Plastic Classic Forum

charlesadan

The hardware on deck is perfectly useable. Plenty of cleats, padeyes, tracks, and winches. The two cabin-top winches (starboard pictured below) were replaced at some point and are in good condition. The two primary winches (port side pictured) are original to the boat, and were manufactured by a com...

charlesadan

One interesting design feature is a hinged mast step, so that with the removal of a couple of screws, the mast can be eased down to the deck with just 3-4 people, and no need for a crane or another pole for purchase. One day, I may have the spars sandblasted and repainted. Not today. Mast Step (Smal...

charlesadan

In this photo you can clearly see a rubber strake (effectively a rub-rail), which also encompasses the hull-to-deck joint. There was some talk between myself and the previous owner and the surveyor about small amounts of water ingress into the cabin, and whether this joint may be the source of it. A...

charlesadan

The decks and cabin-top are surprisingly solid for a boat that was made almost 30 years ago. This is likely due to the fact that it was constructed entirely of kevlar fabric, resin, and closed-cell foam. No balsa or plywood to worry about rotting. However, many of the stanchion bases and pulpit deck...

charlesadan

The stern features a well-designed lifting outboard mount, which I am thrilled about. However, there is/was what appears to be an aluminum plate between the stainless bracket that attached to the boat and the lifting mount. I say "is/was" because is it almost entirely corroded, and needs t...

charlesadan

Let's start with the basics. The bottom is in good structural shape and needs no serious work. Paint is currently ablative with a DIY waterline stripe. The topsides are painted with an Awlgrip-like system and are in generally good shape. I am not sure if this bottom paint has a season left in it. Ma...

charlesadan

the LOOK of the Laser 28 is not exactly classic--looks modern and racy. Enjoy! Very true, it doesn't have the hull shape (above or below the WL) of a 1920's classic. But, to me, this design is already classic in the sense that it reflects external design cues that are characteristic of the 1980's (...

charlesadan

Hello all - I am starting a thread for a 1985 Laser 28 that I am in the process of buying. This Plastic Classic is the result of a long search, and as it is my first boat I am quite excited. The boat is not common in Long Island Sound, where I will be sailing her. There is a decent-sized one-design ...

charlesadan

Wow. Tim's steering console/electronics dashboard is going to be SO much better than the uninspired stock design on this 34'.

charlesadan

I didn't know if this belongs here as a "source" or in general Q&A - if the post needs to be moved or if it's not appropriate at all, that's fine. I'm looking for a surveyor in Massachusetts, preferably one who knows a lot about plastic classics. The boat is a 1985 Laser 28, and I'd be...

charlesadan

Thanks again for all the suggestions I've gotten out on a couple more Ensign's and I may have a lead on one that's in good condition that I'd be able to pick up towards the end of the season (for hopefully not too much cash) My last trip out was in ~20 kts of breeze in Noyac Bay in Long Island. Myse...

charlesadan

thanks! i've looked at a couple cape dories; i think in general i'm looking for more cockpit and less cabin. when i go for a boat that i want to overnight in, i think i'll be looking in the 27-28' range.

charlesadan

Hi all, Just a quick update: While I wasn't able to find an Ensign in time for this season, I was able to find a small charter outfit in Sag Harbor with a small fleet of Ensigns. Long story short, my first experience sailing the boat was exactly how I had imagined. I was out with myself and two non-...

charlesadan

Bob, I probably should give the Sonar a fair shake, but you're right that I didn't really consider it because of the fin keel. I've never been on a Sonar; I know they are very popular on the Long Island Sound, which is why I assumed (perhaps unfairly) that they were known more for being good light-w...

charlesadan

Beautiful boat - I will read up on the class and PM you with some questions

Thanks

charlesadan

And by "cold, uncomfortable ride" you surely mean the trip home in the car in addition to whatever happened on the boat, right? ;<) Indeed... it's hard enough dealing with people who get upset when the boat heels more than 5 degrees ("Are you SURE the boat can't tip over?!?") wi...

charlesadan

A Soling!?!? Yes, it's a beautiful boat, and fast, and the right size... but geez... that would be a WET ride on a nice afternoon in Maine. And a wet ride in Maine means a cold, uncomfortable ride, with angry crew-mates. Maybe on the Long Island Sound, but I need some coamings at least! And I wouldn...

charlesadan

Rachel,

The Ensign's cockpit is what sucked me in as well. Both the size and the beautiful wood trim.

However, your points on the Commander are very well taken. The motorwell, plus self-bailing cockpit, plus the reduced maintenance from not having an all-wood interior, could well sway me.

charlesadan

Thank you to everyone who responded! This is great feedback, and I am convinced on: 1) Sticking with boats 23' or greater (but likely not greater than 25') 2) Adding the Sea Sprite (and some others) to the list 3) Upping my mental budget for the initial purchase One of the things I have struggled wi...

charlesadan

I had decided that the 23' Ensign was the "right" boat for me, but I have had trouble finding one that is in "good" but not "great" condition (i.e. closer to $5,000 than $15,000). So now I'm looking at other boats that may fit my criteria (and seem to be more prevalent ...

charlesadan

Thanks for the interest After the MUCH APPRECIATED feedback from this community, I decided that the amateur repairs that had been done on mission-critical areas was too risky a prospect for me. Subsequently I found another Ensign that looked to be in better overall condition (and I liked the color!)...

charlesadan

Thanks One Way David Definitely need a good boom tent solution, and since I'll probably need to make from scratch it's good to have those ideas. As to the question of provenance, since it's a lingering question I'll post the picture of the hull # plate on the after-most part of the cockpit, just und...

charlesadan

Rachel said: "perhaps it makes my reply sound unbalanced" Not at all! That is all great feedback, and combined with others' I have decided to opt for a professional survey in order to answer some of these questions. I don't want to get into a complete deck replacement project! Same goes fo...

charlesadan

Thanks Hirilondë and ensign001 for your input! Glad to know the exact year - you never know what to take at face value when you're talking about boats. I posted a picture of the rudder - not perfect as you can see, but the rudder post connection seemed OK. Regarding the mast-step, I inspected it as ...

charlesadan

There's a drain installed in the keel to let the bilges empty before winter storage. Does anyone know if this is normal for Ensigns? I didn't see a manual bilge pump... Should I have? It's not a self-bailing cockpit.

charlesadan

The rudder swung freely and appeared to have good connection to the stuffing box and tiller.

I believe the rudder is plywood that was glassed over by a "professional" yard. However, if you look closely you can see some blistering under the glass. Oh well.

charlesadan

The owner said that the steel boom vang fitting (pictured below) caused substantial corrosion on the aluminum boom, so he undertook a DIY aluminum patch repair (is there even such a thing?). Not exactly a "mint condition" look, but looks fine for day-sailing - anyone here think otherwise? ...

charlesadan

Standing rigging appears complete and in good condition given the age. The owner has stored the spars indoors for the last six years. I'm in no position to judge the quality of the shrouds, but I didn't see any rust or signs of corrosion. Some pitting in the aluminum mast. Mast detail2.jpg Mast deta...

charlesadan

Port chain-plates look better although there may be some partial de-bonding; I can't tell how bad a sign that separation at the deck connection is... any thoughts from the community here?

charlesadan

Owner undertook a DIY repair of the deck core around the starboard chain-plates. It's not pretty, but the bonding could be stronger than it looks, as the owner using vacuum bagging and impregnated from the top.

charlesadan

Electronics are old and current owner has no idea if they work. May not be salvageable, although all the components appear to be intact, including the mast wiring.

charlesadan

Brightwork in serviceable condition, especially the coamings. The cockpit interior may only have a few more seasons left in it. Cockpit seats are unvarnished mahogany and have a little more 'flex' than I'd like. Also pictured, an original (?) winch. Owner has commissioned a custom fabricated handle ...

charlesadan

Bottom needs to be stripped and repainted with antifouling

Topsides were painted recently and look good from a distance, but closer inspection reveals the surface wasn't stripped properly before application

: Paint detail

charlesadan

Looking at buying an Ensign that's close to being water-ready, but not so pretty that it breaks the bank. Just got back from a trip looking at Hull #421, and would appreciate any tips, thoughts or feedback. On the list of things that need to be done that I've found (so far) include: 1) replace flota...

charlesadan

Hah! Well, I guess it really is obvious!

Still, when finished, the boat will always be a phoenix, even if it's not "Phoenix".

And when people like me hear the story, we will always be asking you "Did you ever think about..."

Just a thought =)

charlesadan

I'd like to echo the sentiments - I look forward to the daily updates, and Monday's are especially fun when there's a new entry on the Seabreeze project. Thanks Tim.

Also, have you thought any more about a name for #16? I bet some of your readers would have suggestions, if you need ideas.

Plastic Classic Forum

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Re: 1985 Laser 28

Re: 1985 Laser 28

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1985 Laser 28

Re: Fisher 34

Surveyor near Weymouth, MA?

Re: Alternatives to the Pearson Ensign?

Re: Was supposed to be in the alt to ensign post!!!

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Alternatives to the Pearson Ensign?

Re: 1972 Pearson Ensign

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Re: A quick Thank You

Re: A quick Thank You