Firefly help needed

[rusailing]

Hi, restoring a MK1 firefly (just about qualifies as a classic!?) Any help with bits would be greatfully received. Top of the list is a centreboard that won't sink the boat i.e. Aluminuim!
Intending to do a pure MK1 resto but a lot of people harp on about MkIV - can anyone enlighten me on major differences/advantages apart from the mast change (i'm keeping my old spruce top thank you).
Cheers, Rob

 

[PeteCooper]

This site might help you:

http://www.fireflysailing.co.uk/

 

[neilw]

You might want to head on over to the Classic and Vintage Racing Dinghy Association - www.cvrda.org as there's a fair bit of Firefly experience on the Forum

 

[Roach1948]

[ QUOTE ]
MK1 firefly (just about qualifies as a classic!?)

[/ QUOTE ]

Personally I think anything designed by Uffa Fox is a classic. I am very partial to Fireflys as that was what I learnt to sail on.

 

[Boatmik]

Great boat!

Check to see if other Firefly's have made the conversion to an aluminium centreboard (maybe you know already).

Where a steel plate 6mm thick will be strong enough a 6mm Alloy board MAY bend in use.

So check if other's have had success with that approach. If no probs - then go ahead.

Some boat restoration info - more for hulls is on this page
http://www.storerboatplans.com/Faq/faqindex.html

Best wishes.
Michael Storer

 

[rusailing]

Thanks everyone (especially the note all the way from Aus).

The firefly forum page is down...
The CVRDA seem very keen and lots of info/help there
I think all Firefly's now run an 8mm Aluminum C/B (think the steel version just too heavy in todays world (righting/moving the boat around etc))

Thanks again