kingfisher 20

[born2sail61]

hi all. Currently in process of buying an early mk2 kingfisher 20.i've got to sail her home,about 14/16 miles.although i'm obviously taking an outboard along it would be nice to try and do some of the trip by sail.only problem being,sometime during it's 50 year(ish) lifetime the mainsail has gone awol.has anyone sailed one of these with just a working jib?or would be impractical/waste of time etc.there is what looks to be a cruising chute/spinaker but i wouldn't know where to start with that! Thanks

 

[WoodyP]

Join the Kingfisher Yacht Owners Club which is only £7 or some other insignificant amount and you will open up access to a whole load of resources and friendly advice. The web site is www.kyoa.org.uk
Osprey30 sometimes posts on here as does Dytiscus Rubra, who both know their stuff about K20's but sail K30's
Good luck with the project.

 

[LittleSister]

Do not underestimate the trip. 15 miles will probably take you four hours at the very least, and potentially much longer.

Do you know how well the outboard fits and drives the boat? How much fuel it uses? (You will probably need additional jerry cans of fuel if you are to be capable of doing the whole trip under motor.) How reliable?

With a jib alone you will make only very slow progress unless the wind is just right in strength and direction. You will probably be unable to make significant progress against the wind or tide, if the waves are high, or the wind is very light.

You would best to find a mainsail. You should be able to pick up a useable mainsail cheaply (try second hand sail dealers as well as Kingfisher Owners), or perhaps you could find someone through the owners' club to lend you one. If buying, you don't necessarily need one from a K20, but similar size (slightly smaller OK) and proportions (tall narrow modern shape no good). Measure what is the maximum length of luff you can accommodate (musn't be too long, but could be a bit shorter), and what is the ideal foot length (could be a bit longer or shorter). You will also need to check it has the right type of luff (i.e. rope of correct size for your mast slot, or sliders that can be changed for correct sized ones if needed), and the reefing arrangements (boom roller? slab?) are compatible with your boom fittings.

Good luck and happy sailing.

 

[dylanwinter]

Almost any dinghy sail will give you some drive

I use an old topper main quite frequently on Katie L

snaps on this page

http://www.keepturningleft.co.uk/blogs/down-the-tyne-in-to-cullercoats-up-to-blyth/

http://www.keepturningleft.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/S1250006-300x200.jpg

 

[Biggles Wader]

From where to where?Id certainly want a full suit of sails to go anywhere out to sea.Engines can break down,especially when you have left the sails behind.

 

[oldharry]

+1 Dylan. I sailed several years with an old dingy main. Did fine in moderate weather. The boat had roller boom reefing, o thst ws sorted too.

 

[born2sail61]

The trip in question is heybridge basin to brightlingsea.The outboard is an almost new honda 4 stroke so should be reliable/economical enough.have already set wheels in motion re owners club membership and am looking for a used sail but time is against me, need to get moved fairly promptly.thanks

 

[LittleSister]

Get the tides (and daylight) timing right and they'll do most of the work for that trip. Get the tides wrong and it'll be a very long haul.

Theoretically for that trip you've a good chance of a fair wind direction, but in practice....!

Consider in advance your options for stopping on the way (e.g. Osea, Bradwell, Mersea, etc.), perhaps even overnight, if you find yourself feeling like it or running out of time/energy/daylight.

Don't allow yourself to feel forced to go if the weather is unsuitable.

Enjoy your trip.

 

[Colin K]

Hello dear chap and welcome,

Thanks Woody for the vote of confidence !!! I own Dytiscus Rubra a Kingisher 30s and Our Request who is a K20+

With the sail you have in mind with a decent forecast and a decent engine and a jib I would probably be inclined to do the trip by sea as I think if you go out of the Blackwater on the fall I think you have a North going tide in you favour which should take you towards the entrance to the Colne?? Catch it on the rise later and your home? Or that last glass of Malbec could be misting my memory so please check.

Our Request is currently at Walton on the Naze and this coming weekend I am going to check out her road trailer and sails so if you PM me I will let you know if I can be any help with alternatives.

Best regards, Colin.