I Want to Buy an Ariel

[Crazer]

Look to Ben and Ariel 109 as a model for how to balance boat repair with sailing on minimal resources. Even if she is a bit of project, she's all there so unless there's something really wrong with her you can sail her while you do whatever needs to be done or work towards a full refit.

And please, please, please, DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT be put off by her cosmetic condition. If you find her, get aboard and jump on the decks. If they're solid, put in a bid. I made the mistake (twice) of judging a boat by it's cosmetic condition and have regretted it ever since.

[philpott]

Well, you see, that's the issue. The wind has finally come back up here on the SF Bay, and when it comes it's wonderful - 25+ knots regularly in the afternoon. That requires strong standing rigging. That, for me, is the crunch question for this Ariel: will she require new rigging before I can even sail her? As far as cosmetics goes - the first time I sailed into the Berkeley marina 4 years ago on my darling Cal 20 (28 knots inside the marina on that fateful afternoon) we smacked straight on into a vicious dock that reached out and grabbed us. After fiberglassing her poor nose I pasted hello kitty bandaids on it. And replace them regularly. Don't care about cosmetics.

[Ed Ekers]

Hello, my name Is Ed Ekers and I have a little experience with the boat you are looking at and a lot of experience with Ariels. I sailed (raced) Zoe back in the early 80's. Myself and a partner charted her for one race season to see if the was a class of boat that we wanted to get involved with. We had a great time that year and that led us to buy #77 Pathfinder.

Looking at the photos I would say that she has good bones to work with. A number of upgrades have been made including all lines lead to the cockpit. The one thing that I would pay attention to would be the need for a strong back under the mast. A job that could be done with the boat in the water at the slip. You can find a lot of info on this on this board and through the association. The second issue I would suggest is the rudder shaft. Again this is addressed on the board and through the association.

I mention both of these because of where we sail and the summer conditions that you will experience. The rest of the stuff in my opinion has little to do with being able to sail and more to do with pride of ownership. She is a great little boat and will handle the central bay with no problem. Hope this helps you a little bit.......ed

[philpott]

Thanks, Ed, for your input. I walked the docks and found Zoe. The lines led aft looked good, as you say. Unfortunately, because she is being sold on Ebay as a charity boat I was unable to get inside to examine her strongback or the sink drain. I am also unable to sail her before purchase. As a serious buyer, this is unfortunate. I understand why a seller would want to avoid having to meet with prospective buyers - it is time consuming and probably depressing to watch other people pass negative judgement on a boat you might once have loved.  However, I can't reasonably buy a boat under these conditions. It will be interesting to see who eventually buys Zoe. I may possibly have the chance to look at another Association Ariel next week. I'll let you know what happens. Didn't you all used to sail places together? I've seen the Potter Yachters over in the Estuary. ONce I have my Ariel it would be fun to do that.

[philpott]

Found an Ariel in San Luis Obispo, floating in the water, looks nice from the photo; it's a 4 hour drive from Berkeley (yes, I drive slowly); got a quote to haul it 300 miles: $1700.

Would anyone else care to share re: recent hauling experiences?

[Bill]

What's the URL address of the site listing the boat?

[philpott]

http://santabarbara.craigslist.org/boa/2951617773.html

[philpott]

I await your opinion, o sensei

[Bill]

Emailed the seller asking for the hull number to see if she's in our db.

[philpott]

Most recent bid for hauling the Ariel 273 miles from San Luis Obispo to Berkeley: 2800

[Rico]

Sail her up Jackie!
It is a beautiful stretch of coast!

[philpott]

Antonio, we missed you at the Stand Down Marathon on Saturday! I kept saying, "wait! he'll come! just you wait and see!" but alas. There was no beautiful gun metal gray commander in the fleet. Matthew on his Wilderness 21 took third.  Hey, there's a boat I'm considering in the Vallejo marina. Not the yacht club marina. Do you know anyone who lives aboard there who might let me inside the gates? The owner isn't available until Saturday and I'd like to gawk beforehand.

[Ed Ekers]

Ariel for sale http://monterey.craigslist.org/boa/3013922148.html   ..........ed

[philpott]

Thanks, Ed. Most recent bid for hauling the Ariel 273 miles from San Luis Obispo to Berkeley: 2800

[mbd]

Buy C-155 (Mephisto Cat) if Rico is crazy enough to really sell her!  All the work is DONE - and done WELL!!  I'm forever wishing I had a larger cockpit...