Does anybody know about invictas. I own an invicta that was built in 1978 but what i want to know is where and for how long where they built and what is the difference between a mk1 and a mk2
My Father had an Invicta which I sailed for afew seasons in the late 70's. From my memory I beleive the
main differnces between the MkI and MkII were the type of hull to deck join. The Mark 2 jointthe hull overalap was at the very top of the moulding, in the Mk1 the two halves fitted inside each other like a coca tin lid. the net efefct was the Mk 2 had about 2/3 " more headroom and id not have a moulded scu
scupper. There were wooden toe-rails fitted instead on the mark 2. Also the boom was shorter, although the mast height was the same, rerducing the sail area and requiring a centre track in the cockpit.
Majority of baots were moulded by Tylers for saletrns Yacht Agency who were the agent/brokers for many years. Towrads the nd of the production run the moulds transfered from Kent to Essex and a fewe were moulded by the compmany responsible for the Valiant 18's but I think only a very few were made.
My Fartehrsd baot was 1973 I think and was one of the first Mk II's .
Thanks for the info.
it sounds like i have a MK1 as my maintrack is behind the cockpit and i have a black plastic moulding around the top of my hull.
Do you remember what were the average speeds and how did she handle...?
Yes I recollect the black plastic moulding on the Mk I toerail. I guess
this is forms an "upstand scupper"? Do you have a makers name or date
of build?
The Invicta is a brilliant boat - I remember many years ago my Father
being delighted on one of our many trips to Holland that an old salt of
a lock-keeper said to him "That is what I call a Proper Ship"
We now sail a light displacement modern french design, which whilst
having lots of cosmetic and accommodation virtues, comes with penalties
in overall sea-kindliness.
The Invicta as you probably know was drawn by Van de Stadt and was
heavily influenced by the Scandinavian Folkboat - although sensibly he
gave the Invicta more freeboard and also the appealing sheer curve up to
very powerful bows, which will allow her to ride out almost any heavy
weather that might be thrown at her.
On the down side the long-keel made her incredibly incalcirant in going-
astern, although in our case this was compounded by a very unreliable
petrol inboard (First engine was a Seafarer later changed to equally
unreliable Brit Sprite 10 hp) Hopefully your craft has been re-engined
with something more reliable.
Regarding average speeds I guess it was around 5 - 6 knots, but it is
true that she liked stronger winds. In light airs you probably will need
a cruising chute or similar down wind to get the best of her. When the
wind picked up she would put her ear down (Have to get use to scuppers
disappearing) and really push on leaving lighter displacement and bilge
keel craft floundering.
My Jeanneau has to be sailed upright or will gripe to windward in the
slightest gust whilst the Invicta, although not immune to weather helm,
if over canvassed, generally remained far more predictable.
A final note, make sure your fore hatch is well secured, I recollect
loosing our "Dustbin Lid" off the Flemish coast which lead to several days trying to
fabricate a new seatight closure.
Best of luck with yours, you have a fine boat.
Please let me know if you have any specific enquiries either I or my
Father may be able to recollect enough to help!