Recently Acquired a Swift 18

[Christopher Stevenson]

I have been recently gifted a Swift 18, which is located in Qatar, where I live and work.

My question is, when something breaks, or needs replacing, as it inevitably will, whereabouts would I acquire parts?
There are very few sail boats in Qatar, so consequently its difficult to source anything. I presume there are many good suppliers in the UK, but where to start? Its a very old boat and I can't find a parts catalogue or detailed tech specs.

For example a rudder.

For reference, I am a very inexperienced sailor, having only just finished my RYA.

Would really appreciate some advice.

Many thanks

Chris

 

[langstonelayabout]

Look on the bright side, you are now a boat owner in a coastal part of the gulf. That's two up on me in Riyadh...

Do you need a rudder or was it just an example? You may be able to get a similar one to fit, made up by a local carpenter or from across the water in India where many things are far cheaper. Failing that you can look around in UK/Europe but I don't know what import duty is required for your country.

Most things can be bodged locally. Speak to others sailing (preferably similar) boats local to you. If in doubt, you can post questions and photos here

LOL - I would offer to come sailing with you on my monthly visa run but no-one does direct flights from Saudi to Qatar now...

 

[PeteCooper]

https://www.swift18.org/ will tell you all about your fine wee boat. There is a forum where you can ask questions and even buy some specific bits.

 

[William_H]

Regarding specific parts for the Swift you will probably need to make them yourself or have them made. (like rudder). However for general chandelry type stuff ropes pulleys shackles etc. there are sources from many other countries.
www.whitworths.com.au or www.biasboating.com.au from Oz cheaper I think than UK and do mail order. (deduct 10% tax)

The thing about sail boats is that they are not designed and made like cars in that you do not need identical replacement parts. (perhaps with some exceptions like mass produced Benetau Bavaria Juneau etc. They were made with small production runs and in the case of my little oz boat now 200 built it is said no one is exactly the same as the next.
My point is that you can redesign as necessary any part to suit the needs. Indeed a rudder can be made to fit the boat any shape from deep draft small chord to shallow draft large chord. The former sails better. No balance or lots of balance. It is quite reasonable for you to do the design. Unlike a car or an airplane. olewill