Hull and Deck

Hull Modifications

The bottom of the vessel was stripped and, when it was completely dry, epoxy barrier coated and bottom painted (new ablative bottom paint May 2022). Longitudinal and vertical foam cored stringers were glassed throughout the underbody and in forward hull topside sections. The location, size, placement, and execution of these was done with professional input and assistance. The addition of these has resulted in a much stiffer hull that can be driven hard in waves with no flexing or oil canning. All areas were gelcoated after modifications. Underdeck stringers were also added to the foredeck and various cockpit regions to further stiffen structures - again with professional input.

The existing fuel tank was eliminated from the bilge. The large area aft of the internal ballast was divided into 2 areas by the addition of a glassed in strong 3/4” plywood vertical bulkhead. This significantly stiffened up the bilge sections and created 2 regions - one forward with dry storage possible and one aft sump where the primary high volume electric bilge pump is now located.

Compression Post and Bulkhead Strengthening

The mast compression bulkhead / beam structure was hugely increased (see photos). This is a known weakness with the standard Vega.

Both sides of all major bulkhead surfaces were covered with select 1/4” kiln dried tongue and groove yellow cedar. The yellow cedar was secured to the bulkheads by surface gluing and stainless edge nailing and then received 6 coats of high quality marine varnish. This has resulted in much stiffer bulkheads with minimum weight addition, and has created a beautiful, warm interior, complemented by the Honduras Mahogany trim.

In the standard boat, all major bulkheads are bolted to the hull by small stainless machine screws and small washers, to substantial glassed in hull flanges. After the addition of the yellow cedar on both bulkhead sides, these bolts were upgraded to 1/4” with large fender washers on both sides - again resulting in a significant increase in stiffness and a superior structural attachment of bulkhead to hull.

Window Modifications

The standard cabin windows (a known weakness in the Vega for offshore sailing) were removed. The forward windows were replaced with acrylic, supported inside and outside with substantial overlapping anodized aluminum through bolted frames. The long main cabin windows were addressed as follows: the glass and rubber frames were removed and the resulting holes were eliminated by re-fibreglassing the cabin sides to eliminate the windows altogether. The cabin side fibreglass thickness was also increased at this time to eliminate any flexing. This was all done prior to the boat repainting. Four smaller windows were then cut into the cabin sides (two each side) and covered with edge routed 1/2” acrylic which was bedded and through bolted. These give a lot of light, should never leak and the cabin side and windows should have no trouble dealing with a potential wave strike. I would argue that they have also improved the aesthetics of the boat.

Hatch, Locker, and Deck Hardware 

The cockpit locker lids were replaced with new fibreglassed lids and stringers added to eliminate warping possibility. Stringers were also added to the main forward hatch to further stiffen. All new neoprene gaskets were applied to all hatches. 

Large backing plates and or fender washers were placed under all structural deck hardware and deck cleats and chocks upgraded to custom bronze.

Large stainless steel horizontal chainplates were added to reinforced stern quarters to be able to receive a Jordan Series Drogue.

New telescoping 4 rung stern ladder added to transom.

Custom dinghy outboard motor bracket added to aft deck so outboard presence does not interfere with wind vane operation. It is also easier to take the outboard off and on to the dinghy from this height. (Please note that she does not come with a dinghy or outboard motor)

Improved Ventilation 

Four properly designed teak “heavy weather operable” dorade boxes were added to each side of the cabin top. These can be capped off from the inside to limit air flow as desired and also capped on outside. These provide wonderful air flow ventilation down below even with minimal exterior wind. Cowls can be oriented towards or away from wind direction.

New Through-Hulls and Guards

All through hulls fittings and valves were replaced with high quality bronze and those in lockers are now protected from locker contents movement damage by custom acrylic surround guards.

Berth Improvements

The forward vee berth area hull sides above the horizontal bunk bulkhead are lined with fore and aft yellow cedar strips attached to vertical stringers glassed to the hull. There is 1/2” ethyfoam insulation between the hull and the yellow cedar so this makes for a very attractive and quiet vee berth. All original berth and settee tops were replaced with thicker / stiffer marine plywood and through bolted to longitudinal glass hull flanges.These now effectively form rigid horizontal bulkheads and have added further stiffness to the hull structure over the original.

Storage Upgrades

In the port and starboard deep cockpit lockers, custom fitted removable plywood panels have been installed to completely isolate cockpit contents from any of the drive shaft and exhaust components.

All “lids” in the boat interior (e.g. locker lids, galley storage lids, floorboards etc.) have retaining mechanisms on them to prevent dislodging if the boat gets knocked down. All sliding door cupboards have shock cord retainers to prevent accidental opening.

Rudder Inspection

Rudder was removed from boat and carefully examined with marine surveyor for any moisture intrusion / delamination and to assess condition of rudder shaft where it enters rudder top. All looked good - shaft is solid Stainless Steel. Bottom bronze shoe examined and found in excellent condition.