I want a boat!

[grumpydog]

Can anyone help? I'm after a small, wooden sailing boat with a cabin to restore. Something like a Blackwater sloop would be ideal, or a Hillyard 2 and a half tonner. I've never done anything like this before, but I'm OK at DIY, and an optimistic dreamer with a bit of time on his hands, and a bit of help from people who know what they're doing. What I don't have a lot of is money. Can't really spend much over £500. Does anyone know of anything suitable?

 

[srm]

There is a Harrison Butler sloop lying in the far north of Scotland. She was sailing a few years ago, but has been ashore since then, has a plank removed, and is probably in need of a serious renovation.

 

[grumpydog]

Great! A Z4 by any chance? Do you have any more details?

 

[srm]

Send me a private mail, I am not the owner of the boat and do not want to put too much info on the web. However, I am sure the owner would be willing to talk to someone who was seriously interested in restoring her, but she is at the very far end of the country from your location.

 

[Porthandbuoy]

Best of luck! I bit the bullet and bought Mariposa nearly 3 years ago and launched her this summer after pretty extensive repairs. The Hillyard 2 .5 tonners and the Blackwater sloops were about as small as a traditional plank on frame yacht could be. If Mariposa is typical of her breed, the joinery is crude but effective; well within the capabilities of most DIY enthusiasts. Feel free to PM me for details.

 

[Slow_boat]

May be worth a look on the Eventide owners group site. A YM Senior might fit the bill and they have a for sale section on the site.
It's a very good site, full of useful advice, pictures and articles on Maurice Griffiths designs.
Older GRP pocket cruisers from the '60s (Alacrity, Vivacity etc)are dead cheap, to,but not exactly classic boats.

 

[ValleyForge]

Always fancied an Atalanta, something a bit different and a handy size. Mind you, you'll blow your budget in a week even if the boat is free, unless its kept in a field close by or similar. Boaty stuff will seriously damage your pocket ! (sails, engines, paint, sticks, string etc. let alone trailers / towing / storage). Let us know how you get on, we can all learn !

 

[grumpydog]

Thanks for all who have sent in emails. As a result, I have a couple of good leads. I will let you all know what happens! One thing's for sure though... There will be a boat, it will be wooden, it will be beautiful, and i will have a lot more questions to ask in the future, but hope I will learn a few things and be able to answer questions too...