Fixing up old vw's reminds me of when I used to fix up old British Sports Cars - Triumphs, Mg's, etc.. I had a buddy who used to call that kind of work "Chroming a Garbage Can". The theory is, that if you take an old metal garbage can, bang all of the dents out of it, do?the body work, then have it chromed..... you still have a garbage can - just a prettier one. No matter what you do to these toys, they don't get?much better than when they came out of the factory. The rest of it is just for us, so enjoy your toys for what they are...?and use 'em often. -----Original Message----- From: Joe Murphy <seagray@embarqmail.com> To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Tue, 3 Jun 2008 4:46 pm Subject: Re: M_Boats: Boat improvement projects That was great. I used to drive a 67' VW Bug that had more of its share of dents, dings laand rust. I finally took it to a VW restoration place and it was beautiful. But it wasn't mine anymore. Three months later I sold it. I live in eastern North Carolina and the fishing and shrimp boats here have so much personality and charm. They are all banged up. Loaded with rust but get out there every morning. You need a tetnus shot just to stand near the docks and look at them out in the water. Keep goin ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill "C" Day" <bill@gotrain.org> To: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2008 2:03 PM Subject: M_Boats: Boat improvement projects
I've been reading all the posts from the skippers who are refurbishing, repairing, and doing improvements on their boats. The list of projects underway is impressive and almost unlimited. All I can say is, "You people disgust me!"
All you are doing is making me feel bad about my boat. It has taken me years to get used to looking at gray, furry teak trim. I'm finally used to thinking of a rusty trailer as earth toned. I figure if it ever gets stolen, I can just follow the trail of rust flakes to locate and recover it. I no longer get upset at people pointing and laughing as I tow my M-15 down the highway. When asked what color my boat is, I just look at my original sale paperwork for the answer. When I hear catcalls and jeers at the launch ramp, I just wave back and get underway as quickly as possible. The layer of leaves and twigs in the cockpit acts as protection for the nonskid. I've convinced myself that frayed lines make the running rigging easier to hold on to, and lets me ignore the worn clam cleats that just act as guides for the lines.
When I read of projects to install mast carriers and jin poles to raise masts, I ask myself, "Where's the fun of seeing what parts you are missing when you get to the launch ramp, and how could I deny the entertainment to the crowds of people who set up lawn chairs and watch me raise my mast and rig the boat for launch?" Besides, how do you know your trailer is tracking properly behind your tow vehicle if you can't see the sparks from the things that have fallen off and are dragging along the highway.
I also meet a lot of people while I'm sailing, when they pull along side to help me with what they think is a salvage operation. I also have a large collection of life rings that have been thrown to me in perceived rescue attempts.
The duct tape and dental floss repairs on the sails seem to make them a little stiffer and help them hold a proper foil shape, even when the sail is removed and leaning against the garage wall.
I bought the boat new from Jerry 21 years ago, and I still think of it as brand new, which is my excuse for just naming it after all this time. The name is "Gee Whiz! I thought it was a major project just to clean a small patch of the transom to stick the name graphics on.
If you spot my boat, don't try to rescue me, just extend your condolences and don't tell me about any maintenance or improvement tips that come to mind. I get tired and start perspiring just reading about everyone else's projects.
On June 9th, I'll be towing my M-15 to Frazier Park, Ca from Houston, MO, so if you live anywhere near I-40, you might want to come out and watch me drive by, and help me pray that it makes the trip. You can keep any pieces that happen to fall off as I go by.
Bill "C" Day M-15 #363 "Gee Whiz!"
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