Florida Ballad

[Mark]

I am new to the Ballad Exchange and would like to contact any Ballad owners in the Central Florida (Tampa or Port Canaveral) area. I purchased a 1978 Ballad hull #1265 about a year ago, and I'm currently in year 2 of a 3 year refit (it's extensive). I checked out the mast step, and it looks good, wire brushing to clean metal, coating it with Cosmoline and reinstalling the floor. I have designed an anchor "system" with bow roller, rode locker, Mantus 35 lb. anchor and windlass. Lots of gel coat, sanding, more sanding and polishing....

Looking forward to hearing from fellow Ballad owners.

Mark Tripp
SV Shenanigans

[prjacobs]

Hi Mark,
Welcome to the forum. I did a 2 year restoration on mine (#1085) and launched in late 2013. I've been enjoying her ever since. Love the boat, and the way she sails. Good luck on your rebuild.
Cheers,

[MarkRyan1981]

Hello Mark,

Welcome! You won't look back. Cracking boats.

Best regards,

Mark

[Mark]

Thanks Peter and Mark for the welcome!
I enjoyed going through your web sites and learned a lot from your experience and documentation.
I have a question regarding insulation. Have you insulated the inside of your boats? I made the decition to insulate to help with the subtropical humidity and condensation. I'm looking at Armacell sheet, 1/2 inch (12mm) thick, any thoughts?

Regards,
Mark T

[prjacobs]

Hi Mark T,
I used an indoor/outdoor carpet cut to fit and glued in. This is the third boat I've done this way and it works for me here in the Pacific North 'Wet'.
It gives a nice clean finish, and is mildew resistant.

[Mark]

Thanks Peter for the info and pics, your interior looks very clean and well done. I could only hope to get mine looking that nice! I sailed out of Port Canaveral this weekend on a friends boat and he had outdoor carpeting in his interior. I'm headed to the Miami Boat Show tomorrow and I'll check out some more options.
Thanks for responding to my posts, it really helps.

If any Ballad owners are planning on visiting Central Florida, please contact me, I'd love to show you my boat project and get some insight.

Mark T.