MG Spring 25

[zapcat]

After much deliberation we have selected an MG Spring 25 as our next boat - however there is much talk of having a 'beefed up' version (mast & chainplates) Can anyone advise on what we should look for to identify that the chainplates have been strenghtend and if there are any external indicators showing that the mast has been sleeved. The one we are looking at has Z spars. There is no evidence of crazing at all anywhere on the boat. Thanks

 

[Rick]

Here in Oz the only we really know of the boat was Howards Way(?), but curious - where does talk of needing a beefed up version come from? Spars and rigging calculations are scientific calcs - adding "more" is often counter productive, Does the genre have a history of failures or is someone being "expert" here?

 

[Strathglass]

Yes. the first ones had a history of broken masts and a strengthening programme was introduced.
Perhaps it was the way they were sailed by some owners. This may have been outside the original parameters envisaged by the designer.

All the masts were Zspar.

They are very lightly made boats which were made to a price.

I nearly bought a new one when they first came out but the salesman at Kip Marina invented all sorts of excuses for not going out as it was slightly above a four. That rather put me off. I bought an E boat instead.

I sailed one from Carukfergus to the Clyde. Nice boat to sail. The twin rudders give very little feel to the very light helm even when sailing on it's ear, until it lets go.

I also remember internal doors opening when under way due to flexing of the hull.

Quite roomy boats

Iain

 

[wiggy]

I have an MG Spring and as far as Im aware all masts were sorted out very early on, if it was not sorted then chances are it has been replaced since. mine has got no reinforcement around chainplates and no signs of damage, those that have suffered have been beefed up with an external plate. I love my spring and cant think of any other boat of a similar size that can do everything so well. Check out the web site and forum http://www.sbrown.demon.co.uk/ my boat is the first one that comes up in the gallery. PM me or post on the Spring forum if you have any questions

 

[GIBSLIND]

I have an MG spring 25. The major changes in design happened in 1989 when production switched from Jaguar to Northshore.These changes were to the chainplates, the diameter of the tubing fur the pushpit and pulpit and the engine installation which changed from a yanmar shaft drive to a volvo saildrive.To be fair not many boats were Northshore built as the price increased a lot, which coupled which the late '80s recession caused the demise of MG.I agreed with Wiggys earlier post, I love the boat which I've owned since 1998.PM me if you have any further questions of if you're anywhere near Southampton and want to see a well sorted example in the flesh!!

 

[zapcat]

Thanks for offer but were in Cornwall so bit of a trek to sthptn. What happens when the boat 'lets go' after its been 'on its ear' im wondering - dont think my newbridge had an ear and never let go to my knowledge!!

 

[wiggy]

Dont sail the spring on its ear, more than any boat its fastest sailed flat, the main needs to be played in gusty conditions and reefed early if you want to get the best from the boat