthread wrote: > > > > > ** > > > > > > > > > The day I came home after sailing my 1974 Cal 29 into her new home in > > > Berkeley I decided to scour the web for images, and of course I came > across > > > a bunch of images and blog posts about "The Dreaded BEAM!" At first > yes, it > > > scared the shit out of me, like what have I gotten myself into. I > called > > > the guy who surveyed my boat and he basically said "yes, it's > something you > > > can fix down the line, but unless you're going around the farallones > and/or > > > if you see actual evidence of compression, don't worry about it." > > > > > > And after talking to folks on this group, I have confidence I can > manage > > > the repair myself. My main issue is the time it'll take so for now I'm > just > > > sailing the hell out of it and keeping an eye on it. > > > > > > FYI, for "fun" I talked to someone at KKMI and they said they did a > > > similar job for just under 10k. > > > > > > > > > --- In Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com, Chris Campbell wrote: > > > > > > > > I was chuckling at the "dreaded beam." We all know what it means, and > > > > it means a pain-in-the-butt job. But maybe we should adopt a less > scary > > > > term, one that doesn't frighten off newbies or potential Cal > sailors. I > > > > chuckle because when working with wooden boats, we regard them as > > > > modular--you can replace parts as they fail. You can replace frames, > > > > planks, floors, knees, whatever gives up. On the other hand, we get > all > > > > spoiled when it comes to our plastic boats. We act as though all they > > > > require is a quick hose-down in the spring and the occasional coat of > > > > bottom paint. > > > > > > > > Maybe we should view this problem as an opportunity to display skill > and > > > > craftsmanship--like spiling a new plank on the wooden boat. > > > > > > > > Chris Campbell > > > > Whose boat lacks, luckily, the dreaded beam. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

Greg wrote: > If you decide to do a group beam purchase, I'm in. It'll have to be done some day. I think I've mentioned it before, but it bears repeating. We saved a lot in fabrication costs by modifying the drawings that Roger Jones created. Instead of making the top plate a separate piece, simply bend the web to form the top plate. Then just weld the three small tabs in place. (You still have to weld the bottom web because it is curved and can't be made by bending.) This reduces the number of cuts and the length of the welds. Also, look for a company that does a lot of stainless fabrication (and definitely not a marine company). Chances are excellent that they may be able to get some or all of the pieces out of their scrap bin, which can also save you a lot of money. Questions cheerfully entertained either on list or off. Alfred Poor 1973 Tartan 34C #288 "Jambalaya"

Dependent upon price, I would buy one. Terry Spencer On Feb 14, 2013, at 8:54 PM, Alex Kunadze wrote: > > Great! I'll shop around and let you know. So far we have three, anyone else? > > On Feb 14, 2013 8:49 PM, "Greg Beron" <gb… [at] yahoo.com> wrote: > > > If you decide to do a group beam purchase, I'm in. It'll have to be done some day. > > Greg Beron, > from my iPhone > > On Feb 14, 2013, at 6:24 PM, "theredthread" <ja… [at] mac.com> wrote: > >> >> Alex, let me know if you find someone to do the new beam. Maybe we can get a discount if they make 2! I'm sure you've seen this, but in case you haven't, lots of good stuff including a drawing of the beam. >> http://www.richardanderson.net/TechSavvy/CAL_BOATS.html >> >> --- In Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com, Alex Kunadze wrote: >> > >> > That was pretty much my experience as well, except that I had the "oh shit" >> > moment before buying the boat, so it wasn't that scary. I'm confident I can >> > do the repair myself, but I also know it'll take a lot of time and the >> > "dreaded" part is missing out on all the sailing in the meantime. Paying >> > 10K for that is not really an option, it'll be more than the boat is worth. >> > >> > Now, can the good readers recommend a professional I could call to the boat >> > to assess the damage? I need to decide if it has to be repaired right away, >> > or if it can wait till next winter and I just don't have the >> > knowledge/experience to do that. The boat is on SF Bay, Coyote Point harbor >> > in San Mateo, CA. >> > >> > Cheers, >> > Alex. >> > >> > On Thu, Feb 14, 2013 at 4:07 PM, theredthread wrote: >> > >> > > ** >> > > >> > > >> > > The day I came home after sailing my 1974 Cal 29 into her new home in >> > > Berkeley I decided to scour the web for images, and of course I came across >> > > a bunch of images and blog posts about "The Dreaded BEAM!" At first yes, it >> > > scared the shit out of me, like what have I gotten myself into. I called >> > > the guy who surveyed my boat and he basically said "yes, it's something you >> > > can fix down the line, but unless you're going around the farallones and/or >> > > if you see actual evidence of compression, don't worry about it." >> > > >> > > And after talking to folks on this group, I have confidence I can manage >> > > the repair myself. My main issue is the time it'll take so for now I'm just >> > > sailing the hell out of it and keeping an eye on it. >> > > >> > > FYI, for "fun" I talked to someone at KKMI and they said they did a >> > > similar job for just under 10k. >> > > >> > > >> > > --- In Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com, Chris Campbell wrote: >> > > > >> > > > I was chuckling at the "dreaded beam." We all know what it means, and >> > > > it means a pain-in-the-butt job. But maybe we should adopt a less scary >> > > > term, one that doesn't frighten off newbies or potential Cal sailors. I >> > > > chuckle because when working with wooden boats, we regard them as >> > > > modular--you can replace parts as they fail. You can replace frames, >> > > > planks, floors, knees, whatever gives up. On the other hand, we get all >> > > > spoiled when it comes to our plastic boats. We act as though all they >> > > > require is a quick hose-down in the spring and the occasional coat of >> > > > bottom paint. >> > > > >> > > > Maybe we should view this problem as an opportunity to display skill and >> > > > craftsmanship--like spiling a new plank on the wooden boat. >> > > > >> > > > Chris Campbell >> > > > Whose boat lacks, luckily, the dreaded beam. >> > > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > >> > > >

That's the way I saw most of the beams in the photos section constructed, so that does seem to be the way to go. Since we're on the topic of beam fabrication, I was wondering why the forward-facing side of the beam was left completely open. I would've thought at least a couple of tabs to connect the top and bottom pieces would make it much more rigid. Unless, of course, that section is not intended to bear any significant load... Thanks Alfred, I'm sure I'll be bugging you with more questions as I go deeper into the project. Cheers, Alex. On Fri, Feb 15, 2013 at 8:19 AM, Alfred Poor <ap… [at] verizon.net> wrote: > ** > > > Greg wrote:**** > > ** ** > > > If you decide to do a group beam purchase, I'm in. It'll have to be > done some day.**** > > ** ** > > I think I’ve mentioned it before, but it bears repeating. We saved a lot > in fabrication costs by modifying the drawings that Roger Jones created. > Instead of making the top plate a separate piece, simply bend the web to > form the top plate. Then just weld the three small tabs in place. (You > still have to weld the bottom web because it is curved and can’t be made by > bending.) This reduces the number of cuts and the length of the welds.**** > > ** ** > > Also, look for a company that does a lot of stainless fabrication (and > definitely not a marine company). Chances are excellent that they may be > able to get some or all of the pieces out of their scrap bin, which can > also save you a lot of money.**** > > ** ** > > Questions cheerfully entertained either on list or off.**** > > ** ** > > Alfred Poor**** > > 1973 Tartan 34C #288 “Jambalaya”**** > > ** ** > > >

James, It looks like you've replaced much more than just a beam! Nice job! I plan to embark on such a project some day, but... here's a quote from one of your photos: "Finally got my boat underway...and I hate to say that it's been 3 years of interior re-build stemming from the "dreaded beam" that ended up a nearly complete retrofit." I'm just hoping I can manage most of my planned improvements without marooning the boat. Cheers, Alex. On Thu, Feb 14, 2013 at 4:49 PM, James <ja… [at] mac.com> wrote: > ** > > > I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed replacing the beam...hard at > first, but the 29 isn't that large of a boat where it is totally > overwhelming. It takes time but it allowed me to be thoroughly connected to > the construction of the boat. I replaced the beam, replaced the bulkhead, > etc; however, if there is someway consider a repair in the off-season or on > the shoulder season and simply putting things back so that they are > structurally sound and finish up the cosmetic side as time allows, you > should be able to get a good season of sailing in. > > What the initial repair enabled me to do is to really mentally get excited > about taking a complete restoration of the boat with a more acceptable > mindset. It's time I have to myself with a good radio, cup of coffee or > some good beer and the results and rewards come quickly. > > I'll post some photos of the new ceiling in the photo section under SV > Thalia....shows the replaced bulkhead and what a more modern "brightening" > of the 70's dark wood style did to the cabin. Mindset's important and what > more is that you have incredible resources in photos and experience just > from this website....I wouldn't have been able to do it without Wilkie's > webpage that showed a "step-by-step" approach. > > --- In Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com, Alex Kunadze wrote: > > > > That was pretty much my experience as well, except that I had the "oh > shit" > > moment before buying the boat, so it wasn't that scary. I'm confident I > can > > do the repair myself, but I also know it'll take a lot of time and the > > "dreaded" part is missing out on all the sailing in the meantime. Paying > > 10K for that is not really an option, it'll be more than the boat is > worth. > > > > Now, can the good readers recommend a professional I could call to the > boat > > to assess the damage? I need to decide if it has to be repaired right > away, > > or if it can wait till next winter and I just don't have the > > knowledge/experience to do that. The boat is on SF Bay, Coyote Point > harbor > > in San Mateo, CA. > > > > Cheers, > > Alex. > > > > On Thu, Feb 14, 2013 at 4:07 PM, theredthread wrote: > > > > > ** > > > > > > > > > > The day I came home after sailing my 1974 Cal 29 into her new home in > > > Berkeley I decided to scour the web for images, and of course I came > across > > > a bunch of images and blog posts about "The Dreaded BEAM!" At first > yes, it > > > scared the shit out of me, like what have I gotten myself into. I > called > > > the guy who surveyed my boat and he basically said "yes, it's > something you > > > can fix down the line, but unless you're going around the farallones > and/or > > > if you see actual evidence of compression, don't worry about it." > > > > > > And after talking to folks on this group, I have confidence I can > manage > > > the repair myself. My main issue is the time it'll take so for now I'm > just > > > sailing the hell out of it and keeping an eye on it. > > > > > > FYI, for "fun" I talked to someone at KKMI and they said they did a > > > similar job for just under 10k. > > > > > > > > > --- In Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com, Chris Campbell wrote: > > > > > > > > I was chuckling at the "dreaded beam." We all know what it means, and > > > > it means a pain-in-the-butt job. But maybe we should adopt a less > scary > > > > term, one that doesn't frighten off newbies or potential Cal > sailors. I > > > > chuckle because when working with wooden boats, we regard them as > > > > modular--you can replace parts as they fail. You can replace frames, > > > > planks, floors, knees, whatever gives up. On the other hand, we get > all > > > > spoiled when it comes to our plastic boats. We act as though all they > > > > require is a quick hose-down in the spring and the occasional coat of > > > > bottom paint. > > > > > > > > Maybe we should view this problem as an opportunity to display skill > and > > > > craftsmanship--like spiling a new plank on the wooden boat. > > > > > > > > Chris Campbell > > > > Whose boat lacks, luckily, the dreaded beam. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

Yes...I should be a bit honest about the effort...you tend to forget how much work it is once it's done; however, I was able to take the boat out with it filled with tools and half finished projects as long as they didn't impact the sturdiness...demolish, cut the pan, remove the bulkhead, use the old bulkhead as template put that portion back in....try to do that prior to the season and have all of the material on-hand. I work at about 25% effeciency as I tend to sit and stare a lot when I'm working on the boat by myself...that or realize that there is some good scotch in the cold box and a half-finished novel of some sorts along with those nice new cushions and a sleeping bag at hand. Once my dog starts snoring away, I tend to be close behind.....then theirs my boat neighbors and conversation and jokes about the cost of boat parts...etc. --- In Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com, Alex Kunadze <krollokot@...> wrote: > > James, > > It looks like you've replaced much more than just a beam! Nice job! > > I plan to embark on such a project some day, but... here's a quote from one > of your photos: "Finally got my boat underway...and I hate to say that it's > been 3 years of interior re-build stemming from the "dreaded beam" that > ended up a nearly complete retrofit." I'm just hoping I can manage most of > my planned improvements without marooning the boat. > > Cheers, > Alex. > > On Thu, Feb 14, 2013 at 4:49 PM, James <jamesbibb@...> wrote: > > > ** > > > > > > I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed replacing the beam...hard at > > first, but the 29 isn't that large of a boat where it is totally > > overwhelming. It takes time but it allowed me to be thoroughly connected to > > the construction of the boat. I replaced the beam, replaced the bulkhead, > > etc; however, if there is someway consider a repair in the off-season or on > > the shoulder season and simply putting things back so that they are > > structurally sound and finish up the cosmetic side as time allows, you > > should be able to get a good season of sailing in. > > > > What the initial repair enabled me to do is to really mentally get excited > > about taking a complete restoration of the boat with a more acceptable > > mindset. It's time I have to myself with a good radio, cup of coffee or > > some good beer and the results and rewards come quickly. > > > > I'll post some photos of the new ceiling in the photo section under SV > > Thalia....shows the replaced bulkhead and what a more modern "brightening" > > of the 70's dark wood style did to the cabin. Mindset's important and what > > more is that you have incredible resources in photos and experience just > > from this website....I wouldn't have been able to do it without Wilkie's > > webpage that showed a "step-by-step" approach. > > > > --- In Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com, Alex Kunadze wrote: > > > > > > That was pretty much my experience as well, except that I had the "oh > > shit" > > > moment before buying the boat, so it wasn't that scary. I'm confident I > > can > > > do the repair myself, but I also know it'll take a lot of time and the > > > "dreaded" part is missing out on all the sailing in the meantime. Paying > > > 10K for that is not really an option, it'll be more than the boat is > > worth. > > > > > > Now, can the good readers recommend a professional I could call to the > > boat > > > to assess the damage? I need to decide if it has to be repaired right > > away, > > > or if it can wait till next winter and I just don't have the > > > knowledge/experience to do that. The boat is on SF Bay, Coyote Point > > harbor > > > in San Mateo, CA. > > > > > > Cheers, > > > Alex. > > > > > > On Thu, Feb 14, 2013 at 4:07 PM, theredthread wrote: > > > > > > > ** > > > > > > > > > > > > > > The day I came home after sailing my 1974 Cal 29 into her new home in > > > > Berkeley I decided to scour the web for images, and of course I came > > across > > > > a bunch of images and blog posts about "The Dreaded BEAM!" At first > > yes, it > > > > scared the shit out of me, like what have I gotten myself into. I > > called > > > > the guy who surveyed my boat and he basically said "yes, it's > > something you > > > > can fix down the line, but unless you're going around the farallones > > and/or > > > > if you see actual evidence of compression, don't worry about it." > > > > > > > > And after talking to folks on this group, I have confidence I can > > manage > > > > the repair myself. My main issue is the time it'll take so for now I'm > > just > > > > sailing the hell out of it and keeping an eye on it. > > > > > > > > FYI, for "fun" I talked to someone at KKMI and they said they did a > > > > similar job for just under 10k. > > > > > > > > > > > > --- In Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com, Chris Campbell wrote: > > > > > > > > > > I was chuckling at the "dreaded beam." We all know what it means, and > > > > > it means a pain-in-the-butt job. But maybe we should adopt a less > > scary > > > > > term, one that doesn't frighten off newbies or potential Cal > > sailors. I > > > > > chuckle because when working with wooden boats, we regard them as > > > > > modular--you can replace parts as they fail. You can replace frames, > > > > > planks, floors, knees, whatever gives up. On the other hand, we get > > all > > > > > spoiled when it comes to our plastic boats. We act as though all they > > > > > require is a quick hose-down in the spring and the occasional coat of > > > > > bottom paint. > > > > > > > > > > Maybe we should view this problem as an opportunity to display skill > > and > > > > > craftsmanship--like spiling a new plank on the wooden boat. > > > > > > > > > > Chris Campbell > > > > > Whose boat lacks, luckily, the dreaded beam. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >