Dutch boat Tjotter 15ft.7 -what do you think?

[andrewbartlett]

I was rather taken by this boat when I saw it for sale recently. It draws 12" with lee boards up I thought it would be good for cruising round my native Chichester harbour except the bunks are only 5' long and the cockpit is not self draining otherwise I find it tempting particularly if painted rather nicer colours.

 

[Boathook]

I was rather taken by this boat when I saw it for sale recently. It draws 12" with lee boards up I thought it would be good for cruising round my native Chichester harbour except the bunks are only 5' long and the cockpit is not self draining otherwise I find it tempting particularly if painted rather nicer colours.

Looks like that it more designed for showing than using. I might be wrong though !

 

[electrosys]

There are a couple of things which don't add-up with this boat - the modern aluminium spars don't seem to 'fit', and the rudder 'strapping' on the skeg seems woefully optimistic when compared with that of the rudder itself. Can't make out the pintle arrangement, so can't comment further.
My hunch is that the boat hull itself is original, but has been tarted-up with paint and a few modern fittings added in order to sell it.

It would be really interesting to see other examples of similar boats - if this one could be taken back to near originality (including a less high contrast colour scheme), I'd say it could be a lot of fun.

 

[andrewbartlett]

Thanks,very interesting observations.

 

[pieter2]

This one is really horrible!
It should look like a grand old lady like this one.
http://www.botentekoop.nl/platbodems-zeil/905711/Tjotter-platbodem-1959.html

Regards
Pieter

 

[William_H]

I wouldn't touch it. A wooden boat without self draining cockpit will collect rain water and proceed to rot very quickly. It is not the kind of boat that you could leave neglected over a winter or several years.
The cabin looks horrible with a mast stuck right in the way of entry. The rudder also looks horrible and inefficient. The canoe stern takes away a lot of storage and buoyancy.
You would be far better off looking for something in fibreglass. Anything in the 18ft range with lift keel will have a lot more room, speed and comfort. (in rough water). Of course anything bigger will be heavier to tow but I think you will find worth the effort. good luck olewill

 

[cliff]

Would make a nice planter for the garden - I can just picture it with all the flowers growing in it