My wife and I have gotten a little more serious about going cruising. When I asked her when she wanted to go, she replied "I see us leaving in 5 years" This was a bit unexpected for me as I was thinking 10years out or so. Hey, she wants to go, I'm not complaining! So the question becomes how to get the E38 ready or should we consider another boat?
Reading various cruising texts there are many different opinions on how much boat, necessary equipment, etc. I have identified, based on reading, a few areas where I see the E38 as deficient for anything but coastal cruising:
Cockpit locker doors-Not watertight, not particularly robust. I suppose the hatches could be reinforced as necessary, heavier hinges, locking hasps, and weatherstriping. In event of a knockdown or a cockpit full of water this should minimize the amount of water entering through these openings.
Companionway-Same issues, not particularly watertight. I see replacing the nice teak hatch boards with a single or two piece marine ply setup. Then reinforcing the fairly flimsy teak strips that hold the boards in place.
Anchor/Ground Tackle-Most texts seem to call for at least a 45lb primary anchor and up to a 70lb storm anchor. They also recommend a bow configuration to hold two anchors, one setup with all-chain rode and a windlass. While I know all this can be done, the modifications are quite extensive. There is also the issue of adding all that weight to the bow of a design that is known for having a fine, narrow section and not much bouyancy to carry it.
Rigging-Adding an inner forestay and or running backstays. Not a huge deal, just money!
Engine-Do I trust a 20+ year old engine with 3200hrs on it? I am tempted to do so. Replace the engine mounts, add large dual fuel filters, full service, etc. The engine runs great, just needs a new heat exchanger.
Cockpit drains-Most texts recommend installing larger drains. I was thinking to increase the size of the two drains that empty through the transom. Increasing to 2" or 2.5" wouldn't be to difficult for these. The two drains that empty into a 1.5" thru-hull I would leave alone. No room to increase the size of that thru-hull.
Other things need to be addressed like rebuilding the hatches and portlights, steering, etc. There are also limitations of a 38ft boat like 65gallons of water and 35 gallons of fuel. These can be lived with and worked around. I am mainly concerned with safety and seaworthness upgrades.
That or do we sail the E38 for a few years and start looking for a Valiant 42??
Any input appreciated, RT
Reading various cruising texts there are many different opinions on how much boat, necessary equipment, etc. I have identified, based on reading, a few areas where I see the E38 as deficient for anything but coastal cruising:
Cockpit locker doors-Not watertight, not particularly robust. I suppose the hatches could be reinforced as necessary, heavier hinges, locking hasps, and weatherstriping. In event of a knockdown or a cockpit full of water this should minimize the amount of water entering through these openings.
Companionway-Same issues, not particularly watertight. I see replacing the nice teak hatch boards with a single or two piece marine ply setup. Then reinforcing the fairly flimsy teak strips that hold the boards in place.
Anchor/Ground Tackle-Most texts seem to call for at least a 45lb primary anchor and up to a 70lb storm anchor. They also recommend a bow configuration to hold two anchors, one setup with all-chain rode and a windlass. While I know all this can be done, the modifications are quite extensive. There is also the issue of adding all that weight to the bow of a design that is known for having a fine, narrow section and not much bouyancy to carry it.
Rigging-Adding an inner forestay and or running backstays. Not a huge deal, just money!
Engine-Do I trust a 20+ year old engine with 3200hrs on it? I am tempted to do so. Replace the engine mounts, add large dual fuel filters, full service, etc. The engine runs great, just needs a new heat exchanger.
Cockpit drains-Most texts recommend installing larger drains. I was thinking to increase the size of the two drains that empty through the transom. Increasing to 2" or 2.5" wouldn't be to difficult for these. The two drains that empty into a 1.5" thru-hull I would leave alone. No room to increase the size of that thru-hull.
Other things need to be addressed like rebuilding the hatches and portlights, steering, etc. There are also limitations of a 38ft boat like 65gallons of water and 35 gallons of fuel. These can be lived with and worked around. I am mainly concerned with safety and seaworthness upgrades.
That or do we sail the E38 for a few years and start looking for a Valiant 42??
Any input appreciated, RT