Buying the Merlin

clayhubler · Posted: Thu Dec 12, 2024 11:59 pm Post subject: Buying the Merlin

I will soon be the proud new owner of Merlin, a 26' deep vee C-dory. I'm curious how many of these early 26 footers there were? I think this is hull #1.
HIN: DOR26001J586

mstrpo · Posted: Fri Dec 13, 2024 12:45 pm Post subject:

Congrat's Clay! I'm sure you and the family will enjoy the extra space!

clayhubler · Posted: Fri Dec 13, 2024 1:37 pm Post subject:

Thanks, Pat!
The TomCat still would’ve been our preferred boat, but I think the Merlin is going to do nicely. I know I’m going to have a lot of work to do on this boat, but I could not pass up the price. I just wish I didn’t have to wait until summertime to bring it home from Juneau.

B~C · Posted: Fri Dec 13, 2024 3:19 pm Post subject:

good deal, have you figured out a way to get it home? However you plan on doing it you should pencil in a few weeks of vacationing...Merlin knows the way to Elfin Cove.
enjoy.

clayhubler · Posted: Fri Dec 13, 2024 4:33 pm Post subject:

Planning to take a couple weeks and drive up in June or July.

Salmon Fisher · Posted: Fri Dec 13, 2024 5:41 pm Post subject:

That is awesome! Congratulations!

C-Wolfe · Posted: Sat Dec 14, 2024 3:43 pm Post subject:

Clay, congratulations on the purchase, that look like a great boat. The difference between Merlin and a TomCat are probably not worth the extra premium, leaving more in your pocket for upgrade.

Are you planning on taking the ferry? If so, make sure to reserve early as they get book up fast, I was hoping to bring my boat on the ferry, but when I try to book the trip in early may, the earliest availability was in august, I couldn’t wait that long.

clayhubler · Posted: Sat Dec 14, 2024 4:49 pm Post subject:

Stephen,
Thanks for the heads up. I am planning to get the boat in June or July and will likely ferry from Skagway. I’ll make sure to check into that soon.

starcrafttom · Posted: Mon Dec 16, 2024 1:47 pm Post subject:

Looks great but we need interior photos

clayhubler · Posted: Mon Dec 16, 2024 4:37 pm Post subject:

C-Wolfe · Posted: Mon Dec 16, 2024 6:22 pm Post subject:

Look nice, definitely see the potential with this boat, but like you said, might need some work to make it fit your need. Looking at your past projects, doesn't look like that will scare you. Not sure if you already started to make project plans but are you thinking of adding a full cockpit enclosure?
Did you make the trip to see it in person?

Xtraplus18 · Posted: Mon Dec 16, 2024 7:04 pm Post subject:

Hi Hammerhead,

I am not too far down the road from you in Battle Ground.

It will be fun watching your progress on the new C-Dory. Really enjoyed your album.

Hope o see you on The Columbia River or Ilwaco one of these days.

Ed

Xtraplus18 · Posted: Mon Dec 16, 2024 7:05 pm Post subject:

Hi Hammerhead,

I am not too far down the road from you in Battle Ground.

It will be fun watching your progress on the new C-Dory. Really enjoyed your album.

Hope to see you on The Columbia River or Ilwaco one of these days.

Ed

clayhubler · Posted: Mon Dec 16, 2024 7:40 pm Post subject:

I didn't go up to check it out though I wanted to badly. I plan to rebuild most of the boat so I didn't think that a survey and the airfare were worth the added cost. I paid $16K for boat and trailer, and the engine and outdrive were new in 2014 so still in good working condition. I think I will use the boat as is for a year or so but I do plan to remove the I/O and put a bracket and outboard on the back. Also, I want to lengthen the cabin to have an enclosed head and shower like the newer boats. I'm not sure yet how to go about that but will get it done one way or another with time.

Ed, we boat out of Ridgefield during the summer so if you are in that area we may well cross paths.

Xtraplus18 · Posted: Mon Dec 16, 2024 7:51 pm Post subject:

I launch and fish out of Caterpillar.

I also love the mouth of the Lewis River so I know I will see you around this spring. Hopefully the bite will be EPIC the coming season.

Tight Lines.👍