Hi all. Just sounding out potential interest here....
I have a Freedom 35 centreboard ketch (carbon masts) project boat that I'm not really finding the time needed to spend on, & I'm wondering if someone might be interested in taking it on.
The first really major bonus with it is that it has spent the last approximately 30 years of its life in storage, under cover. In other words, compared to any other similar boat you could buy on the market today, you are getting an extra 30 years of forward lifespan with it.
The second fairly major bonus with it is that it has a brand new (at the time) Volvo 30hp engine, that was never even started up (it does turn). It was just dropped in place, at which point the previous owner got sick & eventually passed away, never having completed the refit he intended.
The third bonus with it is that it's located on a substantial trailer that can be pulled up onto the type of transport lorry with a winch. It then just needs a fork lift or some other vehicle to pull it off at the other end (this is how I had it transported from where it was, to where it is now - in London). This means it can be loaded / unloaded with no need for a crane, & you can also save a bit of money by not using specialist yacht transporters. The hauliers who moved it for me were great & I can give you their details. They operate across Europe.
Oh. One other bonus.... The crossbeams from the trailer can be used to lift the boat. Meaning you can work on it anywhere. You don't even need to be in a boatyard with lifting facilities. You can have it in your backyard. They are what I used to lift the boat onto the trailer. I can explain the technique to anyone who takes it.
Which brings me to the next potential benefit, which is that, due to its history, although it is currently in London, UK, it was originally exported to Europe, & I believe it should be possible for anyone in Europe interested to get it back over to the continent without any import / VAT liability (you would have to confirm that but I can explain the full story to any interested parties).
The (Freedom) sails seem to be in decent condition, & the ropes are in really superb condition - there is a heck of a lot of very new seeming rope there that is probably thousands of pounds worth in itself.
My plan was that I might as well use the original Freedom sails for as long as they lasted, but with a view to building junk sails as they came to the end of their life.
So, why is it a project...? Well, the original owner had ideas for a refit. He removed the rudder, steering wheel etc. He removed the tanks (stainless steel), the skin fittings, & all the headlining. The toilet & shower were removed. I have all the parts in storage - basically, it is just a giant jigsaw puzzle waiting to be put back together again, for someone who has the time to do that.
There are also a couple of minor repair jobs that need doing (1 portlight that needs refitting, plus the sliding companionway cover & some of the wooden trim around the companionway are loose.
I have a survey report, so you will be able to get it insured.
I'm open to reasonable offers so feel free to contact me for further info / more photos etc. (I can supply dropbox links to some large photo albums)