2000 Melonseed Skiff #226 “Milky Way” $7,900

Dark blue hull, ivory deck, white sail

Located in Point Richmond, CA.

Hull No. RDBMS236K000

When I purchased "Milky Way" three years ago she was being stored in a boat yard adjoining Schoonmaker Beach in Sausalito, California. Our winters are mild, so that wasn't as traumatic as you might think. Indeed, after some minor repairs, she sprang back to life admirably and together we explored Richardson Bay and its abundant wildlife, rain or shine, at least weekly for a year and some. To keep her flat on windier days I installed a tiller extension and, to give my hands a break, a ratchet block for the sheet. The boat's gracious lines and gentle nature revived a love of sailing that had been dormant in me for fifty years. But sailing alone anywhere near San Francisco Bay is none too wise, so I joined a local yacht club. Then, to keep up with everybody else, I bought a Laser. Now Milky sits, cozy under an oversized cover, pining for the love she deserves. She has not been launched since a full professional restoration of her gelcoat earlier this year. The cost of the restoration was jaw-dropping but so are the results.

She does have some remaining flaws. Her forward cockpit coming is split and needs repair. I did a better job on an approximately 6x1-inch area of the mast where the latter contacts the boom sprit leather. That repair is functionally sound. There are some scuff marks on all three spars. The rudder could use a good sanding and a coat or two of Cetol. The sail is perfectly serviceable, but quite old with some small stains. Sail grommets are mechanically sound but show a fair amount of surface corrosion. The boat rests on a Dynamic/Sietech dolly, suitable for beach launching, stacked on a Right-On trailer for gentle road travel. If you plan on taking her for a freeway ride, you will probably want to buy a dedicated car trailer, as well as a fitted boat cover. I have oars but they need refinishing.

The price includes two newish Jim-Buoy cushions and a never-used stainless-steel Mantis dinghy anchor. As you can see from the photos, we did not replace the hull decals. Roger can tell you how to do that.

All inquiries should be made to

Roger Crawford by email roger@melonseed.com 

or phone 781.837.3666