Karlis Kalnins wrote:Tied up at French Creek harbour on Vancouver Island (north of Nanaimo) is a a blue-hulled 50'+ junk schooner "Katherine de Montrose" with a for sale sign posted "Mr Lennox 250.594.4048". Stern says "Gimli, Canada" which is a town on Lake Winnipeg (quite the sail over the mountains).

The tanbark sails have what look like too-thin plastic battens, so you'd probably have some work on the rig ahead. 

There's a photo online here:

Katherine de Montrose

I found some more info on her in case anyone is interested:

The sales ad. It really doesn't say more than the listing price of CAD 44k and contact info of the seller.
http://www.nescoastboats.com/FSBO.html

A short article about her, with some info. According to the article she's very solid at least.
http://www.pqbnews.com/opinion/220688221.html

Apparently she and her owner are TV celebrities from a show called Magnificent Obsessions. There is an episode following her 67 year owner building her. If anyone can get to it they will probably get a pretty good idea on her build quality.
http://www.locatetv.com/tv/magnificent-obsessions/1900534

T Donnelly wrote:

I'm giving this boat a second look and some preliminary consideration. What is the general opinion of this boat from people with more experience than me? We're looking for a blue water capable cruiser for a family of three (2 adults and one child). It looks to me like it would need some upgrades in terms of self-sufficiency in the electrical system and maybe the water system...  

There really isn't much to go on. The basic design is good, and suitable for your intended use. It has been demonstrated in the past that Bruce Roberts does not know enough about how to design a junk rig, and has drawn some that simply won't work satisfactorily. That's not to say that this boat has a rig designed by him; just something to check out. The photo seems to show a boat that has been strongly fitted out, but one can say little more without going aboard and poking around.

So I am the one who bought this boat a few weeks ago -- after a cursory inspection on a rainy day.  However, in spelling out the terms of purchase, with a broker acting as the go-between, all of a sudden the seller has come up with a "possible poor condition" of sails disclaimer in  reaction to my SEA TRIAL stipulation as a prerequisite for the deal. This is not something referred to at all in our many conversations both in person and on the phone, nor is this mentioned in the brochure I was given on her. I have stopped progress on the sale until I can raise the sails personally, which will be tomorrow (it entails a border crossing and long ferry ride from U.S.). Seller says that his words were misconstrued and the sails are good enough to sail anywhere -- just old from lack of use. I am going to inspect closely and take pics. This is (might) be my first junk and it was love at first sight; having said that, the infatuation is not blind and I am not looking for a build-a-boat project. Hope to send out some pics of the sails on this thread for advice by more learned eyes than I before making final decision. Only have a refundable down payment out there so far. Will appreciate any feedback once those pics have been sent.

Stay turned...

Dennis Linden (new member)

San Juan Island, WA. USA

 

A heck of a difference between old, used and old more-or-less unused.  If they have been kept out of the sun and are not damaged by mildew, their age should not be of serious consequence.  They probably just look a bit tatty.  Try tearing the cloth, if it's been out in the sun.  If you can't, the sails will probably be good for at least a thousand or so miles, and it takes a surprising amount of time to clock up hundreds of miles when coastal sailing.

Thanks, Karlis for your first-hand report and everyone for the comments! I just returned from my sail inspection trip and I concur. Crisis over. Both Dick and Katherine were surprised themselves at the condition, which is not pretty, needs a bit of patch, but they are certainly serviceable for a bit longer. We all decided at dinner last night that Dick had presumed the worst when he blindsided me with his  "probably not usable anymore" adding that he was in contact with Hong Kong to get ME a quote on new ones. These will get me through the summer while I learn how she handles. The battens may not work in theory, but I will sail and watch her for a time, then upgrade from first-hand knowledge. i.e. every farmer has his own way of growing the common potato and it's the right way--just ask him! I do have a friend who operates a bamboo farm not far from here, so might go that route once I feel out just how her existing system performs...or not. However, my first investment when I get her back to my island will be sail covers and start treating what's left of these sails properly! 

Happy new owner!