GP14 Dingy

ylop said:
If it goes well you will avoid using the deafening engine as much as possible. Make sure you test the furling/unfurling before you need it - if not set up right furlers can jam, and you won’t yet have the experience to set halyard tension by touch.

Your approach of Genoa only and motoring is the sort of thing yachts do when being leisurely - but it’s not classic learning to dinghy sail technique. Whilst I can see it’s counterintuitive that having another sail and extra string to handle makes things easier - for many points of sail two sails are more balanced so easier to control and go where you want.
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He doesn't want to capsize and get his outboard wet.
 
Sorted out a few leaks (manufacturing faults) in the keel yesterday. The screws holding the rubbing band were drilled right through the floor. They missed the vertical of the centre board housing by about 3 mm some screws were missing. Added new screws embedded in CT1 and also put epoxy inside the boat as double seal. Slowly making the boat heavier which is good for our use case
 
I hope you have fun fixing and using the GP.

Nice thing for pottering about.

I think the sailing aspect will be enjoyable too. Nothing quite like gliding along with no engine noise. Especially if you know you can put the sails away and go home on the outboard if the wind’s in the wrong direction or there’s too much or not enough of it.
 
benjenbav said:
I hope you have fun fixing and using the GP.

Nice thing for pottering about.

I think the sailing aspect will be enjoyable too. Nothing quite like gliding along with no engine noise. Especially if you know you can put the sails away and go home on the outboard if the wind’s in the wrong direction or there’s too much or not enough of it.
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He could get an electric outboard to glide along with no engine noise.;)
 
Or Oars

Don't encourage him to build an electric outboard out of bits in the workshop until we have got him sailing.
 
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john_morris_uk said:
Perhaps you’d missed Plums previous posts where he disparages electric cars?
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Disparages. If far to weak a word for it. They are Environment Killing abominations. I have no time for the drivers of such noddy cars also. Generally people who do nothing
 
Bought a set of old style wooden Oars today from a nice chap in Colchester area. £35 for the pair and in very good nic
 
The G and P stand for general purpose, and it used to be quite common to see GPs , enterprises and the like with rowlocks, in reality they don't row very well. They are too wide and the thwart is too low, also they are not directionally stable. The least worst option will be to have Mrs Plumbs row while you steer with the rudder, also keep the plate about 1/3rd down.
Our first boat was an Otter, bought with oars and a Seagul outboard, used them once and then it was sailing all the way. So much better
 
oldbloke said:
The G and P stand for general purpose, and it used to be quite common to see GPs , enterprises and the like with rowlocks, in reality they don't row very well. They are too wide and the thwart is too low, also they are not directionally stable. The least worst option will be to have Mrs Plumbs row while you steer with the rudder, also keep the plate about 1/3rd down.
Our first boat was an Otter, bought with oars and a Seagul outboard, used them once and then it was sailing all the way. So much better
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Is the mainsheet/block in an awkward location for rowing?
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Think there will probably be a mutiny if Mrs Plumbs is expected to row, '

But GP14 should row OK when you need to - with rowlock plates set next to edge on little blocks. 5ft width same as my 10ft dinghy and same freeboard - Oar lengths look OK - Agree put plate 1/3 down but tie the rudder with an elastic. Centre main block not really a problem.

Make a little seat cushion like skismo
 
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oldbloke said:
The G and P stand for general purpose, and it used to be quite common to see GPs , enterprises and the like with rowlocks, in reality they don't row very well. They are too wide and the thwart is too low, also they are not directionally stable. The least worst option will be to have Mrs Plumbs row while you steer with the rudder, also keep the plate about 1/3rd down.
Our first boat was an Otter, bought with oars and a Seagul outboard, used them once and then it was sailing all the way. So much better
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Not sure you are correct about that. Look up sailing Skismo on you tube. The chap on there rows his GP 14 a lot. Mind you his oars are 90 inch mine are 82 inch. I can quite easily lengthen mine if needed by extending the handle and moving the plastic mount bits.

Just ordered the Stainless Steel Rowlocks from Temu for £12 for a pair. Now just need to workout the best place and where to mount them. Started using Temu a month ago. Once you suss out how to use it it is ok and very good value

Here is Skismo

 
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Egret said:
Think there will probably be a mutiny if Mrs Plumbs is expected to row, '

But GP14 should row OK when you need to - with rowlock plates set next to edge on little blocks. 5ft width same as my 10ft dinghy and same freeboard - Oar lengths look OK - Agree put plate 1/3 down but tie the rudder with an elastic. Centre main block not really a problem.
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Thanks Keith. Her indoors actually likes a bit if rowing. It reminds her of her childhood when they used to go to Flatford and Thorpeness as a family about 50 odd years ago 👍
 
My Furling kit arrived yesterday. Will have a look at that later. Currently sanding, filling and a gentle refurbished and varnish of the centerboard.

Her indoors calls that the bit in the middle which I rather like……. Can’t be doing with all these sailing terms. Sheets are things that go in the bed in my world 👍
 
Bigplumbs said:
My Furling kit arrived yesterday. Will have a look at that later. Currently sanding, filling and a gentle refurbished and varnish of the centerboard.

Her indoors calls that the bit in the middle which I rather like……. Can’t be doing with all these sailing terms. Sheets are things that go in the bed in my world 👍
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Sailing terms may be traditional/archaic, but it’s probably best to use them, as everyone else in the sailing world does. The entire concept of language is based on us all using the same words for things so that we can understand each other. But then, forget it. You’ve got no time for me and I do nothing.
 
Chiara’s slave said:
Sailing terms may be traditional/archaic, but it’s probably best to use them, as everyone else in the sailing world does. The entire concept of language is based on us all using the same words for things so that we can understand each other. But then, forget it. You’ve got no time for me and I do nothing.
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It is nice to be different never been one to follow the crowd
 
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