Curlew 9'

[Yachtsman68]

Hi all. I have a Curlew 9', that after starting a repair seem to be restoring. I'm really struggling to find much information on the internet about them. I'd love any input, information and pics as you'd like to give me.

 

[wombat88]

No experience of them but:

Described as a 'general purpose' sailing dinghy

Designed by Percy Blandford, first boat 1965, about a 1000 by 1970, highest sail number in 1970, 310, mostly kit built. 9' x 4'. Sail area 50sq ft, plywood, some grp.

Virtually no info on CVRDA website
Curlew |

Sometimes used as a tender, can be rowed or small outboard (?).

The rest should be obvious from your example, I'm just picking bits out of an old book!

 

[Yachtsman68]

Thank you for your swift reply to my call for help. My Curlew's number is 1066, so I've named her Mora. I have a Seagull outboard that I have yet to get started, dating as far as I can see 1959/60.
Hopefully next week will bring me the weather to crack on.

 

[wombat88]

I know who owns Merlin Rocket 1066 and I used to have Firefly F1066 which was called, somewhat predictably, Hastings.

For old dinghy questions etc the CVRDA has both a good if quiet website and a Facebook page (if you can standard that method of so called 'communication').

You can expect plenty of useful tips and suggestions (?!) there.

 

[DownWest]

If you need help with the engine 'saving old seagulls' might be of use. But they are very simple. Tip: Last one I looked at no spark, ran some fine wet & dry between the points and it started second pull, after 15 +yrs in a shed.

To add: this was with a Heron, bit bigger than the Curlew, but probably similar, as most were back then. The friend who was given it repaired a hole on the hull built a rig and bought some Mirror sails off e-bay. Curiously, it had never been set up for sailing, so he had to fit a centre plate too. Put it in the river last week and a fine little boat for his grand daughter, who will enjoy it.

 

[Yachtsman68]

If you need help with the engine 'saving old seagulls' might be of use. But they are very simple. Tip: Last one I looked at no spark, ran some fine wet & dry between the points and it started second pull, after 15 +yrs in a shed.

To add: this was with a Heron, bit bigger than the Curlew, but probably similar, as most were back then. The friend who was given it repaired a hole on the hull built a rig and bought some Mirror sails off e-bay. Curiously, it had never been set up for sailing, so he had to fit a centre plate too. Put it in the river last week and a fine little boat for his grand daughter, who will enjoy it.

Thank you. I think I fell lucky with the Seagull. I'm looking forward to striking the beast up

 

[Guillemot2]

Hi all. I have a Curlew 9', that after starting a repair seem to be restoring. I'm really struggling to find much information on the internet about them. I'd love any input, information and pics as you'd like to give me.

I built a PW Blandford Curlew from plans about 50 yrs ago, in my teens. There is a great Facebook page The Percy Blandford appreciation Society, and a gentleman there has just posted superb pictures of his recent build. I've just registered on this site so I dont know if it emails me if there is a message, but glad to help with any queries if I can.