New Mould for Twister 28

[Badger]

I understand that when Tyler Boats went bust that the GRP moulds for the Twister 28 got lost in the river at Hoo at Kent and as such if you want a new GRP Twister you are facing a problem. So here is my question. Originally Twisters were only available in Wood. So the moulds were made around the late 1960's. What is the process, what would be involved and what are the likely costs of making a new GRP mould for the Twister ? Also who could do it ? Marine Projects ?

 

[incognito]

GRP moulds are made from wooden plugs - so presumably using an existing vgc Twister, highly re-finished and polished, would be a good way to start?

 

[Mirelle]

I understand that the mould for the GRP Twister was not the same shape as the hull of the wooden Twister. It was a little narrower, for one thing - probably to ease extraction from the mould. For this reason, people who have sailed both types say that the wooden boat has a slightly better performance.

It seems to me that with modern moulding know-how it should be possible to take a mould from a wooden boat, rather than from a specially made plug, because it should now be possible to deal with the mould release issue?

Alternatively, has anyone got the moulds for Big Sister - the Rustler 31?

 

[Jacket]

I'd imagine that the mould was changed as the wooden boat has some tumblehome (sp?) to its topsides, or at least they are vertical. If this is the case mould release will never be possible, no matter how good technology becomes. The only way around it that I know of is to make the mould in two half, divided down the centreline- all adding extra cost.
Its for this reason that GRP Vertues are a different shape from the wooden ones.

 

[Twister_Ken]

If you wanted to be truly original Twister of Burnham (the very first) is still around on the Beaulieu.

Glass Twisters are about 6 inches longer on the WL - Don Pye redrew Kim Holman's lines for GRP production and he reduced the rake on the transom giving it a bit more LWL on the same LOA.

 

[Jeremy_W]

Was that built by Anstey Marine in Poole?

 

[jamesjermain]

Rustler 31

You could try Chris Owen at Orion Marine which currently sells the Rustlers 36 and 42. I think he has the moulds for the 31 as well. Alternatively contact Ann Hammick who is very active in the Owners Association and was, some years ago, promoting a relaunch of the Rustler 31. Telephone numbers are:
Orion Marine 01326 376107
Ann Hammick 01326 316901

JJ