December 28th- Dartmouth, MA

Catalpa sailed late into the 2020 season and we had her hauled out at Bayline Boatyard in New Bedford. It was almost two years since she had been on boat stands.

Catalpa navigating the streets of New Bedford to her shed.

Her bottom paint was in rough shape with many thick patches peeling off. There was also a few blisters in the fiberglass. We decided to have the bottom of the boat sand blasted so her hull could dry out over the winter.

You may have noticed that the title of the blog has changed along with the header picture. I happened to be chatting with the truck driver that delivered Catalpa to our house. The conversation turned to the trip. I mentioned that Lynne and I had been discussing getting a larger vessel as Catalpa was a little cramped when loaded up with a ton of gear. We looked at a few boats along the way but didn’t find the right boat. Long story short- He knew a guy…. and he has this boat…..

Two weeks later we had two boats. Evergreen is a 1979 Bristol 35.5. I guess I like to buy local boats. Iris was built in Dartmouth, MA. Catalpa in Taunton,MA. Evergreen in Bristol, RI. Another coincidence- I worked in a boat yard that was owned by Ted Hood whose office designed the Bristol 35.5.

So, why did we buy a boat that is even older than the the one we have (Catalpa was launched in 1986). Evergreen has a new 30hp Yanmar diesel Engine with only 150hrs on it. The fuel tank was also replaced. Her sails and rigging looked serviceable. The price was right.

On the down side she’s a 42 year old boat. Iris (our catboat) was older than me so I knew there was work to be done. Lots and lots of work.

Electrical problems.

Plumbing issues…

The list filled a page. Then more lists were made. Basically we spent the next year working on Evergreen and Catalpa.

Launch dates came and went. It looked like we might launch in July but then we ran into big problems with the center board which had me cutting the whole system out and building a new one. The centerboard is a lowering keel that helps the boat sail to weather. When retracted into the hull the boat can get into shoal areas that a deeper keel would restrict.

In the end I saved the board but changed how it was raised. Eventually we launched Evergreen by the end of August.

We spent a month on a shakedown cruise in our local waters. Most of that time we toured Martha’s Vineyard. Evergreen sails well and is a comfortable boat. We continue to chisel away at the work list.

Evergreen anchored in Cuttyhunk Harbor

In the fall I got caught up with the work I needed to complete on Catalpa. Her hull was patched and faired. Followed by many coats of an epoxy paint to barrier coat the bottom. She’s again ready for adventure. Unfortunately, we only have enough energy for one old boat so she’s going up for sale soon. SOLD

Evergreen is currently on the hard at Bayline Boatyard. She’s under cover and much of her gear is in my shop and office. Recently my mother sent us a nice refrigerator which is also currently in my office waiting for a home in Evergreen. Lynne is sewing yards of canvas to help shade from the southern sun. The original plan was to head south this winter but we had too many loose ends to figure out. We will be back! The new plan is to head south for next winter.

Happy New Year  from Brian, Lynne, and Ollie