Barbican 33 centreplate.

[NealB]

A friend is considering buying a Barbican 33, and has asked me if I know anything about how the centreplate, and its rasing mechanism, are fitted, and how he can gain access to it for inspection and maintenance.

I had a very simple answer for him, which was, "no, sorry, I've never been aboard one, nor known anyone who's got, or had, one".

Hmmmm ...... honest, but not very helpful!

I wonder if anyone here could give any insights, please?

 

[Concerto]

If he is buying privately, I would ask the owner or if via an agent, then the agent should be able to advise.

There is a review available from YM for a fee.
Barbican 33 boat review

This agent's past details give some information.
Barbican 33 archive details - Yachtsnet Ltd. online UK yacht brokers - yacht brokerage and boat sales

JWilson of this parish is the owner of yachtsnet and would be worth sending a private message to. Also Tranona of this parish may also be able to advise with his knowledge of Maurice Griffiths designs.

 

[Tranona]

There was an article a few years ago in PBO about removing, renovating (ir replacing?) a Barbican plate. Very straightforward, apart from the weight!) . It pivots on a large pin though the keel which you might be able to see, although the ends are plugged. The lifting mechanism is simple, just a wire to the plate, up a tube.

While the plate is claimed to improve windward performance, some owners have either removed it or don't bother. Also some boats were built with bilge plates and same central keel and seem to get along just fine. There are some Barbican owners on the Eventide Owners eventides.org.uk but don't know if they are active.

 

[NealB]

If he is buying privately, I would ask the owner or if via an agent, then the agent should be able to advise.

There is a review available from YM for a fee.
Barbican 33 boat review

This agent's past details give some information.
Barbican 33 archive details - Yachtsnet Ltd. online UK yacht brokers - yacht brokerage and boat sales

JWilson of this parish is the owner of yachtsnet and would be worth sending a private message to. Also Tranona of this parish may also be able to advise with his knowledge of Maurice Griffiths designs.

Thank you for those suggestions.

I used to have an absolutely gorgeous MG designed, Tyrell's built. gaff-rigged Tidewater: but she had a long keel with bilge plates.

 

[NealB]

There was an article a few years ago in PBO about removing, renovating (ir replacing?) a Barbican plate. Very straightforward, apart from the weight!) . It pivots on a large pin though the keel which you might be able to see, although the ends are plugged. The lifting mechanism is simple, just a wire to the plate, up a tube.

While the plate is claimed to improve windward performance, some owners have either removed it or don't bother. Also some boats were built with bilge plates and same central keel and seem to get along just fine. There are some Barbican owners on the Eventide Owners eventides.org.uk but don't know if they are active.

Huge thanks, Tranona.

I'll do some delving to see if I can track down the PBO article. If any one can shed any light on the approximate vintage of that article, that'be a great help.