Trumpy Yachts

Craigslist seems like an odd place to sell a yacht like a Trumpy but here is another one: http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/boa/2464816623.html

From photos of the yacht (Drifter) found on another forum, it looks like it has a lot of, ahem, "deferred maintenance" needed and a blown engine. It shows just how quickly a boat, a wood one in particular, ages without constant investment.

The sad thing is that advertising it on craigslist will probably never put it in front of someone that has both the means and desire to get her back to her former beauty. At best, it will probably end up being bought by someone with good intentions but not the ability to restore her properly. Even at $100,000 asking price, it will take someone special with very deep pockets for her to stay with us. Obviously not a money making proposition but a labor of love.

Already a couple of Trumpys (1928 95' Lunetta and 1949 60' Alva) have been cut up this year. There are fewer and fewer of these beautiful boats left. It would be a tragedy to lose another one.

i wonder why they are ending up in South Florida? I always had the impression that wood boats were more popular in the NE.

Wooden boats are also really popular in the Pacific Northwest where teredos are not much of a problem. This photo is from the Classic Yacht Association's Bell Street Rendezvous in Seattle last month.

According to the captain for the prior owner of Drifter "she had her entire hull, sides, up over the gunnels, walkways and a few inches up the cabin walls fiberglassed. This includes the front deck under the wooden deck."

Fiberglassing the hull seems to be a mixed proposition. It contributed to the demise of Alva earlier this year and meant a near total hull replacement on Freedom. Flying Lady has a C-Flex covered hull and caretakers who have invested a lot into keeping her in Bristol condition.

There was a wood Pacemaker on eBay about a month ago, that was just pristine. The listing said it ad well over a million dollars in it to get it to the its current condition. I have talked to a few wood boat owners down here and they had the hull glassed at least to just above the waterline. Some people have told me they would prefer a wood boat over glass.

Looks like alot of large wood yachts are appearing over in Dubai as well. The upkeep on them must be insane. I would be worried about finding craftsman to do the work

Yes, well maintained, fiberglass over wood can be a good option. But like any hull material, nothing can withstand the ravages of time without maintenance.

I can only imagine...

http://keys.craigslist.org/boa/2457457922.html

Thought it would be appropriate to post the photo from the graigslist ad as that link will surely disappear sometime in the near future.

Polyurea Coatings

I've seen too many wood vessels that were 'glassed over' just not stand the test of time. Invariably the resins are never totally bonded to the wood, and eventually allow water to get trapped inside...the boat rots from the inside...often undetected until it too late.

More recently there are some newer materials that might make sense on some deteriorated vessels.

Not saying they would substitute for a proper rebuild...restoration, but they certainly look more promising than fiberglass over wood.

Interesting. Appears to be a number of different 'proprietary product names' associated with these various coatings as well

This 'Dragonshield' is another of those similar materials??
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGlMK0KWOJ4

Polyurea Coatings
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbnwwC8AH0M

...what is the full story about the Trumpy 'Showtime' being seized?

what is the full story about the Trumpy 'Showtime' being seized? I heard it was sold earlier this year? Would love to get the full story, lengthy & all!

Trumpy 'Showtime' arrested in FL

Checked in with National Liquidators, the Trumpy Showtime was indeed 'arrested' around two weeks ago and is currently impounded. Not at all surprised, given the history of this venture & some of key players involved. Not good people. Karma is a boomerang!

Your assessment may be a tad bit harsh Skipper. There are plenty of well intentioned marine business start-ups that have run out of money. At some point the bills don't get paid. When that happens, the creditors attach assets. I am confident that Showtime will eventually wind up in someone's hands. Hopefully they will be prepared for her proper care.

Harsh but fair... thankfully I was not personally involved in this particular venture but know some good people that have been left 'high & dry' on this one. Sadly, I had the unfortunate luck to be burnt by one of the key players on another investment this year. My only hope is that this one has a better outcome for all involved. I really do.

I agree with you though, I hope that the end result is a positive one... for the boat & the ultimate owner/ steward of this special boat.

Brian, this has a new listing on CL with more pics if want want to post them. If I have the time I will try to. Actually looks really nice.

That's big news, and bad news. Not just for the Trumpy, but for the marine industry when Brewer's starts shutting marinas. BTW, it's just the marina to the east right, not the yard?

That's repairs, gas, diesel, pumpout, brokerages, a large sailing community and some fairly serious yachts. Don't think they even own what their keeping open, which means that as soon as that lease is done so is Brewer's in Stamford. This is big and bad. This will put a lot of people out of work, and greatly reduce boating and sailing in Ct.

I heard or read somewhere that the wreck of "Valor" had been purchased by a Trumpy enthusiast who was salvaging her parts. It had been well established that she was not repairable.

I was at a yard today in South Florida and someone had a set of Trumpy scrolls hanging on their walls. Wasn't someone looking for a set?