Schooner Western Union

Today the Schooner Western Union is sitting at the dock that she has occupied for the
past ten years. Historic tours of America is eliminating boat tours from its operations
and has put the Western Union up for sale. Her yard date has passed and her Coast
Guard inspection will expire on December 31st, 2007. In order to re certify her,
extensive work is needed. The deck is leaking and needs to be replaced, some of the
deck beams need replacing, several ribs are in need of replacement and numerous
planks need to be replaced. The transom is in need of repair, the engine beds need
replacing, the jib boom needs replacing as do the shroud cables. She also needs
new covering board and rail cap. The cost to do the necessary repairs is estimated to
be between $250,000 and $400,000. With some donated materials the cost could be
reduce greatly.