My family recently purchased J/30 hull #004, formerly "MaineStream", from David Gooch and we've renamed the boat "Off Piste". Naturally, we have run in to more problems than we anticipated and were hoping for (but who hopes for problems anyway?).
I work at a boatyard in South Freeport, ME and had one of our mechanics do a quick look-over of the engine and shaft, etc. It was seriously out of alignment. I tore the strut out, the stern tube hose, moved the engine 3 feet forward to replace isolators (engine mounts), and took the cutlass out. After a bit of bead blasting, the strut, prop and stuffing box cleaned up really nicely.
Today I started getting parts in and I replaced the cutlass, repacked the stuffing box and installed a new stern tube hose. As soon as the new engine isolators arrive I'll put the engine back and remount the strut/align the shaft and then fair the strut back in.
I'm also in the process of replacing all of the halyards and sheets, and have already replaced the two masthead sheaves. After a bit of elbow grease, 600 grit sandpaper and two different rubbing compounds, the chalky hull has been refreshed and is very shiny.
So in about a week and $1000 later, she'll splash. I cannot wait to rig it and set sail. I'm hoping she'll go really well. I've never sailed a J/30 before so naturally I'm very anxious.
This is a big step up from the old boat (funny how the 'old' boat is the same year as the 'new' boat), a 1979 Chrysler 26, but I'm sure the change will be good. (If you know someone interested in a C26...)
I'll put a picture of her up when she isn't in such disrepair.
Cheers, Kyle
