Snapdragon 29 Renovation By Matt
A few years ago, I bought my first boat; an abandoned Snapdragon 29ft bilge keel yacht, sitting in a boat yard graveyard on the River Crouch in Essex.
I’m about six months from launching her, following a very slow, very DIY, Sundays-only refit.
I’ve made mistakes, I’ve rebuilt things more than once. I’ve learnt everything I know from Youtube, books and trial and error. I’ve done everything myself apart from the crane out of the engine.
So far, I’ve refurbished everything apart from the standing rigging and windlass. I’ve replaced all the electrics, seacocks and plumbing. I’ve reconditioned the engine and remodelled the Heads and the Galley. Pretty much everything has been painted or varnished.
There’s been a lot of sweat and a shit-ton of frustration but I’m happy with it. Now I can’t wait to finish up and get out there!
Before And After
Renovation By Matt
Hi Matt,
nice work!
I did the same on a 890 (similar to the 29, but with a taller rigg), incl. crane the old engine out, the new engine in and modifications to the engine berth of course. I still got some problems with the propeller. Too much pitch, I guess. Anyway, work never ends! 😉
Hold on to your dream!
Olaf
I just bought one of these off ebay. it’s in Delaware ,I am in Ks. I need to get a trailer ready to haul it home. what is the distance from outside to outside on the keels? what is the distance from the bow and stern , front and rear of the keels and keel length? Have you trailered yours and distance and what did you do because of the over legal width. Did you buy permits, and do flags and signs?
Sorry James, did you sort this?
I can contact Matt for you if not.
Kind Regards
Hi James, sorry I missed your message.
I haven’t moved the boat since I bought it – still working on it in the boatyard. I have some original technical drawings from the Snapdragon Association that might help you.
I can’t attach them here but you can email me at [email protected]
You can also find some specs here: https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/snapdragon-890
Great informative post, I really appreciate. Thanks for sharing!