Ariel 157

[captcraig]

Hello, I'm new here and looking at A 157 in Northport MI. I've put a deposit down and now need to qualify the boat. If anyone has any info on the boat please chime in. I've owned a few boats including an Ensign. The Ensign is why I'm looking at the Ariel. The size is right for what I would like to do. A 157 is supposed to have been on the Great Lakes area for the last 26 years and has also been owned by the same guy for that time. Those two things appeal to me and I hope the boat looks as good in person as in the photos. The interior does not have the hanging locker on starboard like most boats or the cabinet on port. Anybody ever see that type of set up? The icebox is gone and I'm assuming that the owner took it out because it does have the access hatch to where the ice box would be. The boat has been painted on the topsides (sides of hull) and the deck has been painted except for the blue part and I think that is the original gel coat. The broker is a real nice guy and is sending me dozens of photos. Another question, does anyone make a fiberglass replacement rudder? Thanks for input, Best Regards Craig

[Bill]

Another question, does anyone make a fiberglass replacement rudder? Thanks for input, Best Regards Craig

Please search the rudder discussion thread in the Technical forum for answers. IMCO, the original hardwood rudder is likely the best alternative, unless it's missing. Owner's manual does have a drawing.

[mbd]

Congrats! It sounds like you may have lucked into a well-loved gem. Pics please...

[captcraig]

Some pics sent by the broker of A 157

[captcraig]

Sorry, not sure how to add more pics to the other post

[captcraig]

[Commander 147]

Captain Craig

Looks like your Ariel is in above average condition. You found one that was cared for much better than most. Congrats!!!!!!

By the way I will soon have a rudder from my Commander that was built as a replacement to the original rudder. However I am not convinced they are the same on the commander and the Ariel. The one I have has a continuous shaft and I'm converting to inboard electric drive so I need to start all over. I tried using the drawing for the rudder shaft from the manual but things were not coming out correctly so I had to start all over to get what I really wanted. That is why I'm not convinced they are the same. But when I'm done using this one for a template if you want to pay shipping i could send it to you to see if it will work for you.

[captcraig]

Thank you Jerry for your response, not sure if the rudder needs to be replaced or not, thank you for the offer and if it needs to be replaced I may take you up on the offer. I'm pretty sure this A 157 will work out for me. These old Pearsons seem to be pretty stiff.

[Lucky Dawg]

Wow. A157 looks exceptionally clean. Seems that often when an A/C hits the market it is either in near-death OR sparkling condition. 157 seems the latter. It is only 3 hours into your haul, but if the sale closes and you need a pit stop, I'm buying beers in Spring Lake, MI.

[mbd]

Luck Dawg should be their mascot sailboat!

[captcraig]

Thanks for the offer Kyle, If I can stop by on the way home I'll let you know. Just sent the check for the boat so it should be mine before too long. The broker said April 15th is about the earliest that I can pick the boat up due to the marina equipment being winterized and snow. The storage is paid for through May so I have about a six week window for pick up.

[captcraig]

Wonder is a fish like that can be had anywhere or maybe it needs to be shaved off.

[Bill]

Looks like a knotmeter impeller.

[captcraig]

Yes, a knotmeter impeller but pretty much obsolete. Can't find one anywhere. Actually drives a cable all the way up to the bulkhead.

[Bill]

One with a mechanical cable came with A-76 in 1978. Had it replaced about five years later, even though it was still working just fine. The original was one of those with an arm rather than a propeller that moved the needle.