Another "what boat is this" question

Danny-boy

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Hi All,

I have been viewing the posts on this forum for a few weeks now.
I have found the discussions very useful and the forum a very friendly place.

The reason I have been interested in the forum, and eventually signed up was that I recently purchased a lovely (in my mind) , 14 foot? wooden sailing dinghy from a friend of my fathers.
I will say right now that the extent of my boating experience so far is a few cruises down the Grand Union Canal in Buckinghamshire on a Sunday out with family :)
Incidentally, you will see from the pics, for some unknown reason the old owner discarded all sails, rigging and mast.... :ambivalence: ....
So I suspect for any test runs, and possibly a little time afterwards I will be rowing up and down the same canal, but do hope as part of the renovation will be re-installing rigging, mast etc

I have been to inspect the boat and although it looks like it may need some work on the wooden upper parts, the hull looks sound and the old owners says it's watertight.
While the boat is still with the previous owner I wonder if its at all possible for someone to look at a few pictures and help me in identifying it.

From looking on this forum, and at some other pictures online, the closest match I can find visually is a vintage National 12 boat, however the old owner says its 14 foot, not the required 12.
I have not had the chance to travel back to the boat for confirmation on this, and as suggested earlier the previous owner has no real documentation to provide me, due to age I would say there is a small chance he has his length info incorrect.
The only number I have found 'carved' into the wood is 'serial number?? 326'.
I'm really looking forward to bringing the boat back to former glory and (hopefully) having at least a half days fun on water before setting about some sanding and varnishing.
Anyway here are some pictures, I have more from different angles if needed.

Image 1: http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll148/reggie256/Mobile uploads/boat 1_zpskowq0qtf.jpg

Image 2: http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll148/reggie256/Mobile uploads/boat 2_zpsfslzigdu.jpg

Image 3: http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll148/reggie256/Mobile uploads/boat 3_zpsnol5wx7v.jpg


Many thanks in anticipation of your replies.

Danny-boy
 

Danny-boy

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I would like to add to this post, that im fairly certain to have identified it as a GP14 now, but still welcome any further comments, restoration tips or links to build plans of the dinghy.

Danny-boy
 

Danny-boy

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Hi all, Ive pretty much narrowed this doen now to a Leader Mark 1.
Identical one to mine found here:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sailing-D...D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

though I would still appreciate a link to some build guides or online database to root out some history.
Sorry if these posts appear random, but I'm still working with the 24 hrs till posts appear, and I can tremember what info ive already posted :)

Danny-boy
 

PeterV

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Your dinghy looks like a Leader, very similar to an Enterprise but slightly longer at 14'. Look up the details for a Leader and compare them with yours to confirm.
 

Tranona

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Don't think it is a Leader, although looks similar. Compare with images on Google. No mention on the class website that Small Craft were involved in building the boats. Small Craft built many different kinds of dinghies and small cruisers in the 1960's to 1980s or so but they are now defunct.
 

Sandgrounder

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I would like to add to this post, that im fairly certain to have identified it as a GP14 now, but still welcome any further comments, restoration tips or links to build plans of the dinghy.

Danny-boy

Hi,

Whatever she is, you are not dealing with a GP14. The GP has only a single chine on each side not the two shown in your pics; also a GP has an aft deck level with the side decks not sunk a few inches below as shown
 

Danny-boy

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Thanks Sandgrounder (and everyone who has replied)
It 99.9% a leader I think.
I have been onto the leader website (as mentioned previously by Bill / Redwing228) and contacted the secretary with the dinghy number for some history.
http://www.leaderdinghy.org.uk/
looking forward to the reply.

Daniel
 
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