Clinker built dinghy

[Markbonello]

Hi,
I’m going to be looking at a wee boat that’s come up for sale. Other than obvious signs like soft wood, spores and mould, what should I be looking out for in regards to rot. Also anything else/ knowledge/ tips are greatly welcome
Kind regards. Mark

 

[Markbonello]

Sorry should have said. She’s a clinker built dinghy. 21ft. About 60 years old and has been out of the water for 5 years but covered with a tarp

 

[jamie N]

Give it a good tapping around at the lowest point where you'd expect water to have settled. Because it's so open and accessible, you'll be able to check it fairly readily I'd say.
Pay great attention to the fastenings, and are any planks sprung etc. etc.
1st impressions count, and a lot depends on how you'll be able to do the repairs and where you'll be able to work on her.
How long a list do you need!?
Good luck, be happy to walk away if your heart has doubts, and keep us up to date.

 

[Hacker]

As she is clinker built you should not have sprung planks (as you would with carvel). Main problem would be rot and as Jamie N says this is likely to be at the lowest level (assuming she has been stored as shown). Check all the ribs for rot/cracking; they aren’t too difficult to repair if you have some boatbuilding skills. Have a good look at the garboard planks (the lowest plank where it meets the keel/hog), they would be the trickiest to repair/replace. Having been out of water that long all the planks will have really dried out and she will leak more than the proverbial sieve when you launch her. Best technique is to sink her in shallow water for a week.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Interesting looking vessel. Looks like she has a centreboard so presumably there is evidence of a mast step and other sail related fixtures somewhere.

 

[tidclacy]

Had a clinker launch similar to this that had been lying ashore for a bit. Put water in her and she took up very quickly.

 

[wombat88]

That will be heavy.

Cracked or broken ribs
Movement in the centre board case
Planks split or cracked along the line of fastenings.
Check the lands, the edges of the clinker planks. If they are still well defined it can be a sign that the boat hasn't been messed around too much, if they a badly rounded off someone inexpert has been at it with a power sander

At 21ft this is a seriously time consuming project but could be lovely. Might plym up quickly if no major issues, looks like someone started and then gave up. Gone green inside

Does it have mast, sails etc? If not then it really should not be much in the way of £££

 

[[159032]]

Probably just a bad pic and that winch cable, but the stem doesn't look to be square to the boat. If it's been sat awkwardly for 5 years outdoors it may have taken on a bit of a twist?

 

[Romeo]

if it has been sitting on the trailer for a while, check where the supports are in contact with the planking. If there has been any weight on them, there is likely to be damage.