falmouth Gypsy 24

[Wansworth]

Any body have ifo or opinions about this craft? thanks.

 

[Seal_surfer]

A Friend had one of these - triple keeler - in our creek for some years. Lovely family boat - roomy cabin, space on deck & cockpit and v sensible all round. Amusing heads taking up forepeak behind elegant "wardrobe doors". The sliding hatch was enormous, really opening up the cabin, but a nuisance with leaks. His was all Plywood, and suffered around transom top and coachroof sides. Bilges/hull area no trouble thpogh. The Saab engone/gearbox was a bit puny, and did need attention at regular intervals, but v simple & small. Overall, seemed fairly solidly built.

She sailed much better than expected. had a very stable feel on deck (like a small barge), but unsurprisingly really struggled in headwinds and chop coming back from Holland to Harwich.

I imagine the later GRP ones would give little trouble for many years.

 

[pampas]

http://www.falmouthgypsy.eclipse.co.uk/ Yesvery good craft stable and for its size quite fast,have a look at the site triple keel ,most with Sabb 10 hp engines four berth galley ans sea toilet, good stowage area ,would not part with mine for a million £s.

 

[Wansworth]

Thanks for that.I investigated the site several weeks ago but they must hae gne out for coffee.I could find no reference to headroom,but it seemeda good little boat from a well known designer,who in his design of "Restive" also gave over the forepeak to the loo,seems good idea to those who spend time reading or doing crosswords sitting o the throne ,like my wife!!!

 

[pampas]

I am 5ft 7" with the main hatch closed can stand upright under the hatches. hulls are grp and ply tops only know of 1 Mk2 with grp top, think the mk3s are all glass.
At anchor on really hot days with the toilet boxed up its the coolest place to sit and read

If you are thinking of getting one you will not be disappointed BUT you must expect at some time to replace wood work at some time.cockpits usually go first,but with modern methods this would last longger than the originall systems.

 

[Wansworth]

Thanks for that,The plywood deckhouse as you say will need attention no doubt depending o how its been cared for.The fact that the cabin is wood will allow for some modifications,always a good thing when you get bored!!

 

[Seal_surfer]

I think plywood topsides were grp or cascover sheathed - good until its pierced by screws etc, and water gets underneath. Then it all needs stripping off to dry out wood and repair. It realy felt like a much bigger boat though, and friend's Gypsy was originally bought for a few hundred pounds as a neglected project, and didn't fetch a lot more after much renovation and a N Sea passage. Hatch leaks and wet bunk were a niggle in bad weather, but surely could be overcome once source traced. A simple overboom sheet sufficed in harbour (nuisance under sail!).

I was tempted slightly, but I'm into lift keels (Gypsy draws about 2' 10" I think).

 

[chrishelen]

Theres one for sale in our club,needs a bit of work topsides,but hull is ok.(grp.)

 

[Gypsy_Tinkerer]

I have had one of these (Mk2) for 10 years. They are great. The huge hatches and big cockpit are ideal in the summer sunshine. The wooden topsides can deteriorate, but I had mine sheathed in glass and coated in 2 pack paint, so no probs. The 44 year old Sabb Engine starts first time every time. A bit slow in light airs but the Cornish build rides big waves and strong winds very comfortably. Tips: Make sure you lock the rudder midships when drying out, and use the fuel tank drain to remove the teaspoon of condensation before the season starts. A great first boat

 

[steve yates]

Gypsy, you know the thread is almost 10 years old right?

 

[LittleSister]

Gypsy, you know the thread is almost 10 years old right?

And the information remains relevant if anyone should be looking for it!

Also of general interest for the likes of me. I was tempted by one once, but I'm allergic to maintenance, and was put off by the wooden deck & coachroof. Sounds like I might have missed a nice boat.

That heads arrangement can be found in quite a few boats of that age and earlier, sometimes with berths stretching either side.

 

[Seajet]

There are somewhat surprisingly now 2 of these boats at my club in Chichester Harbour, both in gloriously well maintained condition which looks like a lot of work; I have yet to meet the owners but no doubt could track them down.

 

[steve yates]

Actually, I like the look of them

 

[chrishelen]

Great little boats, I used to borrow one at our club to take Mrs out when I was boat less, that was about 12 years ago. Sadly saw the boat in a boat grave yard a few years back stripped of all its gear and full of rainwater.

 

[Paul Bonnett]

I have a Gypsy, with a rotten cockpit and other repairs i need to do over winter. I am now a member of Hythe (Southampton) sailing club, and am building a trailer to get her out of the water in a couple of weeks.
Trouble is, I need some keel dimensions, and I am currently on a very tidal mooring on silt, so the keels disappear into the mud.
Has anyone got one on land and could make a few quick measurements please? I just need height of centre keel, width of bilge keels outside to outside, and where they start and end relative to centre keel.
Thanks, Paul
https://kylin183.wordpress.com

 

[Bradj]

I'm looking for a replacement rudder for a 1969 model, she needs some work on the wood at the back above all needs a new rudder since it was damaged on a rock.
Sorry, I know this old, but I think the people on this might know. I realize I will probably have to make a rudder, but maybe you know of a rudder lying about somewhere.
thanks,
Brad

 

[jimthesail]

Realise that this thread only gets a 'hit' now and again but have just bought one and the owners association looks a bit moribund !
Might be an idea to resurrect if only for spares and advice ?

 

[Marleyboneraindrop]

Realise that this thread only gets a 'hit' now and again but have just bought one and the owners association looks a bit moribund !
Might be an idea to resurrect if only for spares and advice ?

Me too, perhaps we can swap notes?

 

[Wansworth]

Looks like I was quite keen on this boat

 

[Misterbreeze]

I had a mk2 30 years ago....rebuilt the rotten cockpit twice in my 10 year custodianship. Cabin sides also rotted easily but it was a great, safe boat when the kids were small. Sold to a guy in Norfolk when she needing more work, and probably stripped for the useful bits. Gipsy Mariner, good memories.