Got a Swift 18 or know someone with one?

[Jakest]

Hi, I have just bought myself an early JCA Swift 18. Need to make a rudder stock and blade for it as mine is missing. Previous owner died but failed to display the presence of mind to let anybody know where he hid his rudder.
Anyway, anybody know where there is a Swift 18 (ideally in the Southampton area- where they were made so hopefully there are lots of em...) with an owner who would not object to me measuring his rudder and stock? The Swift owners assoc. were my first port of call so please don't suggest them... don't think their site is getting a lot of traffic at this time of year...
I'm thinking of making the blade out of a dinghy centreboard to start with. They must be pretty strong as Mr 100kg of waterlogged Dinghyboy stands on it to right the boat after a capsize. And the sides of the stock out of 6mm aluminium... but I'd like to know what thickness of alu the orig. ones were made of (along with all other measurements such as depth/ width/ thickness/ profile of blade etc. etc.)

 

[Skylark]

Hi Jakest,

I had a Swift 18 many years ago. "Havoc". Had a lot of fun and learned a great deal, too.

I recall staying in a hotel near Beaulieu while on a business trip last summer. I usually take an evening drive if there's a stretch of water nearby. I think I visited Bucklers Hard. I parked at the side of a lifting barrier and walked through a winding driveway towards the river. On the hard standing I saw at least 3 Swift 18's.

Not convinced about my memory but I hope this helps.

 

[Topcat47]

Yes it a very popular boat at Buckler's Hard. During the "season" the boat park's full of them (well not quite but there are more than I've ever seen anywhere else). Ring the marina, they might put you in touch with the club secretary.