Now this is a project !!

[carl291]

A fellow in LA is rebuilding this Ensign, (717) replacing the deck, Looks like a good Winter project, looking for a Spring launch. I'm contributing a few pieces of deck hardware. He's involved with the Venturing Group (Scouts). He also needs Tiller hardware, if anyone has spare rudder shaft head and tiller bracket. Also needs the rubrail the metal style!

[Lucky Dawg]

Wow! How in the heck do you recreate the entire deck of this ensign?? That is one admirable "winter" project. Looks like a couple years from here!

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[bill@ariel231]

well, there is a really nice fix if you want to break out the checkbook:

Ensign Spars offers brand new decks. (P65 DECKS $4990.00)

http://www.ensignspars.com/parts/

not bad if you count up the labor and materials for a one shot mould and the new deck.

:)

ps. the thought did cross once my mind to convert an electra into an ensign. it is just a matter of time before someone tries it.

[Lucky Dawg]

I'll hold out for the Commander 35.

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(here is the "before")

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[carl291]

As bizarre as this sounds, he was donated an entire Ensign deck. I got in contact with him because he wanted an Electra deck that I have. I suggested he stick with the Ensign deck. He also has a Cape Dory 24 that needs paint and brightwork refinished.

[Commander227]

[QUOTE=Lucky Dawg;24203]I'll hold out for the Commander 35. /QUOTE]

Dude!!!!!!!!!!!
I have totally been dreaming of doing that!
It really wouldn't be that hard.

[carl291]

Been done with a Triton!!

[Commander227]

Think of how long the cockpit would be and how many people you could seat comfortably with the A35.
So a guy like me applies a bunch of the mods employed on The Princess to make her a easy single hander, sails her down to the Carribean and spends his winters doing day sails and sunset cruises for the all inclusive and cruise ship clients.
Way better than being a charter captian cuz ya only have to be around the people for four hours instead of a week.
HUGE cockpit, nice head, vee birth so Boo and I can still weekend on her. Enough room below for the lunch bags.
I dont think I will ever be able to talk Boo into living aboard, so renting a small place on an Island and day sailing may be my best option.
Any one know of a wrung out A35?

[ebb]

Carl, With the lid off, maybe not for you but surely for everyone else, it makes for a totally different attitude towards the rebuild. - for your friend.
Open like that the whole approach is completely different.
How about having the luxury of STANDING UP while working on the interior!!!
Be great to foto witness the framing for the fiberglass/composite top, and every step of the process!

The way the A/C top is attached to the hull, if you had the facility you could unzip the boat apart, lift the top, compleat your remodeling and attach it back together without a how-do-you-do. The right way!

If the Ensign is to be a daysailor vision why not figure out how to make the boat unsinkable?
Might have to add more than a couple inches to the sheer all around. Why not?

Could open the transom up (personally wouldn't consider that!)
but could begin imaginaing that way and then calm yerself down.
Composting head. Retractable carbon spar out front, self tending staysail.
Or just set it up for a whole new Ensign rig which I believe is available complete.
But rig it with a forward lowering/raising tabernackle. Trailerable.
$$$$$$$

Frank Durant is a lover of small boats, wonder where he is these days, he'd have an outside the box approach to this also, I think.

[Commander227]

Ebb,
Ensigns (when in good condition) are unsinkable.
They require, and were built with, 40 cubic feet of floatation.
Zeke has squeezed In another ten or so in the new ones and they float really high.

[Lucky Dawg]

Dude!!!!!!!!!!!
I have totally been dreaming of doing that!
It really wouldn't be that hard.

This Allied Seabreeze (also 35') from Tim Lackey gives a better feel for how "Holy Crap" large the cockpit could be. http://www.seabreeze.lackeysailing.com/

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p.s. Carl - sorry for highjacking this thread!!

[carl291]

I think he just wants to get it back in the water so his scouts can go sailing and not reinvent the boat. He says he wants to race it so there isn't much he can change. He contacted me about some original deck hardware, he wanted the period correct parts.
EBB I don't really think everyone but me wants to rebuild from a bare hull. I come across too many of these boats people people have given up on because of mushy decks or some rotted bulkworks. Very few have the fortitude of you, Tony, Bill231, Mike 227, Mike 147 and others to take a project and follow it through to the end. You and all the others have taken a great timeless product and truly transformed into an even better product. If there is ever an A/C haul of fame, I vote to induct the stars of the class. Me ? I'm the guy that walks around , kicks the tires and tells anyone who'll listen "yeah , I had one just like her"!! Cheers !

[Commander227]

Carl,
If he needs parts or advise have him get ahold of me.
I got a bunch of old Ensign sails and gear around.
I've also replaced many bulkheads and had the deck off of a few.
I'll PM you my cell#
Mike
C227

[carl291]

This is what makes this organization so great. I sent him an Em. Thanks Mike

[bill@ariel231]

fantastic, she looks great with the new deck!:)