Nicholson 45

[pugwash60]

Does anyone know whether the Nich 45 had balsa or similar in any of her lay up. I believe that the 43s suffered from problems in the coachroof. There’s one for sale, moulded in 1998 at Gosport, which I’m interested in and would like to know of potential problems.

 

[Frogmogman]

John Rodriguez (Jonic of this parish) has a very tidy looking Nic 45 on his books. I dare say he could advise you.

 

[Bajansailor]

Here is a link -
Boat Details - John Rodriguez Yachts

I very much doubt that the hull is cored anywhere - but the deck and cabin top most probably is, and quite likely with balsa.

 

[pugwash60]

Thanks Frogmogman and Bajansailor, that is the one I’m interested in, I asked John but he couldn’t help.

 

[geem]

As far as I know Bowman built their hulls with stringers. I don't believe they cored their hulls. A good place to investigate is in anchor lockers where any core to the hull would show as a step below the deck level. If there is no step there might be a longitudinal stringer visible.

 

[Kukri]

The deck of my 55 is most certainly balsa cored. I strongly suspect that the 45 (same designer, same moulders, same builders) will be the same.

I took a “core sample” when fitting a windlass; it was OK. But I’d be twitchy about one with “teak decks”.

Oh and by the way, the 45 is imho the pick of the bunch. Buy her!

 

[Concerto]

I remember sailing on one in the early 1970's in an EAORA race. She was called Vendetta and owned by David Clarabut of Medway Yacht Club. She trialled for the British Admirals Cup team, but was not fast enough compared to purpose built racers. The one thing I still remember being told, DO NOT STAND ON THE SAIL BOX in th middle of the cockpit just in front of the wheel as the boom was low enought to take your head off in a gybe. Sometime later someone did not do as instructed and ended up with a fractured skull. As this one for sale is a late model the boom does look shorter, but worth making sure.

 

[Uricanejack]

Nice boat. put an offer in subject to survey.
if there is a problem, walk away or renegotiate.
problems probably won’t be bad unless someone has been ussing self tapping screws for the canvas or done some other DIY.
worst case you are on the hook for a haul out and survey.

My boats is almost twice as old and has both cored hull and deck. Only issues are a few spots where the canvas people had used self tappers.
if there are any drill em out bigger fill with epoxy. Will stop it getting any worse.
Most builder installed items have the ballsa cores sealed when original equipment is installed. So probably will have no issues near original equipment.

 

[RJJ]

Nice boat. put an offer in subject to survey.
if there is a problem, walk away or renegotiate.
problems probably won’t be bad unless someone has been ussing self tapping screws for the canvas or done some other DIY.
worst case you are on the hook for a haul out and survey.

My boats is almost twice as old and has both cored hull and deck. Only issues are a few spots where the canvas people had used self tappers.
if there are any drill em out bigger fill with epoxy. Will stop it getting any worse.
Most builder installed items have the ballsa cores sealed when original equipment is installed. So probably will have no issues near original equipment.

It looks like a steal, if you like that sort of boat. Well fitted out with modern gear; in good cosmetic nick; nice layout.

30 years younger than her sisterships. Probably (guessing) built using more modern finishing techniques and materials, but still in the hands of a quality yard.

I bet you could pay £40-50k for a 1970s version and spend at least that again on an overhaul.

Can't comment on balsa.