Sounds like the boat is in pretty good condition except for cosmetics. I would double check the keel and pivot bolt (and keel lock-down bolt). Then the winch - make sure it has NOT been replaced with a trailer winch. Next would be the rigging and connections and and the tiller-rudder. Make sure you ...

One some of the older boats, three 1/2" sheets were used. Find a copy of Brian Gilbert's book on restoring an older Mac/Venture. I think it is still on Amazon.

Just looked. It is FIX IT AND SAIL for $14.00

I did not modify the trailer, but replaced it with one previously used on a power boat. On the boat I have, the bunks run fore/aft. The dual axle seems to tow smoother than the single and when I had a wheel come completely off when towing on a freeway, I was sure glad I had the extra tires. I also w...

It is something like $100 to $120 for one year of SeaTow service but, yeah, $300 if you are not a member. Paid it once when the engine in our power boat went kaput coming out from Shelter Island SD and the tide was taking us out to sea. Thank goodness for a good anchor and lots of line. We were talk...

I now have a 1976 Venture 25 and the keel is "iron". I m not sure lead would last long with it hanging by a single bolt less than an inch from the keel edge. Lead might work if bolts or other structure were imbedded into the keel and it was not a swing keel as in this boat (and mine). The ...

I think your boat has a keel made from three thick sheets of steel. You will have to create the correct shape of the keel by fairing. I used a product called RESTOGRIP from POR15. In my opinion all the fairing should be done with epoxy, not a bondo like product that will absorb water. It will be har...

On the 25 the trailer bunks run for/aft unlike the water ballasted boats. Most of the ones I have seen have the bunk supports ending about three feet from the aft of the boat. Mine boat is supported by a power boat trailer that was for a 19ft boat. It has side rails and is so easy to line up when pu...

It is pretty easy if your keel will lower enough to get at the connection point where the thimble/bolt/washer are located. You may have to remove a cross member on the trailer or raise the boat. Have the thimble and crimp connections complete then attach and feed up through the bottom of the boat. C...

By the way - the winch is called a BRAKE WINCH - do not get a trailer winch. The ones I saw were rated at 850 lbs or 1200 lbs. Since I overbuild everything I got the 1200 lb one. Either will work.

You'll need about 11 - 12 feet of stainless cable (Homedepot or Lowes) plus two copper sleeves and a stainless thimble. Also, I used a larger stainless fender washer to secure the thimble at the keel. While I got my winch at Northern Tool, the people at BWY can make sure you have everything you'll n...

I kinda' like this one too: www.orukayak.com

Look at Northern Tool on line, The winches are called a BRAKE WINCH, not the same as a trailer winch. You'll also need about 11 or 12 feet of new stainless cable and the ferrules and a tool for the ferrule if you do the job yourself. West Marine can also do cable work.

When I was talking to a member of The Sailboat Shop here in Arizona about changing the rudder to a kick-up, he said just cut the one on the boat in half - add aluminum plates each side - bolt to the top and have a pivot bolt to allow the lower half to swing. Well, that is a little over simplified, b...

A Venture at 24-ft 11-in should actually be a Venture 25.

First, I would think a "dagger" configured keel would point better. That is basically what you have when the stock keel is fully down. I also think your change would reduce the self righting ability. The leverage provided by the longer arm of the keel in a down position is better for self ...