Hello Etchells sailors,
We have viewed and compiled a list of seven used Etchells looking for new homes. Most of these boats are available as donations to the Sailing Ships Portland and proceeds from their sales will benefit programs of SSM here in Casco Bay. There may even be a tax incentive for the new owners.
The boats are located within a 75 minute drive from Portland, all but one come with a trailer. Some come with sails and Fleet has a fair quantity of good used sails for those who need them at a reduced cost. Three boats can pretty much be launched and go sailing as is, others are definitely project boats and one is likely a parts boat ready to be scrapped.
If you or others you know have interest in getting your own Etchells to join in the Tuesday Night fun of Fleet 27 or if you are looking for a daysailer, this may be of interest to you and your friends. The fleet is a wealth of information and talent waiting to help the new crew get settled in their new boats. We can help with advice as well as hands on assistance should you need it.
If you have questions, Alex Agnew of Sailing Ships Portland covers the first 6 boats on this list while Jay Corson owns Tuesdays Witch. Both will answer your questions on their boats. I am available to help as well and have seen all of the boats. Feel free to reach out to one or all of us. We look forward to getting you into a boat and seeing you sailing this season.
Tim T.
Local Used Etchells Sailboats as of March 1, 2024
#66 Pegasis Farmington NH Old hull, deck lamination issues, mast cracked at the gooseneck, main roller furling around boom, rolled jib maybe a furler? Sails poor. No spinnaker gear. Gentleman’s cruiser, main and jib lead to the aft cockpit near skipper. Large outboard bracket on transom. Had been wired for bilge pump, VHF, nav lights. Hull painted red, blue bottom paint, all peeling. Leaks from keel sump. Deck is soft.
Ready for shredding. Sitting on 5 nice jack stands and sitting 20‘ from an old rusted trailer. Boat would need to be craned up off stands and placed on trailer for transport. FREE for parts if you can collect her in March.
#49 Red Barchetta Portsmouth NH. On the hard for 5-6 years after some sailing in fleet then aground on Sturd. Isl. Ledge. Keel damaged. Hull painted red, peeling. Deck may be soft in places, no cockpit sole though had two sets a few years ago. Mast was replaced with a used spare 3 years ago. Unknown boom and spin pole, standing rigging should be in good shape, running rigging questionable. Could get back in sailing shape but doubtful racing condition without major efforts. Unknown sails though were poor. Free and on trailer!
Available March/April. The better of the two red boats and the price is right!
#30 No Name Bowdoinham ME Old hull and rig that was converted to a speed cruiser with the addition of a large transom mounted 25 hp outboard with complete steering station mounted in the forward cockpit area. This equipment has been removed. The main was roller furled, it too has been removed. The trailer is usable. $900
#10 Banner Raymond ME. Originally from the Marblehead fleet, this boat was stored outside on the hard for 20+ years. She had been well used prior to storage but years have taken their toll. She is located here in Maine and is available for viewing. This could be the best option for an old fixer upper. The rig seems to be good. The trailer is in very good condition. $1,500 She could be a garnet in the rough, not quite a diamond.
#315 Greyhound Portland ME PATHS. A good local boat donated to SSM. Needed some TLC and went to PATHS for fiberglass upgrades, deck, hull, and keel. Most structural work has been completed but the cosmetic work has stalled. Good rig, rigging, and such. Unknown sails. Good trailer. With a fresh bottom job. $2,500
#63 Valkyrie Farmington NH Marblehead boat, owned by Jud Smiths in-laws or similar so had help from Judd. White painted white hull needs cosmetic touches if you desire. Had a minor leak into the sump several years ago but was worked on then. Keel and rudders look good. Mast and spars look fine. Prior owner said she worked well 4-5 years ago. She has been on the hard for 3-4 years. I’d check the standing rigging and suspect some running rigging may need some new lines. There are over a dozen Doyle sails, some looked in good shape. Located on her trailer ready to go. With little effort, Valkyrie could be sailing soon. $3,000
#94 Tuesdays Witch Chebeague Is. ME A solid older local boat. Sailed through the 2021 season when the owner purchased a newer boat. White hull, solid deck and cockpit. Mast is straight, standing rigging should be good. Boom and spin pole good. Deck gear usable but maybe not the newest. Could use some new control lines in places. Most likely will come with all equipment for racing inc. safety items. Owner has a large inventory of spare parts and a wealth of knowledge. Good trailer under the boat, both of which are located on Great Chebeague Island. Owners wife wants her back yard emptied this season, offers wanted. $3,000 (Jay)
Etchells Fleet 27 has an inventory of used sails in good shape available for those who purchase one of these boats. Available on a first come, first served basis. Lots of jibs, a few mains and spinnakers.
Timtolford (at) gmail (dot) com
Alex (at) sailingshipsmaine (dot) org
Jaycorson (at) live (dot) com