Folding/collapsable tenders

[kilkerr1]

Anyone have any experience with such things? And if they're good, where can I get hold of one/how much should I expect to spend? Or, has anyone built one..?

Cheers.

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[richardandtracy]

I've experience of the Sea Hopper [early '80's]- see http://www.seahopper.homestead.com/alice.html for the modern version, which isn't much changed, apart from having a 10ft version now.

My dad made one while I was knee high to a sea grass hopper. The kit came as a plywood shell with fabric inserts ready bonded in. The thwarts had to be chamfered and the bow/stern cut to size. I only varnished it. The sailing kit worked well and was nicely put together.

Under power, the 8ft version (now called the 'Nifty Fifty') can plane with a 2hp outboard and one 17st person. Under sail its Gunter rig is easily controllable by a 14 year old boy and it fair scoots around. It can take 4 [2 adults + 2 big children] in moderately choppy water (as the family found out after being cut off by the tide..), but 2 is better.

In comparison to a Bolger Brick it is quite tender, but is of normal stability for a boat of its class.

Would I get one?
No. They're too expensive by half now. If the price halved & I'd never come across the Bolger Brick, then I would.

Regards

Richard.


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[Jacket]

The price is effectively halved, in that they're always half price if you order them at a boat show (or ask him very nicely over the phone). I ordred one a while back, and should be picking it up in a fortnight, so i'm glad to hear you liked it.

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[Forbsie]

I have an early 1930's one which, when I get aroundtuit, will be a winter project repairing or re-building.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/forbsie?&page=1>My Project</A>

 

[pwfl]

See sept PBO - there is a letter / pictures there from someone who made their own.

At the end of the letter it said that anyone wishing to contact this man for details / assistance in building one, should do so through PBO.

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